reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-14. - Snow and ice removal.

§ 24-5-14. Snow and ice removal.
The several towns shall provide by ordinance in a manner and under such penalties as they may deem expedient, for removing snow from the public highways so as to render the public highways passable with teams, sleds, and sleighs; but nothing contained in this chapter shall be so construed as to render any town or city liable for any injury to person or property caused by snow or ice obstructing any or any part of the highways therein, unless notice in writing of the existence of the particular obstruction shall have been given to the surveyor of highways within whose district the obstruction exists, at least twenty-four (24) hours before the injury was caused, and the town or surveyor shall not thereupon within twenty-four (24) hours of notification have commenced the removal of the obstruction, or caused any sidewalk which may have been obstructed by ice to be rendered passable, by spreading ashes or other like substances thereon. Whenever any highway is blocked up or encumbered with snow, the surveyor shall cause so much thereof to be removed or trod down as to render the highway passable.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-15. - Penalty for failure to remove snow.

§ 24-5-15. Penalty for failure to remove snow.
If the snow is allowed to remain in any public highway in any town so as to obstruct any person in passing along the highway with his or her team, sled, or sleigh, for twenty-four (24) hours after the highway shall become obstructed, the town shall be fined not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100); but nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to subject any town to the fine provided for in this section if the surveyor of highways, or some other person duly authorized for that purpose by the town, with the power vested in him or her by the laws of the state, shall have commenced the removal of the obstructions within the time provided for in this section, and shall within three (3) days remove the obstructions.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-15; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 56.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-16. - Diversion of water to damage of individuals prohibited.

§ 24-5-16. Diversion of water to damage of individuals prohibited.
No surveyor of highways shall cause any watercourse in any highway to be so conveyed as to incommode any person’s land, house, store, shop or other building, or to obstruct any person in the prosecution of his or her business or occupation, without the consent or approbation of the town council of the town, signified in writing to the surveyor.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-17. - Complaint and alteration of watercourse.

§ 24-5-17. Complaint and alteration of watercourse.
Any person who may consider himself or herself aggrieved by a watercourse may complain to the town council; and the council on receiving his or her complaint and examining into the circumstances of the complaint, shall, if they think reasonable, direct the surveyor to alter the watercourse in such manner as they shall think proper.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-18. - Bridges and fences on artificial watercourses along preexisting highways.

§ 24-5-18. Bridges and fences on artificial watercourses along preexisting highways.
Whenever any artificial watercourse has been or shall be made under, through or by the side of any highway previously existing, the proprietors or occupants of the watercourse shall make and maintain all necessary bridges over the watercourse and all fences which may be necessary along the side of the watercourse.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-19. - Bridges and fences along preexisting watercourses.

§ 24-5-19. Bridges and fences along preexisting watercourses.
Whenever any highway has been or shall be laid out, over, or by the side of any artificial watercourse made previously to the laying out of the highway, the town laying out the highway shall make and maintain the necessary bridges over the watercourse and the fences along the side of the watercourse as may be needed for the safety of travelers.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-20. - Bridges on boundary lines.

§ 24-5-20. Bridges on boundary lines.
All public bridges, except such as are part of the state highway system, on the dividing lines between towns shall be established and kept in repair at the expense of the towns adjoining the bridges; and every public bridge except such as are part of the state highway system on the dividing line between this state and the adjoining states shall be established and kept in repair, on the part of this state, at the expense of the town adjoining the bridge.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-21. - Penalty for neglect of boundary line bridge.

§ 24-5-21. Penalty for neglect of boundary line bridge.
If any town adjoining any boundary line bridge shall refuse or neglect to keep in good repair the part of the bridge within and next adjoining the line of the town, the town so neglecting or refusing shall be fined not less than twenty dollars ($20.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and execution shall issue for the amount of the fine and costs against the town; but nothing contained in this section shall be so construed as to impair any agreement made between any towns relative to the supporting and repairing of bridges.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 20; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-21; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 56.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-22. - New highway using existing bridge.

§ 24-5-22. New highway using existing bridge.
Whenever any highway has been or shall be laid out over any tract or parcel of land used at the time of the laying out as a highway, the laying out shall not be deemed or construed to affect or in any way alter the rights or duties of the town, or any individual, as to the maintenance of bridges over any part of the new highway, which so nearly coincides with the old highway as not to require the removal of the bridges or the building of them in a different place from where they previously stood.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 22; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 22; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-23. - Bridges and culverts built by adjoining landowners.

