Turn signals and roadway markings

Key points

1. Signal at least 100 feet before a turn, and when pulling out of a parking space.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “a driver has to make a signal by hand or by using directional lights when driving out of a parking space and at least 100 feet at a minimum before making a turn.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

2. Hand signals: left arm straight out to turn left, arm up to turn right, arm down to stop or slow.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “To turn left: Put left hand and arm straight out, keeping hand and arm still. x To turn right: Put left hand and arm up, keeping hand and arm still. x To stop or slow down: Put left hand and arm down”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

3. Solid lines mean no passing or lane changes, except in an emergency such as a turn or breakdown.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Solid lines separate lanes of traffic. Motorists are not permitted to pass other vehicles nor change lanes. You may cross the solid lines in an emergency (turns, breakdown, object in road, parking, etc).”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

4. With a solid and a broken line, the driver with the solid line on their side should not pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Motorists with the solid line on their side of the roadway should not pass another vehicle nor cross the solid line.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

5. Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Yellow Lines: Yellow lines separate traffic traveling in opposite directions.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

6. White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “White lines are painted upon the highways to separate traffic moving in the same direction.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

7. Enter a shared center turn lane only if you will turn within 100 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Motorists wishing to turn shall not enter the lane unless they intend to turn within 100 feet (minimum).”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

8. Any intersection of public roads is a legal crosswalk, marked or not.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “Any intersection of public roads constitutes a legal crosswalk whether it is marked or not.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 50

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Rhode Island practice test

1. 1. How far before a turn should a driver give the required signal?

   1. At least 100 feet before making the turn
   2. Only after beginning to turn the steering wheel
   3. About 50 feet before the turn
   4. At least 10 feet before making the turn
   Show answer

   At least 100 feet before making the turn. Rhode Island requires a driver to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn, and a signal is also required when driving out of a parking space. Signaling early gives drivers behind time to understand your plan and adjust their speed or position. Waiting until the steering wheel moves can leave no useful warning, and 50 feet or 10 feet is shorter than the stated minimum. Use the cue of the upcoming maneuver and signal with enough distance to communicate it.

2. 2. After passing a vehicle on the left, what should you be able to see in your inside rearview mirror before returning right?

   1. The passed vehicle’s tires on the pavement
   2. Only the passed vehicle’s headlights
   3. Only the driver’s side window
   4. The front bumper in your side mirror
   Show answer

   The passed vehicle’s tires on the pavement. Continue far enough beyond the vehicle you passed to see its tires on the pavement in your inside rearview mirror. The handbook uses this view as the cue for returning to the right side of the road. Seeing only headlights is not the stated clearance check. Activate the right turn signal before returning. While making the pass, do not exceed the posted speed limit and do not pass more than one vehicle.

3. 3. When may a driver enter Rhode Island’s shared center left-turn lane?

   1. To pass a slow vehicle straight through
   2. Whenever the regular lane is congested
   3. When intending to turn within 100 feet
   4. To travel several blocks before turning
   Show answer

   When intending to turn within 100 feet. The shared center lane is reserved for turning movements. A motorist intending to turn may enter it only when the turn will occur within 100 feet. Using the lane to pass, avoid congestion, or travel several blocks changes a short preparation space into an improper travel lane. Watch for the solid and broken yellow boundaries, arrows, and signs that identify its restricted purpose. The practical cue is destination timing: enter only when your left turn is close enough to occur within the stated distance.

Source: the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, IV. Signals and Roadway Markings. 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.