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Rhode Island driving lesson · Motorcycles

Motorcycle Protective Equipment

A 2-minute lesson from the Rhode Island course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Motorcycles
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
48, 49

Rhode Island law sets minimum protective gear for riders, and the handbook recommends more. Helmets and eye protection are the legal core; boots, long pants, a durable jacket and gloves protect the rest of the body.

Who must wear a helmet

Who must wear a helmet
RiderHelmet rule
PassengersAlways required
Operators under 21Must always wear a certified helmet
New operators, any ageApproved helmet for the first year of the license
Handbook p. 48 ↗

Know the rule

A properly worn helmet can reduce or prevent head injuries.

Handbook p. 48 ↗

Know the rule

Rhode Island law requires all motorcycle operators to properly wear eye protection—glasses, goggles or a face shield.

Handbook p. 49 ↗

Other protective gear:

  • Heavy shoes or boots to protect the feet
  • Full-length pants (not shorts) and a durable jacket
  • Full-fingered gloves to protect the hands
Handbook p. 49 ↗

Know the rule

Leather gives riders the most protection, but it usually comes in black—the least visible color, which blends into the background at night. Some riding clothes add retro-reflective stitching.

Handbook p. 48 ↗

Put it into practice

A 25-year-old who got a motorcycle license last month offers you a ride. You must wear a helmet as a passenger, and so must the rider—it's their first year. They also need eye protection.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

Which motorcycle passengers are required by Rhode Island law to wear a helmet?
  1. Only passengers under 16
  2. All passengers on a motorcycle
  3. Only passengers under 21
  4. No passengers are required to wear one

Answer: All passengers on a motorcycle

Rhode Island law requires all passengers on motorcycles to wear helmets.

Handbook p. 48 ↗
Which motorcycle operators must wear an approved helmet regardless of their age?
  1. Operators carrying a passenger
  2. Operators riding at night
  3. New operators, for the first year of their license
  4. Operators on interstate highways

Answer: New operators, for the first year of their license

New operators, regardless of age, must wear an approved helmet for the first year of their license; operators under 21 must always wear one.

Handbook p. 48 ↗
What does Rhode Island law require regarding eye protection for motorcycle operators?
  1. Only operators without a windshield need it
  2. Eye protection is optional for licensed riders
  3. Only required during night riding on state highways
  4. All operators must properly wear eye protection

Answer: All operators must properly wear eye protection

RI law requires all motorcycle operators to properly wear eye protection, such as glasses, goggles, or a face shield.

Handbook p. 49 ↗
What is a drawback of black leather, the most protective riding material, at night?
  1. It is the least visible color and blends into the background
  2. It restricts movement more than other materials
  3. It is not water resistant
  4. It reflects headlights and causes glare

Answer: It is the least visible color and blends into the background

Black leather is the least visible color at night and tends to blend into the background.

Handbook p. 48 ↗
Which item of protective gear is described as reducing or preventing injury to a motorcyclist's hands?
  1. Heavy boots
  2. A face shield
  3. A durable riding jacket
  4. Full-fingered gloves

Answer: Full-fingered gloves

Full-fingered gloves can reduce or prevent injury to the operator's hands.

Handbook p. 49 ↗
What type of clothing is recommended over shorts to reduce bodily injury while riding a motorcycle?
  1. Full-length pants and a durable jacket
  2. Any lightweight athletic wear
  3. Loose-fitting clothing for extra airflow
  4. Shorts worn with knee pads

Answer: Full-length pants and a durable jacket

Full-length pants, not shorts, and a jacket made of durable material can reduce or prevent bodily injury.

Handbook p. 49 ↗
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