§ 24-5-23. Bridges and culverts built by adjoining landowners.
Any person owning land adjoining any public highway may build such bridges or culverts over the ditches, which may be made in the highway for the passage of water, as may be necessary to render the passage from the land to the highway safe and convenient; and no bridge or culvert shall be altered, removed, or disturbed by any person, except under the direction of the town council of the town where the bridge or culvert may be situated, or of some person by them appointed for that purpose.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 23; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 23; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-24. - Undermining of walls and fences.

§ 24-5-24. Undermining of walls and fences.
No surveyor of highways shall remove the earth so near to any wall or fence erected upon or without the limits of a highway as to undermine or overthrow the wall or fence, unless the undermining or overthrowing shall be absolutely necessary for the security or convenience of the public; and, in that case, the repairs shall be made under the supervision of the town council, or of some person appointed by them; and the town shall be at the expense of repairing or resetting the wall or fence removed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 24; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 24; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 23; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 23; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-25. - Compensation of surveyors.

§ 24-5-25. Compensation of surveyors.
Surveyors of highways shall be paid out of the town treasury at the rate of two dollars ($2.00) per day for all the time necessarily spent in the discharge of the duties of their office, whenever no other mode or amount of compensation shall have been provided by any town or town council.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 25; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 25; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 24; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-26. - Penalty for neglect by surveyors.

§ 24-5-26. Penalty for neglect by surveyors.
Every surveyor of highways who shall neglect the duties of his or her trust shall forfeit twenty dollars ($20.00) for every neglect, to be recovered in the name of the town treasurer to the use of the town.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 26; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 26; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-27. - Rights of cities unimpaired.

§ 24-5-27. Rights of cities unimpaired.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to affect the right of any city to maintain and repair its highways in the manner now provided by law for that city.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 27; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 27; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 26; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-28. - Determination of places where guideposts necessary.

§ 24-5-28. Determination of places where guideposts necessary.
The several town councils shall, at their meeting held next after the first day of October in each year, determine the corners and angles of all roads within their respective towns at which it shall be necessary to erect and maintain guideposts, and shall keep a record of their decision among the records of their proceedings.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 74, § 7; P.L. 1897, ch. 449, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 87, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 99, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 83, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-28.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-29. - Failure to determine places for guideposts.

§ 24-5-29. Failure to determine places for guideposts.
Every town council which shall, at their meeting held next after the first day of October in any year, neglect or refuse to determine upon proper places at which guideposts shall be erected and maintained, shall be fined five dollars ($5.00) for every month they shall so neglect or refuse.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 74, § 11; P.L. 1897, ch. 449, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 87, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 99, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 83, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-30. - Erection of guideposts — Specifications.

§ 24-5-30. Erection of guideposts — Specifications.
The town councils shall cause to be erected and maintained, at the several corners and angles as determined pursuant to § 24-5-28, substantial posts not less than eight feet (8′) high, upon the upper end of which shall be placed a board upon which shall be plainly and legibly painted the name of the next town, with the other noted town or place as may be judged most expedient for the direction of travelers, to which each of the roads may lead, together with the number of miles to the next town; and also the figure of a hand, with the forefinger thereof pointing toward the town or place to which the road may lead.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 74, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 87, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 99, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 83, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-30; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 56.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-31. - Substitutes for guideposts.

§ 24-5-31. Substitutes for guideposts.
The inhabitants of any town may agree upon some suitable substitute for the guideposts, and appoint any proper person to superintend the erection and support of the guideposts.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 74, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 87, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 99, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 83, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-32. - Penalty for failure to maintain guideposts.

§ 24-5-32. Penalty for failure to maintain guideposts.
Every town which shall neglect or refuse to keep, at all times, guideposts erected and maintained at the places and in the manner above prescribed, shall be fined three dollars ($3.00) for every month it shall so neglect or refuse.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 74, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 87, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 99, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 83, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-33. - Injury to guideposts.

§ 24-5-33. Injury to guideposts.
Every person who shall injure, mar or deface any guidepost or its substitute, agreed upon as provided in § 24-5-31, or board which shall be set up as is provided by this chapter, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) nor less than five dollars ($5.00) to the use of the town.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 74, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 87, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 99, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 83, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-33; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 56.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-34. - Jamestown and New Shoreham exempt.

