A right of way is an easement that allows a person to travel through another person’s property to get to certain location. For example, a person might travel through a neighbor’s land to reach a public road or highway. A right of way can be offered to one person, several people, or the public.
In Rhode Island, a right of way is a type of easement that grants the holder the right to travel over another person's property for a specific purpose, such as accessing a public road or highway. This right can be established in various ways, including by express grant in a deed, by implication, by necessity, or by prescription through continuous and uninterrupted use over a certain period of time, typically 10 years in Rhode Island. The right of way can be granted to an individual, a group of people, or the public, and it must be used in a manner consistent with the terms of the easement. The owner of the property burdened by the right of way cannot obstruct or interfere with its use, but they retain the right to use their property in any way that does not impede the easement. Disputes over rights of way can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, and an attorney can provide guidance on establishing, using, or defending a right of way.