Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2022 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
(a) Where no special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with § 31-14-1, the speed of any vehicle not in excess of the limits specified in this section or established as authorized in this title shall be lawful, but any speed in excess of the limits specified in this section or established as authorized in this title shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful:
(1) Twenty-five miles per hour (25 mph) in any business or residence district;
(2) Fifty miles per hour (50 mph) in other locations during the daytime;
(3) Forty-five miles per hour (45 mph) in such other locations during the nighttime;
(4) Twenty miles per hour (20 mph) in the area within three hundred feet (300′) of any school house grounds' entrances and exits during the daytime during the days when schools shall be open.
(5) The provisions of subdivision (4) of this subsection shall not apply except when appropriate warning signs are posted in proximity with the boundaries of the area within three hundred feet (300′) of the school house grounds, entrances, and exits.
(b) Daytime means from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Nighttime means at any other hour.
(c) The prima facie speed limits set forth in this section may be altered as authorized in §§ 31-14-4 -- 31-14-8.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Rhode Island General Laws Title 31. Motor and Other Vehicles § 31-14-2. Prima facie limits - last updated January 01, 2022 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ri/title-31-motor-and-other-vehicles/ri-gen-laws-sect-31-14-2/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)