§ 24-5-34. Jamestown and New Shoreham exempt.
The provisions of §§ 24-5-28 — 24-5-33 shall not apply to the towns of Jamestown and New Shoreham.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 74, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 87, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 99, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 83, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-34.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-35. - Pothole hotline.

§ 24-5-35. Pothole hotline.
The department of transportation is hereby authorized and directed to establish a toll-free telephone hotline (1-800-pothole or 1-888-pothole, if available) for the purpose of reporting potholes to the state. If the department determines that a given pothole is not on a state highway but on a city or town highway, it shall make that information available to the respective municipality.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 504, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-6 - Abandonment by Towns › Section 24-6-2. - Notice to abutting landowners of proposed abandonment.

§ 24-6-2. Notice to abutting landowners of proposed abandonment.
Every town council, before proceeding to abandon any highway or driftway or any part thereof, shall give notice to the owners of the lands abutting upon any part of the highway or driftway within the town to appear, if they see fit, and be heard for or against the abandonment, and as to the damage, if any, which they will sustain thereby. Notice shall be given by advertisement once a week for three (3) successive weeks next prior to the meeting of the town council at which the abandonment is to be first considered, in some newspaper of general circulation within the city or town printed in English and a further and personal notice shall be served upon every person known to reside within this state who is an owner of land, abutting upon that part of the highway or driftway which it is proposed to abandon.
History of Section.
P.L. 1903, ch. 1106, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 32; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 32; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 24-6-2; P.L. 1967, ch. 214, § 2; P.L. 1975, ch. 74, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-6 - Abandonment by Towns › Section 24-6-3. - Damages payable to abutting landowners.

§ 24-6-3. Damages payable to abutting landowners.
The owners of land abutting upon a highway or driftway in any town shall be entitled, upon the abandonment of the highway or driftway, either wholly or in part, to receive compensation from the town for the damages, if any, sustained by them by reason of the abandonment; and the town council, whenever it abandons the whole or any part of a public highway or driftway, shall at the same time appraise and award the damages.
History of Section.
P.L. 1903, ch. 1106, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 31; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 31; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 24-6-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-6 - Abandonment by Towns › Section 24-6-4. - Jury trial on damages.

§ 24-6-4. Jury trial on damages.
Any person aggrieved by the order or decree of a town council awarding damages on the abandoning of a highway or driftway, or any part thereof, may within one year after the making of the award apply by petition to the superior court for the county in which the land lies, setting forth the action of the town council and praying for an assessment of his or her damages against the town by a jury. Upon the filing of the petition, the court shall cause twenty (20) days’ notice of the pendency thereof to be given to the town treasurer of the town by serving him or her with a certified copy thereof, and may proceed after the notice to the trial thereof, and the trial shall determine all questions of fact relating to the damages sustained by the petitioner, and the amount thereof, and judgment shall be entered upon the verdict of the jury, and thereupon the petitioner shall be entitled to all the remedies conferred in and by §§ 45-15-6 and 45-15-7.
History of Section.
P.L. 1903, ch. 1106, § 5; C.P.A. 1905, § 1222; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 33; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 33; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 24-6-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-6 - Abandonment by Towns › Section 24-6-5. - Abandonment by non-use.

§ 24-6-5. Abandonment by non-use.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this chapter, when a public way of any kind in the town of Glocester has ceased to be used by the public and maintained by the town of Glocester for a period of twenty (20) years or more it shall be deemed abandoned and the abutting landowners shall not be entitled to recover damages against the city or town. Upon such abandonment the abutting landowners shall have a private right of access to their land along the abandoned way.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 511, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-1. - Power of towns to establish and regulate sidewalks.

§ 24-7-1. Power of towns to establish and regulate sidewalks.
(a)
The town council of any town shall have the power to order sidewalks, including curbing of stone or other material, made and laid in and upon the streets and highways of the town, and may make ordinances and regulations relative to the altering or repairing thereof, to the use, maintenance, care, and cleaning of the sidewalks, to removing ice and snow therefrom, to the removal of posts, steps, and other obstructions therein, and to the maintenance and removal of awnings, signs, and other structures projecting over the sidewalks; provided, that the ordinances and regulations shall not be contrary to the laws of this state.
(b)
The construction of sidewalks and curbs to be owned by all cities and towns and the maintenance of all sidewalks and curbs owned by all cities and towns, shall be in compliance with all state regulations promulgated by the director of transportation pursuant to subsection 42-13-1(b).
History of Section.
P.L. 1928, ch. 1224, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 348, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-7-1; P.L. 2010, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 213, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-2. - Order to lay sidewalk — Notice and hearing.

