R.I. Gen. Laws § 1-8-1.2: Regulation of unpiloted aircraft systems.

(a) Any operation of a UAV or UAS in the state shall comply with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) requirements. Any UAV or UAS operating under the authority of the Armed Forces of the United States, Department of Homeland Security or any other federal agency having authority shall be exempt from this law.

(b) Any person who operates a UAV or UAS in violation of this chapter shall be subject to penalty in accordance with § 1-4-19.

(c) No municipality shall enact or enforce any ordinance regulating the operation of UAVs or UASs except as otherwise authorized by regulation or guideline promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Rhode Island general laws.