reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-12. - Authority of administrator of the division of motor vehicles.

§ 31-40-12. Authority of administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as limiting, modifying, or reducing the authority of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles in any way, and nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as affecting any of the provisions of chapter 11 of this title entitled “Suspension or revocation of licenses — Violations,” or as affecting the provisions of § 31-27-2.1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-13. - Short title.

§ 31-40-13. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Habitual Offender Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41 - Administrative Payment of Certain Traffic Offenses [Repealed.] › Section 31-41-1 - — 31-41-6. Repealed.

§ 31-41-1 — 31-41-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 147, § 1; P.L. 1971, ch. 177, §§ 1, 3; P.L. 1975, ch. 78, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 217, § 3; P.L. 1978, ch. 383, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 385, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 386, § 2; P.L. 1979, ch. 189, §§ 2, 3; P.L. 1980, ch. 143, § 3; P.L. 1980, ch. 159, § 2; P.L. 1980, ch. 267, § 3; P.L. 1982, ch. 326, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 161, § 3; P.L. 1984, ch. 228, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 150, § 40; P.L. 1986, ch. 336, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 344, § 3; P.L. 1986, ch. 403, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 541, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 228, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 3; P.L. 1988, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 569, § 2; P.L. 1989, ch. 72, § 2; P.L. 1989, ch. 486, § 2; P.L 1989, ch. 542, § 86; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 57, § 3; P.L. 1990, ch. 322, § 4; P.L. 1991, ch. 303, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 364, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 488, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 134, § 20; P.L. 1996, ch. 150, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 36, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 2, § 1, effective July 1, 1999, except for § 31-41-4, which was repealed effective October 1, 1999.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.1 - Adjudication of Traffic Offenses › Section 31-41.1-1. - Form of summons.

§ 31-41.1-1. Form of summons.
(a)
The summons and complaint to be issued to an offending operator shall contain any information, and be in any form that may be required by the rules of procedure promulgated by the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal. Every summons shall provide notice of:
(1)
The charge or charges against the operator; and
(2)
A date to appear in the traffic tribunal and answer the charges against him or her.
(b)
The form for the summons and complaint authorized by this section shall be used for all violations specified in §§ 8-8.2-2, 8-18-3 and 8-18-9. The summons may be the same as the summons provided for in § 31-27-12. The chief executive officer of each local police force which is required to use the summons and complaint provided for in this chapter shall prepare or cause to be prepared any records and reports that may be prescribed by the rules of the traffic tribunal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 1, § 12; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 30.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.1 - Adjudication of Traffic Offenses › Section 31-41.1-2. - Payment without personal appearance.

§ 31-41.1-2. Payment without personal appearance.
Any member of the state police, or any member of the police department of any city or town and any other duly authorized law enforcement officer who charges any person with an offense as set out in § 31-41.1-4 shall, in addition to issuing a summons for the offense, provide the offending operator with a form which will allow the offender to dispose of the charge without the necessity of personally appearing before the traffic tribunal. This section shall apply to resident and nonresident operators.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.1 - Adjudication of Traffic Offenses › Section 31-41.1-3. - Method of payment.

§ 31-41.1-3. Method of payment.
If the offending operator elects to dispose of the charge without personally appearing before the traffic tribunal, he or she shall execute the form indicated and return it to the traffic tribunal not later than twenty (20) days from the date of the summons, either by mailing or delivering the form and summons, to the violation section of the traffic tribunal, or to its designee, together with a check or money order in the amount indicated by the fine schedule on the form in addition to any technology surcharge applied by the traffic tribunal assessed in accordance with § 8-15-11.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 34, § 9; P.L. 2014, ch. 42, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.1 - Adjudication of Traffic Offenses › Section 31-41.1-3.1. - Mandatory court appearances.

§ 31-41.1-3.1. Mandatory court appearances.
(a)
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 31-41.1-2 or 31-41.1-3, any person who receives a third (3rd) summons after two (2) guilty adjudications for traffic offenses within twelve-month (12) period of time cannot plea or dispose of the charge by mail, but must appear in person before a judge at the traffic tribunal or municipal court. All parking ticket summons or adjudications shall be exempt from this section.
(b)
The preceding twelve-month (12) period shall be calculated from the date of the issuance of the third (3rd) summons, after the preceding two (2) adjudications.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 355, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 232, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 290, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.1 - Adjudication of Traffic Offenses › Section 31-41.1-5. - Failure to answer or appear.

§ 31-41.1-5. Failure to answer or appear.
(a)
In the event the person charged with a violation does not pay the fine administratively in accordance with the provisions of § 31-41.1-3, then he or she shall have waived his or her right to dispose of the offense without personal appearance, and the person charged with the violation must then appear before the traffic tribunal or municipal court on the date specified on the summons. If the person charged with the violation shall fail to appear on the specified date, a judge or magistrate may enter default judgment, and after hearing any evidence presented, determine whether the charges have been established. If the charges are not established, an order dismissing the charges shall be entered. If a determination is made that a charge has been established, an appropriate order shall be entered in the records of the traffic tribunal, including any order of suspension of the license or driving privilege of the person so charged in the same manner as set forth in § 31-41.1-6.
(b)
The order shall be mailed to the person charged with the violation at his or her last known address.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.1 - Adjudication of Traffic Offenses › Section 31-41.1-7. - Application for dismissal based on good driving record.

