In Rhode Island divided highways such as rural Interstates are generally posted with the maximum speed limit of 65 mph (105 km/h) and 55 mph (89 km/h) speed limit closer to Providence. Divided arterials and expressways are posted no higher than 55 mph (89 km/h). This includes US 1 south of RI 4 to Westerly. A speed limit of 65 mph (105 km/h) may be allowed on rural interstates based on engineering studies. Along two-lane roadways, the default speed limit is 50 mph (80 km/h) during the daytime outside a business or residential district. “Daytime” means a half-hour before sunset and a half-hour after sunrise. At night time and also uncommon on the East Coast, the default speed limit is 45 mph (72 km/h) outside a business or residential district. Through the CBD and residential district, the default speed limit is 25 mph (40 km/h).
Through school zones within 300 feet, the default speed limit is 20 mph (32 km/h). Local governments are barred from raising the default speed limits during the day and at night. Currently, the only interstates raised to 65 mph (105 km/h) are Interstate 95 from exits 1 to exit 8 and Interstate 295.