Pedestrians, school buses and bicyclists

Key points

1. Even when pedestrians cross carelessly, the driver must always yield.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “Even in situations where pedestrians cross the street carelessly, the driver must always yield.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 50

2. For a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog, stop completely before the intersection and yield.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “When a pedestrian using a white cane or a guide dog is crossing or attempting to cross the street ahead of you, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop before arriving at the intersection and yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 50

3. Failing to yield to a blind or low vision pedestrian can bring a fine up to $1,000.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “Fines for failing to yield to blind or low vision pedestrian may result in a fine up to $1,000.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 50

4. When a school bus shows flashing red lights, stop from either direction and stay stopped until the lights stop flashing.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “If red lights are flashing on the school bus, the law requires that motorists approaching from either direction come to a full stop and remain stopped until the bus’s red lights no longer flash.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

5. A first school bus violation brings a fine up to $300 and/or a suspension up to 30 days.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “A fine of up to $300 and/or suspension of your driver’s license for a period up to thirty (30) days will be imposed for the first violation of this law.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

6. You need not stop for a school bus on the opposite side of a divided highway.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “Motorists do not have to stop for the flashing red lights of the school bus when the bus is opposite your vehicle on a divided highway.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

7. No more than 2 bicycles may ride side by side.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “No more than two (2) bicycles may ride side by side.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

8. Riders 15 or younger must wear a certified bicycle helmet.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “Any person fifteen (15) years of age or younger riding a bicycle or a passenger on a bicycle on a public highway, bicycle path, or other public right-of-way must wear a certified bicycle helmet.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 51

9. When passing a bicyclist, allow as much clearance as possible, 3 to 5 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 52

   “Allow as much clearance as possible (3-5 feet) when passing to prevent contact with a bicyclist”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 52

10. When turning left, yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would to an oncoming car.

    Source: Handbook p. 52

    “When turning left at an intersection, yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would to an oncoming motorist.”
    Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 52

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Rhode Island practice test

1. 1. A pedestrian with a white cane is about to cross the street ahead of you in Rhode Island. What must you do?

   1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop before the intersection and yield the right of way
   2. Sound the horn to warn the pedestrian
   3. Flash the headlights and continue
   4. Slow down and drive around
   Show answer

   Bring the vehicle to a complete stop before the intersection and yield the right of way. When a pedestrian carrying a raised white cane, or guided by an identified guide dog, is crossing or trying to cross, Rhode Island law requires every approaching driver to come to a full stop before reaching the intersection or crossing point and to take whatever precautions are needed to avoid injuring the pedestrian. The penalty section sets a fine of not more than $250 for a violation; the $1,000 figure printed in the driver's manual does not match the current statute. Sounding the horn or flashing headlights does not help someone who cannot see you, and driving around the person is not a substitute for stopping.

2. 2. What must a Rhode Island motorist do when a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk?

   1. Yield only if the pedestrian is running
   2. Accelerate before the pedestrian reaches the lane
   3. Yield to the pedestrian
   4. Use the horn instead of yielding
   Show answer

   Yield to the pedestrian. Pedestrians in a marked crosswalk receive priority, so the motorist must yield and allow the person to cross safely. Speeding up would increase the conflict, and the pedestrian does not need to be running for the duty to apply. A horn may warn someone in an emergency, but it cannot replace yielding. Scan crosswalks before entering them, cover the brake when visibility is limited, and wait until the crossing path is clear before continuing.

3. 3. Before completing a left turn at an intersection, which road user must you always yield to?

   1. Only vehicles that are behind you
   2. Pedestrians in the street
   3. No one if your turn signal is on
   4. A parked vehicle at the curb
   Show answer

   Pedestrians in the street. The manual specifically directs drivers making a left turn to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the street. A signal announces your intention but does not give you priority over someone crossing or walking through the turning path. Vehicles behind you are not the only concern, and a parked vehicle does not automatically receive right-of-way. Before turning, wait until the way is clear, keep the vehicle controlled, and scan the crosswalk and roadway for people. The practical cue is to finish the pedestrian check before beginning the steering movement.

Source: the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, VIII. Sharing the Road Safely. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.