Rhode Island - back.to.main

State Law

• One must make a loud noise before passing a car on the left.
• Rhode Island recently applied to the US Government to make all the coastal waters of Rhode Island a "No Discharge Zone". The ostensible purpose was to prohibit the discharge of sewage by boats into the state's waters. However, discharge of raw sewage into the state waters was already illegal. What the "No Discharge Zone" actually did was make it illegal to discharge TREATED sewage from a boat into state waters. What now happens is that boats (whose treatment systems far outperform municipal sewage treatment plants) are now required to disable their sewage treatment systems, and carry their sewage to a shore-based facility, which then dumps the partially treated sewage back into Rhode Island's coastal waters.
• Impersonating a town sealer, auctioneer, corder of wood, or a fence-viewer is against the law. Penalty: $20 to $100 fine.
• Riding a horse over any public highway for the purpose of racing, or testing the speed of the horse is illegal. Penalty: Maximum $20 fine and imprisonment for 10 days.
• Exercising any labor, business, or work, or using any game, sport, play, or recreation, or causing any of the above to be done to or by your children, servants, or apprentices on the first day of the week (Sunday) results in a penalty of $5 for the first offense and $10 for the second.
• Professional sports, except ice polo and hockey, must obtain a license to play games on Sunday.
• Any marriage where either of the parties is an idiot or lunatic is null and void. -SECTION 11-40-1
• It is considered an offense to throw pickle juice on a trolley.

Local Law

Newport

• You cannot smoke a pipe after sunset.

Providence

• There is not an appeals process for exemtion of property tax due to a disability or poverty.
• It is illegal to wear transparent clothing.
• You may not sell toothpaste and a toothbrush to the same customer on a Sunday.

Scituate

• It is illegal to drive down any street with beer in your car, even if it is unopened.

West Warwick

• It is illegal to use water on even-numbered days for the sole purpose of watering plants, gardens, or lawns. If you break this law there is a fine of $25-$100.