Rhode Island § 31-23-51 - Equipment and Accessories Generally
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-23-51 — Equipment and Accessories Generally, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-23-51. Equipment and Accessories Generally
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-51
§ 31-23-51. Earphones and headsets prohibited.
(a) No person shall operate a bicycle or motor vehicle upon any highway while wearing earphones, a headset, headphone, or other listening device. Any person who violates this section shall be fined: (1) one hundred dollars ($100) for the first offense, (2) one hundred ten dollars ($110) for the second offense, and (3) one hundred forty dollars ($140) for the third and each subsequent offense.
(b) This section shall not apply to:
(1) Any emergency vehicle operator using an integrated intercom system;
(2) Any person operating a motorcycle who is using a headset installed in a helmet and worn so as to prevent the speakers from making direct contact with the user’s ears so that the user can hear surrounding sounds;
(3) Any person using a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear;
(4) Any person using a headset in conjunction with the communicating with the central base operation that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear;
(5) Any person using a hearing aid(s) or instrument for the improvement of hearing.
(c) The department of motor vehicles shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 234, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 58, § 4; P.L. 2002,
ch. 292, § 127; P.L. 2002, ch. 312, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 10; P.L. 2013,
ch. 422, § 1; P.L. 2025, ch. 278, art. 11, § 5, effective June 29, 2025.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-23-51
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-23-51 cover?
Section 31-23-51 ("Equipment and Accessories Generally") 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 § 31-23-51?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-23-51" (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 § 31-23-51 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.