§ 24-7-2. Order to lay sidewalk — Notice and hearing.
Whenever the town council shall determine by its vote that a sidewalk shall be made and laid in and upon any street or highway in the town, they may order the sidewalk to be made and laid upon like notice to the abutting landowner, as is provided in § 24-3-23. At the same time and place named in the notice, the town council shall proceed to hear all the parties and to make and pass an order in reference to the making and laying of the sidewalk as they may think proper.
History of Section.
P.L. 1928, ch. 1224, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 348, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 24-7-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-3. - Division of costs between town and landowners.

§ 24-7-3. Division of costs between town and landowners.
Whenever any sidewalk in and upon any street or highway shall be ordered made and laid as provided in § 24-7-2, the owners of the land abutting on the sidewalk shall pay one-half (½) the costs thereof to be set against their respective lands, and the town shall pay the balance of the costs thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1928, ch. 1224, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 348, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 24-7-3; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 58.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-4. - Collection of costs from landowners.

§ 24-7-4. Collection of costs from landowners.
Costs of the sidewalk shall be ascertained by the commissioner of highways for the town and shall be submitted by the commissioner to, and be approved by, the town council, and thereafter the commissioner of highways shall demand the costs from the abutting landowner, and if the owner shall neglect and refuse to pay the costs, the commissioner of highways shall certify the costs so ascertained and approved to the assessors of taxes for the town, and the assessors shall include the cost of making and laying the sidewalk in the next assessment of taxes for the town against the land or the owner thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1928, ch. 1224, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 348, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 24-7-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-5. - Appeal of assessment.

§ 24-7-5. Appeal of assessment.
Whenever any abutting landowner shall deem himself or herself aggrieved by the assessment of any tax for the making and laying of any sidewalk, as provided in § 24-7-4, the landowner may appeal therefrom, according to provisions of law with reference to appeals from town councils.
History of Section.
P.L. 1928, ch. 1224, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 348, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 24-7-5; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 58.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-6. - Judgment and costs on appeal.

§ 24-7-6. Judgment and costs on appeal.
If the person appealing from any assessment of taxes for the making and laying of any sidewalk shall fail to have the taxes reduced on appeal, he or she shall be adjudged to pay the costs of suit, and the collector of taxes in the town may proceed to collect the taxes as if the appeal had not been taken, but if the appellant shall succeed in having the tax reduced, the appellant shall recover costs, and the collector of taxes shall collect from the appellant only so much of the tax as shall have been found on appeal to be due from the appellant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1928, ch. 1224, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 348, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 24-7-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-7. - Penalties for violation of regulations.

§ 24-7-7. Penalties for violation of regulations.
The town council may prescribe and impose penalties for the violation of the ordinances and regulations herein provided for not exceeding an amount of twenty dollars ($20.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1928, ch. 1224, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 348, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 24-7-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-8. - Sidewalks along state highways.

§ 24-7-8. Sidewalks along state highways.
Nothing in this chapter shall be held to oust the state of jurisdiction over any such sidewalks and curbing as may be made, laid, or constructed upon state highways within a town, but no sidewalks or curbing on state highways shall be made, laid, or constructed without the approval of the director of transportation first being had and obtained as to the feasibility, location, type, and time of construction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1928, ch. 1224, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 348, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 100; G.L. 1956, § 24-7-8; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 58.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-9. - Permits for telephone booths and equipment — Exception.

§ 24-7-9. Permits for telephone booths and equipment — Exception.
In addition to all powers heretofore granted each city and town by charter or by the public laws of the state with respect to the maintenance and use of the sidewalks and the public highways and streets within the cities and towns, the city council of any city and the town council of any town is hereby empowered by ordinance to authorize the placing and maintenance of telephone booths, telephones, and their appurtenances within the limits of any sidewalk or public highway or street within the bounds of the city or town, and to designate a city or town official from time to time to issue permits therefor; and provided, further, that this section shall not apply to the placing and maintenance of the poles, wires, conduits, and other equipment of any telephone company within the limits of any sidewalk or public highway.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 125, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-10. - Westerly exempt.

