Rhode Island’s street legal laws do include a suspension lift limit of 4 inches. There are, however, no limits on frame height, bumper height, or body lifts. As such, moderate suspension lift kits, aftermarket wheels and tires, performance shocks, aftermarket bumpers, and grille guards are allowed.
 Code |
The Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) govern the state’s street legal requirements. |
RIGL Title 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Dimensions |
All vehicles driven in Rhode Island are restricted to a maximum width of 102 inches, a maximum height of 13 feet 6 inches, and a maximum single vehicle length of 40 feet. |
RIGL 31-25-3 RIGL 31-25-4 RIGL 31-25-5 |
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 Tires |
All vehicle tires must be safe and without any bulges or exposed cords. Rhode Island has a minimum tire tread depth requirement of 1/16 inch. Tire grooving is not covered in the law. |
RIGL 31-23-45 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Wheels |
There are no regulations on wheels found in Rhode Island’s laws. |
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 Brakes |
Rhode Island requires brakes on all 4 wheels capable of stopping the vehicle within 30 feet from 20 mph. A secondary, mechanical, parking brake is also required. |
RIGL 31-23-4 RIGL 31-23-5 |
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 Steering |
Steering systems are not covered in Rhode Island’s code. |
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 Suspension |
There is a suspension lift limit of 4 inches in Rhode Island. |
RIGL 31-23-13.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Frame |
Rhode Island has no maximum vehicle frame height. |
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 Bumpers |
Bumpers are not restricted in Rhode Island. |
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 Fenders |
Rhode Island requires both fenders and mud flaps. |
RIGL 31-23-26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Lights |
In addition to headlights and tail lights, vehicles in Rhode Island are allowed to have auxiliary lights. The maximum number of lights that can be turned on in the front of the vehicle while driving is 4.
( Measured to the center of the light. ) |
RIGL 31-24-4 RIGL 31-24-6 RIGL 31-24-7 RIGL 31-24-8 RIGL 31-24-16 RIGL 31-24-28 |
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 Windows |
The street legal laws in Rhode Island do not state whether or not windshields and windshield wipers are required. |
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 Exhaust |
In Rhode Island, mufflers are required equipment. Exhaust cutouts and bypasses are prohibited. |
RIGL 31-23-13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Engine |
It is unclear whether or not Rhode Island has any engine swap or engine performance modification rules. |
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 Emissions |
Rhode Island currently requires emissions testing. |