R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-45
Whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear or front four feet (4') or more beyond the bed or body of the vehicle, there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end or front of the load, at the time specified in § 31-24-1, a red light or lantern plainly visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') to the sides, rear and front. The red light or lantern required under this section shall be in addition to the red rear light required upon every vehicle. At any other time there shall be displayed at the extreme rear or front end of such load a red flag or cloth not less than twelve inches (12") square and so hung that the entire area is visible to the driver of a vehicle approaching from either direction. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-45