Guidelines and Conditions

• A minimum two-mile section of highway will be eligible for adoption. Litter pickup will be done on both sides of the roadway at least four times per year, or more as needed. Litter pickup in the median is prohibited.
• RIDOT's Maintenance Division reviews all eligible sections.
• Any local community organizations, such as civic, social or school groups can adopt highways. Participants must have an approved application on file with the Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator.
• Businesses may sponsor a group and its name will be placed on the sign.
• Businesses are required to purchase their own signs (see Sign Prices and Guidelines). The check should be made out to: State of Rhode Island, Attention: AAH Coordinator. Upon receipt of the check the Maintenance Division will fabricate and install the AAH sign.
• RIDOT's Maintenance Division will make and install a small sign for non-profits at no charge. If non-profit groups chose to have a large sign, they must pay for the sign.
• RIDOT reserves the right to determine the size of the sign. Based on the road considered for adoption and the type of road in order to preserve the integrity of the area in which the sign will be installed.
• Participants are required to adopt for a two-year commitment.
• RIDOT reserves the right to rescind the application based on lack of participation, any time during the contract.
• Should there be more than one request for a section of highway then the applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Applications are given rank by the date the application is received.
• All group members must be at least 11 years old and must be supervised by an adult 18 years or older.
• Special considerations for members under 11 years of age are as follows:
  • One adult for one person under 11.
  • Established groups only with trained supervisors (Scouts, Schools...).
  • Roadway must have speed limit of 35 mph or less.
  • Mandated yearly safety training and review of video training required.
• RIDOT will supply participants with safety information and training, safety vest, safety video and signs. Arrangements for equipment should be made with the Maintenance Division (see Maintenance Facilities) five (5) days before the cleanup.
• Participants are encouraged to separate and recycle appropriate materials.
• Participants can bring litterbags to any State Garage for disposal. RIDOT will pick up litter if other arrangements cannot be made, please notify the nearest Maintenance Facility as soon as possible after cleanup.
• At each cleanup, signs noting the cleanup will be set up at each end of the adopting highway.
• Local RIDOT officials monitor the program in their areas. Contact person for the adopting groups is Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator, Maintenance Division.
• Clean up during bad weather is discouraged due to reduced visibility.
• RIDOT reserves the right to revise these conditions as needed and to deny applications from unqualified or delinquent organizations.
• Each group is responsible for completing a cleanup report as soon as the pickup has been completed. Clean up reports can be submitted electronically by clicking the update link and then log on for clean up submissions. Or you can mail in the cleanup reports to:  RIDOT Maintenance Division, 360 Lincoln Avenue, Warwick, RI  02888  Attention:  Adopt-a-Highway Coordinator