§ 24-7-10. Westerly exempt.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the town of Westerly.
History of Section.
P.L. 1928, ch. 1224, § 10; P.L. 1930, ch. 1611, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 348, § 9; P.L. 1950, ch. 2427, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-7-9; P.L. 1961, ch. 125, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-7 - Sidewalks › Section 24-7-11. - William J. George Steps.

§ 24-7-11. William J. George Steps.
The Ocean Road steps at Matunuck Point in the town of South Kingstown shall be named and known as the “William J. George Steps”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 389, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-1. - Annual report and recommendations — Roads on which expenditures made — Contracts.

§ 24-8-1. Annual report and recommendations — Roads on which expenditures made — Contracts.
The director of transportation shall annually make a report to the general assembly, during the month of January, setting forth in detail all its transactions during the preceding year and making such recommendations for improving the main highways of the state as the director shall deem necessary for the best interests of the entire state, having regard also to the connection of the main highways with the main highways of the adjoining states. No work, other than preliminary surveys, shall be done upon any of the main highways previous to the time that the main highways are made a part of the state highway system and money appropriated for their improvement. The director shall direct and control, according to law, the expenditure of all appropriations and upon the director’s request the department of administration is hereby authorized to make all contracts necessary for that purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1902, ch. 982, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 84, § 3; P.L. 1920, ch. 1877, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 3; P.L. 1931, ch. 1772, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-1; P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 69.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-1.1. - Rhode Island highway system — Purpose.

§ 24-8-1.1. Rhode Island highway system — Purpose.
The purpose of §§ 24-8-1.1 — 24-8-1.7 is to establish a pavement management program to better maintain the state’s highways in a safe and serviceable condition. In order to fairly distribute funds for a pavement management program, an equitable system to determine jurisdiction on highways is needed. The principles of highway functional classification, or the importance of roads in terms of the type of travel service provided, shall be used to determine jurisdiction. Roads serving longer-distance travel, connecting city and town centers and major traffic generators shall be the state’s responsibility. Roads serving local travel shall be under city or town jurisdiction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-1.2. - Rhode Island highway system — Establishment.

§ 24-8-1.2. Rhode Island highway system — Establishment.
There is hereby established a Rhode Island highway system which shall include state roads and municipal roads. The determination of those roads designated as state roads and those designated as municipal roads shall be based upon a functional classification system, as established by the state planning council.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-1.3. - Definitions.

§ 24-8-1.3. Definitions.
(a)
“Arterial” means a public road that provides a high level of travel services for a long, uninterrupted distance.
(b)
“Major collector” means a public road that provides a service to built up areas of towns and traffic generators of regional importance and not directly served by arterials.
(c)
“Municipal roads” means any public road not designated as a state road either under the statute or under the functional classification guidelines.
(d)
“Pavement management program” includes resurfacing, striping and signing; minor drainage improvements, minor guardrail improvements, crack sealing, chip sealing, retaining wall repair, sidewalk and curb repair. The program shall also include educational activities, training programs, research grants, and such technical assistance as can be provided by maximizing the use of state education resources.
(e)
“Rhode Island highway system” means all public roads including both state roads and municipal roads.
(f)
“Rural” means an area not included in the boundary of an urban area.
(g)
“State roads” means all public roads classified as arterials and major collectors, except urban minor arterials located in the eight (8) cities of Central Falls, Cranston, East Providence, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, and Woonsocket.
(h)
“Urban” means an area so designated for purposes of highway functional classification, based on criteria as established by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-1.4. - Annual report and recommendations — Roads on which expenditures made — Contracts.

§ 24-8-1.4. Annual report and recommendations — Roads on which expenditures made — Contracts.
(a)
The director of transportation shall annually make a report to the general assembly, during the month of January, setting forth in detail all the department’s transactions during the preceding year, and making such recommendations for improving the Rhode Island highway system, as the director shall deem necessary, in the best interest of the state, having regard also for the connection of the system with the main highways of the adjoining states.
(b)
The director of transportation shall direct and control, according to law, the expenditure of all appropriations for improvement and upon the director’s request, the department of administration is hereby authorized to make all contracts necessary for that purpose. Any work in reference to state roads must be approved by the director of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-1.5. - Turnback implementation plan.

