R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-3: Riding on motorcycles.

(a) A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached to it. The operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two (2) persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side of the operator.

(b) In no event shall a motorcycle passenger ride in front of the operator. An operator violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a civil violation and upon conviction shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100).