Rhode Island's primary keep-right rule is found in Rhode Island General Laws §31-15-2.
A vehicle traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time, place and under the conditions then existing must be driven in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
The slower-traffic rule does not apply when the driver is overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
Rhode Island therefore follows the traditional slower-traffic keep-right model rather than a statewide rule currently making the far-left lane exclusively a passing lane.
Legislation introduced in 2026 proposed reserving the extreme left lane of multi-lane limited-access highways for passing only, but that language is not part of the current codified statute.
Exceptions
- Overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction.
- Preparing for a lawful left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
Penalties
A violation of Rhode Island General Laws §31-15-2 is subject to the fine schedule in §31-41.1-4.
The current statutory schedule lists “Slow traffic to right” under §31-15-2 at $100.
Official Source
Last verified: October 11, 2026