R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-12-4: Applicability to public vehicles.

The provisions of chapters 12 — 27 of this title applicable to the drivers of vehicles upon the highways shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, this state, or any county, city, town, district, or any other political subdivision of the state except as provided in § 31-12-5, and subject to any specific exceptions as are set forth in these chapters with reference to authorized emergency vehicles.