Rhode Island lacks comprehensive regulations for fully autonomous vehicles and drones as of 2025, prohibiting self-driving cars on public roads without a human driver while permitting limited testing with registration.​
Autonomous Vehicle Rules
State law requires a human operator for any autonomous vehicle operation, with no framework for driverless deployment despite a 2021 request for information on connected vehicles. Testing demands registration with the Motor Vehicles Commissioner and proof of liability insurance, but no enacted statutes govern full autonomy or liability. H 5951 (2025) focuses on automated speed enforcement in safety zones, not vehicle autonomy.​
Drone Regulations
Drones fall under federal FAA oversight, with Rhode Island adding restrictions like no-fly zones near prisons, airports, and critical infrastructure via 2018 laws unchanged in 2025. Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 certification, while recreational flights mandate registration and visual line-of-sight rules. Local ordinances in Providence ban drones in parks without permits.​
Regulatory Gaps
No 2025 legislation addresses self-driving trucks or widespread AV deployment, citing road conditions as a barrier. The state monitors national efforts like the Autonomous Vehicle Acceleration Act but enacts no specific tech mandates. Future rules may emerge via ongoing NCSL-tracked proposals.
SOURCES
[1](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/HouseText25/H5951.pdf)
[2](https://www.govtech.com/fs/Rhode-Island-Ready-to-Enter-Autonomous-Vehicle-Ecosystem.html)
[3](https://bottarolaw.com/blog/the-dangers-of-autonomous-cars-on-our-roads-what-rhode-island-drivers-need-to-know/)
[4](https://www.ncsl.org/transportation/autonomous-vehicles-legislation-database)
[5](https://www.thedriverlesscommute.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Dentons-Global-Guide-to-Autonomous-Vehicles-2025.pdf)
