Federal Building and Courthouse (D.R.I.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, sound-recording, photographic and broadcasting equipment, are prohibited in the courthouse. Everyone passes a security checkpoint and must show photo ID. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Address | One Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI 02903 |
| Public phones | Banned for the general public |
| Rule for visitors | Electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, sound-recording, photographic and broadcasting equipment, are prohibited in the courthouse. Everyone passes a security checkpoint and must show photo ID. |
| Jurors | Prospective jurors will not be permitted to bring cell phones or other electronic devices into the courthouse. |
Federal and county courthouses set separate rules. If your case is in state or county court (traffic, family, most criminal cases, state jury duty), see Rhode Island county courthouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Federal Building and Courthouse?
Electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, sound-recording, photographic and broadcasting equipment, are prohibited in the courthouse. Everyone passes a security checkpoint and must show photo ID.
Can jurors bring phones to the Federal Building and Courthouse?
Prospective jurors will not be permitted to bring cell phones or other electronic devices into the courthouse.
Can I bring a gun or knife into a federal courthouse?
No. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930) prohibits firearms and dangerous weapons in federal court facilities, with narrow exceptions such as on-duty law enforcement.