Bicycle Light & Reflector Laws in Rhode Island
Last reviewed by BikeSize EditorialThis guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change - verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
The rule
Rhode Island requires lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front. For the rear, red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the registrar of motor vehicles, visible from 50 to 300 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper-beam headlamps. a red rear lamp visible from 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the reflector. The rule applies whenever it is dark. See RIGL § 31-19-5 (Lamps and other equipment on bicycles). Read the national bike lights & reflectors guide for comparison. For equipment that matches the visibility requirement, compare bike lights by beam and runtime.
Statute
What this means in practice
The cheapest way to stay legal in Rhode Island is a USB-rechargeable front white light and a rear red light or reflector that meets the spec above. A $30 light set covers it.
Be seen, stay legal
Compare bike lights that meet the 500-foot rule
Most state codes require a white front light visible from 500 feet plus a rear reflector or red light. See lights that hit the spec and last a full commute.
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