No, Rhode Island’s distracted driving laws prohibit any activity that diverts attention from the road, including applying makeup. Police may cite drivers under §31-22-24 if makeup application impairs control or visibility. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) emphasizes hands-free operation under its 2026 “Focus on the Road” initiative.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Rhode Island
- Primary Offense Status: Applying makeup is classified as a primary offense under §31-22-24, allowing officers to pull over drivers without additional violations.
- Hands-Free Requirement: Rhode Island’s 2023 Hands-Free Law (P.L. 2023, ch. 20) prohibits holding or manipulating objects, including makeup applicators, while operating a vehicle.
- Impairment Standard: RIDOT’s 2026 guidelines treat makeup application as a form of visual or manual distraction, subject to fines up to $100 for first offenses.
Local courts in Providence and Warwick have upheld citations under these statutes, particularly when makeup application coincides with swerving or delayed reaction times. RIDOT’s enforcement data shows a 12% increase in distracted driving citations in 2024, with makeup-related cases rising alongside broader crackdowns.