§ 24-8-1.5. Turnback implementation plan.
The director of transportation shall prepare and carry out a plan regarding an implementation schedule for all roads changing jurisdiction as a result of this section. Any road that changes jurisdiction and becomes a municipal road, under the enactment of this section, that such shall be repaired and improved, as may be deemed necessary, by the department of transportation to a safe and usable condition before the road is returned to the jurisdiction of the municipality; provided, however that no road shall be returned to the jurisdiction of a municipality without its consent if the jurisdiction does not have a full-time highway department; and provided further that in the town of Portsmouth to preserve the coastal right-of-way for highway purposes, Park Avenue, Point Road, and Hummock Avenue including the “Cove Bridge” shall not be returned to the jurisdiction of the town of Portsmouth and shall remain the responsibility of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 4; P.L. 1989, ch. 459, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-1.6. - Review.

§ 24-8-1.6. Review.
The initial review of the functional classification system for jurisdictional purposes shall be completed by May 15, 1988. A review of this functional classification system shall take place every ten (10) years. The review shall come under the supervision and authority of the state planning council. Any amendment made to the functional classification system within the ten (10) year period, shall not change the jurisdictional responsibilities for maintenance of those roads affected by the modification.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-1.7. - Rules and regulations.

§ 24-8-1.7. Rules and regulations.
The director of transportation is hereby authorized to adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and § 43-3-17, to establish and adopt a pavement management program, and to enforce the provisions thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-2, 24-8-3. - Repealed.

§ 24-8-2, 24-8-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1902, ch. 982, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 84, § 4; P.L. 1912, ch. 799, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 4; P.L. 1927, ch. 987, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2269, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 4; G.L. 1956, §§ 24-8-2, 24-8-3; Repealed by P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 5, effective July 1, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-4. - Improvement, reconstruction, or widening of roads — Widening at town expense.

§ 24-8-4. Improvement, reconstruction, or widening of roads — Widening at town expense.
The director of transportation shall have the power and authority to improve, rebuild, and reconstruct any existing state highway in accordance with this section, if the improvement, rebuilding, and reconstruction will facilitate the free and easy movement of vehicle traffic and help to increase the safety of the state highways. The director of transportation in carrying out all the construction and improvement shall avoid as far as possible the creation of sharp angles, turns or grades. Any city or town desiring to have a highway constructed or improved to a greater width than the width determined upon by the director of transportation may agree in writing with the director of transportation for such additional width as the city or town may desire; provided, the entire expense of the additional width shall be paid by the city or town to the general treasurer, and be credited to the amount available for use by the director of transportation for the purpose of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1902, ch. 982, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 84, § 4; P.L. 1912, ch. 799, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 4; P.L. 1927, ch. 987, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2269, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, §§ 4, 28; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-4; P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 69.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-4.1. - Highway workers.

§ 24-8-4.1. Highway workers.
All persons working on any public way in this state shall be required to wear distinctly visible clothing of a type approved by the director of the department of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 68, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-4.2. - Use of truck mounted attenuator.

§ 24-8-4.2. Use of truck mounted attenuator.
(a)
At any and all times during which construction and/or maintenance work is being undertaken on any state highway and/or interstate connector, under the terms of either the highway or bridge contract in which an attenuator truck is required under federal and/or Rhode Island department of transportation guidelines, no attenuator truck shall be left unattended while work is actively being performed. Further, at all times while that work is actively being performed, an attenuator truck shall be deployed on the worksite. A minimum of one attenuator truck shall be equipped with a first-aid kit and two (2) fire extinguishers. The operator of the attenuator truck shall have completed appropriate training and be certified in both first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A copy of both first aid and CPR certifications shall be kept with the truck driver.
(b)
The penalty for failure to comply with this section shall be as set forth in § 31-27-22.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 355, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 457, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 472, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-5. - Repealed.

§ 24-8-5. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 26, as enacted by P.L. 1931, ch. 1772, § 2; P.L. 1938, ch. 2576, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 23; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 60, § 100; G.L. 1956, §§ 24-8-5; Repealed by P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 5, effective July 1, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-6. - Authority for sidewalks and curbs.

