Road-rule practice: Speed and roadside safety

Rain and poor visibility make the posted speed too fast for the conditions. What should determine your speed?

Correct answer: A reasonable speed for the actual hazards, even when that is below the posted limit.

Rhode Island requires a speed that is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions and hazards. A posted limit is not a promise that the same speed is safe in rain or poor visibility.

Source: Rhode Island General Laws §31-14-1, reasonable and prudent speed; official HTML codification read October 1, 2026. Selected road-rule foundation, not a complete DMV handbook or licensing review. ↗

You approach a narrow curve with a limited view of the road beyond it. Which approach follows the reduced-speed rule?

Correct answer: Approach and travel through at an appropriately reduced speed for the hazard.

The reduced-speed rule covers curves, hill crests, narrow or winding roads and other special hazards. Anticipate the condition rather than wait for a conflict to develop.

Source: Rhode Island General Laws §31-14-3, (a), road and visibility hazards; official HTML codification read October 1, 2026. Selected road-rule foundation, not a complete DMV handbook or licensing review. ↗

On a highway with two lanes in your direction, a disabled ordinary car is stopped on the shoulder within 12 feet of the roadway. No officer directs otherwise, and you can change lanes safely without interfering with traffic. What should you do?

Correct answer: Move into the lane farther from the stopped vehicle and remain there until safely clear.

The rule includes a stationary nonemergency vehicle on the shoulder or breakdown lane. For this vehicle within 12 feet of the roadway, move to a farther lane when the change is safe, unless a lawful traffic direction requires otherwise.

Source: Rhode Island General Laws §31-14-3, (a) and (b)(1), including nonemergency vehicles; 2023 history; official HTML codification read October 1, 2026. Selected road-rule foundation, not a complete DMV handbook or licensing review. ↗

A tow truck is stopped within 12 feet of the roadway with warning lights flashing. No officer directs otherwise, and traffic makes a lane change unsafe. How should you pass the scene?

Correct answer: Reduce to a safe speed for the conditions and remain at reduced speed until completely past.

For this roadside scene within 12 feet of the roadway, an unsafe lane change is not required. Slow and continue at a reduced, safe speed until completely past; do not force a lane change into traffic.

Source: Rhode Island General Laws §31-14-3, (b)(2); official HTML codification read October 1, 2026. Selected road-rule foundation, not a complete DMV handbook or licensing review. ↗

Snow requires you to travel slowly enough that following traffic is also slowed. Does the rule against impeding traffic require you to speed up beyond what is safe?

Correct answer: No. Reduced speed necessary for safe operation is an exception to that rule.

The prohibition on unnecessarily impeding normal traffic expressly excepts reduced speed needed for safety or compliance with law. It is not an instruction to drive too fast for the conditions.

Source: Rhode Island General Laws §31-14-9, (a); official HTML codification read October 1, 2026. Selected road-rule foundation, not a complete DMV handbook or licensing review. ↗