Rhode Island laws by category

Rhode Island requires a permit to carry a concealed pistol or revolver, and the minimum age is 21. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Rhode Island is not a control state, but retail is tightly restricted: beer, wine and spirits for off-premise sale are sold only at licensed package (liquor) stores. Grocery and convenience stores do not sell beer or wine, apart from limited grandfathered exceptions.

Radar detectors are legal in private passenger vehicles in Rhode Island — the state's speed, driving-rules, equipment and motor-vehicle-offense chapters (R.I. Gen. Laws chapters 31-14, 31-15, 31-22, 31-23 and 31-27) have no ban on them. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Rhode Island, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 15. Licenses are issued by the RI Dept. of Environmental Management (RIDEM).

Rhode Island's sales and use tax is 7% statewide (R.I. Gen. Laws 44-18-18, at that rate since July 1, 1990), paid to the state tax administrator; Rhode Island cities and towns do not add a general local sales tax. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Recreational (adult-use) cannabis is legal in Rhode Island for people 21 and older under the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, effective May 25, 2022 (R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 21-28.11). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Rhode Island, all hunters and all other users, including archers, must wear 500 sq in of solid daylight fluorescent orange above the waist, visible from all directions, during shotgun deer seasons. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Rhode Island sports betting is legal, retail and online/mobile through one state operator; you must be 18+. Retail is at the two Bally's casinos; online/mobile is Sportsbook RI, run by the RI Lottery with Bally's.

Rhode Island requires a boating safety certificate for anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 operating a boat with more than 10 hp, shown to an officer on request, and for all PWC operators regardless of age.

Rhode Island's weapons statute does not mention switchblades or automatic (spring-opening) knives by name (R.I. Gen. Laws §11-47-42). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Rhode Island's only UAS statute (R.I. Gen. Laws 1-8-1.2) requires FAA compliance and preempts local rules; there is no drone-specific privacy/surveillance offense.