§ 24-8-6. Authority for sidewalks and curbs.
The director of transportation shall have the power and authority to make, lay in and upon, and construct sidewalks, including curbs, adjacent to and along either or any one side or both sides of any state road, now constructed, in the process of construction, or to be constructed, which in his or her opinion and judgment require sidewalks and curbs for pedestrian travel.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 27; P.L. 1935, ch. 2269, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-6; P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-7. - Specifications for curbs and sidewalks.

§ 24-8-7. Specifications for curbs and sidewalks.
Whenever and wherever the director of transportation shall order and cause the building and construction of curbs and sidewalks as provided in this chapter, the curb shall be made and constructed of a suitable and hard material. The curb shall be set and shall not project above the edge of the highway more than twelve inches (12") nor less than four inches (4"). The width of the curb at the top shall not be more than twelve inches (12") and not less than four inches (4"). The sidewalk shall be made and constructed of a suitable and hard material with a smooth hard finished surface or face. Whenever and wherever feasible and practical, the surface or face of the sidewalk shall be set and laid flush with the top of the curb and shall not be less than four feet (4′) wide from the inside top edge of the curb.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 28; P.L. 1935, ch. 2269, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-7; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 59.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-8. - Space between curb and traveled highway.

§ 24-8-8. Space between curb and traveled highway.
The director of transportation whenever and wherever laying out the plans and drawing up the specifications for the building and construction of curbs and sidewalks, as provided in this chapter, shall, whenever and wherever feasible and practical, cause and order the curb to be placed and set back from the outside paved or metal edge of the state road not less than eight feet (8′). The intervening part of the road between the outside paved or metal edge of the road and the curb shall be brought up to the proper grade and line of the road and shall have a continuous smooth surface so that the road shall have a continuous smooth surface from the center line of the road to the face of the curb. Whenever and wherever the director of transportation decides that in his or her opinion and judgment on certain roads and portions of certain roads it is not feasible and practical to build and construct the curb placed and set back not less than eight feet (8′) from the outside paved or metal edge of the roads as provided in this chapter, the director of transportation shall cause and order the curb placed and set against the outside paved or metal edge of the roads; provided, the adjacent outside lane of vehicle travel of the paved or metal portion of the road is not less than twelve feet (12′) in width where feasible and practicable.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 29; P.L. 1935, ch. 2269, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-8; P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 6; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 59.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-9. - Regulations of sidewalks and curbs.

§ 24-8-9. Regulations of sidewalks and curbs.
The director of transportation shall have the power and authority to alter, to maintain, to keep in good condition, to remove ice and snow therefrom, to remove posts, steps and any other obstructions therein, to regulate the placement, structure, and alteration of curbs constructed adjacent to state roads, to regulate the height, size, and shape of awnings, signs, and any other structures which project over all curbs and all sidewalks now constructed, in the process of construction or to be constructed on state roads; except, on portion or portions of state roads in cities or towns where the territory contiguous thereto is closely built up.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 30; P.L. 1935, ch. 2269, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-9; P.L. 1983, ch. 80, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-10. - Improvement or reconstruction of railroad crossings.

§ 24-8-10. Improvement or reconstruction of railroad crossings.
The director of transportation shall have the power and authority to improve with automatic protection devices or by relocating or rebuilding existing highway-railroad crossings at grade, or by reconstructing existing railroad and highway separation structures, if the improvements, rebuilding, or reconstruction will increase the safety of the crossings and highway, or may eliminate the crossings at grade by the adjustment of track and highway levels and by the construction of separation structures and connecting roadways suitably located to serve all affected properties, and by closing the highways at existing crossings so served, subject to approval of the railroad authorities and the public utilities and carriers administration as provided in chapters 1 — 9 of title 39. For railroad-highway crossings not on the state highway system, the improvements, construction, reconstruction, or closing shall also be subject to the approval of the town or city in which the work is to be performed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 29; P.L. 1949, ch. 2340, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-11. - Beautification.

§ 24-8-11. Beautification.
The department of transportation is hereby authorized and empowered to plant trees, shrubs and otherwise beautify the area within the limits of a road in a manner and at locations as the department may deem advisable, and the cost of the work shall be paid from moneys, appropriated for highway purposes, not otherwise needed for the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of state roads and bridges; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of such sums as may from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1557, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 78, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, §§ 65, 100; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-11; P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 6.