The Smoking Restrictions in Schools Act prohibits smoking in schools. The term “schools” includes school playgrounds, school administration buildings, indoor school athletic facilities, school gymnasiums, school locker rooms, school buses, other school vehicles, other school buildings whose use is not primarily residential, and outside areas within twenty-five feet of any school building.
The Rhode Island No Smoking in Schools poster includes text prohibiting both tobacco products and electronic nicotine-delivery system.
Penalties
The Rhode Island Department of Health may asses civil penalties between $50 and $500 for violations.
Posting Requirements
All school areas where tobacco product usage is prohibited must conspicuously post “nonsmoking area” signs with bold block lettering at least three inches high stating “Tobacco-Free School – Tobacco Use Prohibited.” All school areas where electronic nicotine-delivery system usage is prohibited must post “nonsmoking area” signs with bold block lettering at least three inches high stating “E-Cigarettes and Vapor Devices Prohibited” (RI General Law, Section 23-20.9-5).
There shall be at least one “nonsmoking area” sign at every building entrance and in other areas as designated by the governing body of each school. Signs shall also be posted in every school bus and every school vehicle.