Rhode Island § 31-16-2 - Starting, Stopping, and Turns
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-16-2 — Starting, Stopping, and Turns, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-16-2. Starting, Stopping, and Turns
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-16-2
§ 31-16-2. Manner of turning at intersection.
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:
(1) Right turns.
(i) Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(ii) Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign or other traffic control device shall be granted the right-of-way.
(2) Left turns on two-way roadways.
(i) At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersections, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line of it and by passing to the right of the center line where it enters the intersection, and, after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.
(ii) Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign or other traffic control device shall be granted the right of way.
(3) Left turns on other than two way roadways.
(i) At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one direction on one or more of the roadways, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at an intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and, after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection, as nearly as practicable, in the left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction upon the roadway being entered.
(ii) Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign, or other traffic control device, shall be granted the right-of-way.
(4) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-2; P.L. 1999, ch. 383, § 1;
P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 111.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-16-2
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-16-2 cover?
Section 31-16-2 ("Starting, Stopping, and Turns") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 31-16-2?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-16-2" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 31-16-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.