Rhode Island § 34-10-1 - Fences
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 34-10-1 — Fences, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-10-1. Fences
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-10-1
§ 34-10-1. Lawful fences defined.
The following fences shall be adjudged to be lawful fences:
(1) A hedge with a ditch shall be three feet (3′) high upon the bank of the ditch, well staked, at the distance of two feet and a half (2½′), bound together at the top and sufficiently filled to prevent small stock from creeping through; and the bank of the ditch shall not be less than one foot (1′) above the surface of the ground.
(2) A hedge without a ditch shall be four feet (4′) high, staked, bound and filled, as a hedge with a ditch.
(3) A post-and-rail fence on the bank of a ditch shall be four (4) rails high, each well set in posts, and not less than four feet and a half (4½′) high.
(4) A stone wall fence shall be four feet (4′) high, with a flat stone hanging over the top thereof or a good rail or pole thereon, well staked or secured with crotches or posts.
(5) A stone wall without flat stones, rails or posts on the top, shall be four feet and a half (4½′) high.
(6) A woven wire fence of wire not less than number nine, firmly fastened to posts not more than sixteen feet (16′) apart, constructed of not less than eleven (11) horizontal wires, the top wire not less than fifty-four inches (54″) from the ground, the bottom wire not more than two inches (2″) from the ground and with stays or uprights not more than six inches (6″) apart.
(7) All other kinds of fences not herein particularly described shall be four feet and a half (4½′) high.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 126, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 152, § 1; P.L. 1916, ch. 1386, § 1; G.L. 1923,
ch. 182, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 645, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 34-10-1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 34-10-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 34-10-1 cover?
Section 34-10-1 ("Fences") 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 § 34-10-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 34-10-1" (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 § 34-10-1 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.