§ 31-41.1-7. Application for dismissal based on good driving record.
(a)
Any person who has had a motor vehicle operator’s license for more than three (3) years, and who has been issued traffic violations which are his or her first violations within the preceding three (3) years, may request a hearing seeking a dismissal of the violations based upon the operator’s good driving record.
(b)
Upon submission of proper proof that the operator has not been issued any other traffic violation within the past three (3) years, the charge shall, except for good cause shown or as otherwise provided by law, be dismissed based upon a good driving record; provided, that the operator pay a thirty-five dollar ($35.00) administrative fee for court costs associated with the dismissal. Additionally, beginning July 1, 2014, there shall be imposed a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) surcharge on all dismissals based upon a good driving record to be deposited into the Rhode Island highway maintenance account.
(c)
The traffic tribunal may not dismiss a charge pursuant to this section after six (6) months from the date of disposition. For purposes of this section, a parking ticket shall not constitute a prior violation.
(d)
The following violations shall not be dismissed pursuant to this statute:
(1)
Any violation within the original jurisdiction of superior or district court;
(2)
A refusal to submit to a chemical test of breath, blood or urine pursuant to § 31-27-2.1;
(3)
Any violation involving a school bus;
(4)
Any violation involving an accident where there has been property damage or personal injury;
(5)
Any speeding violation in excess of fourteen miles per hour (14 m.p.h.) above the posted speed limit;
(6)
Any violation involving child restraints in motor vehicles pursuant to § 31-22-22;
(7)
Any violation committed by a holder of a commercial license as defined in § 31-10.3-3 or any violation committed in a commercial motor vehicle as defined in § 31-10.3-3 by an operator who does not hold a commercial license.
(e)
If the charge is dismissed pursuant to this section, records of the dismissal shall be maintained for a period of three (3) years.
(f)
The judge or magistrate shall have the discretion to waive court costs and fees when dismissing a violation pursuant to this section, with the exception of the mandatory thirty-five dollars ($35.00) administrative fee and the twenty-five dollar ($25.00) surcharge provided for in subsection (b) of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 67, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 58, § 10; P.L. 2003, ch. 134, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 160, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 77, § 8; P.L. 2005, ch. 82, § 8; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 35, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 386, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 21, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.1 - Adjudication of Traffic Offenses › Section 31-41.1-10. - Expungement.

§ 31-41.1-10. Expungement.
All violations within this title which are in the jurisdiction of the traffic tribunal or of a municipal court shall by operation of law, after three (3) years, following adjudication of the violation and after expiration of any mandatory state or federal record-retention period, be expunged from the records of the traffic tribunal or the municipal court and from the records of the division of motor vehicles, except for those offenses related to alcohol as provided in § 31-27-2.1, which shall be expunged after five (5) years. These expungements shall be in addition to and not in place of any expungement provided for by chapter 1.3 of title 12.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 112, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.1 - Adjudication of Traffic Offenses › Section 31-41.1-11. - Jurisdiction.

§ 31-41.1-11. Jurisdiction.
(a)
The traffic tribunal shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over the adjudication of charges under § 31-27-2.1(c)(1) (Refusal to submit to chemical test first violation).
(b)
The district court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over the adjudication of charges under § 31-27-2.1(c)(2) and (3) (Refusal to submit to chemical test, second violation and third and subsequent violations).
(c)
Nothing in subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be deemed to abrogate the jurisdiction of any municipal court under the provisions of chapter 18 of title 8 of the general laws.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 42, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 46, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.2 - Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems › Section 31-41.2-1. - Short title.

§ 31-41.2-1. Short title.
This act shall be cited as the “Rhode Island Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring System Act of 2005.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.2 - Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems › Section 31-41.2-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 31-41.2-2. Legislative findings.
It is hereby found and declared that the effective and efficient enforcement of traffic laws, rules and regulations will assist in insuring safe travel on the streets and highways of this state. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Rhode Island to authorize and utilize the best available technology for the monitoring and prosecution of civil traffic violations, including automated traffic violation detection systems.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.2 - Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems › Section 31-41.2-3. - Automated traffic violation monitoring systems.

§ 31-41.2-3. Automated traffic violation monitoring systems.
(a)
The state department of transportation and the municipalities of this state are hereby authorized to install and operate automated traffic violation detection systems. Such systems shall be limited to systems which monitor and detect violations of traffic control signals. For purposes of this chapter an automated traffic violation detection system means a system with one or more motor vehicle sensors which produces images of motor vehicles being operated in violation of traffic signal laws.
(b)
No automated traffic violation detection system shall be installed pursuant to this section which has not been approved for use by the director of the state department of transportation. The director of the state department of transportation shall promulgate regulations for the approval and operation of said systems pursuant to the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42. Systems shall be approved if the director is satisfied they meet standards of efficiency and accuracy. All systems installed for use under this chapter must be able to record the image of the vehicle and the license plates of the vehicle.
(c)
In the event that the system is to be installed other than by the state department of transportation on state-maintained streets or roads, the director of the department of transportation must approve such installation.
(d)
The state department of transportation and/or the municipalities may enter into an agreement with a private corporation or other entity to provide automated traffic violation detection systems or equipment and to maintain such systems.
(e)
Compensation to a private entity that provides traffic signal monitoring devices shall be based on the value of such equipment and related support services, and shall not be based on the revenue generated by such systems.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 418, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.2 - Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems › Section 31-41.2-3.1. - Installation and signage.

§ 31-41.2-3.1. Installation and signage.
(a)
The implementing jurisdiction(s) shall post a warning sign at each system location where a traffic control signal monitoring system is located.
(b)
Such warning signs shall conform to appropriate, federally accepted standards for traffic control signs.
(c)
Sign signage shall remain at each system location so long as a traffic control signal monitoring system is in operation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.2 - Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems › Section 31-41.2-5. - Hearings.

§ 31-41.2-5. Hearings.
Evidence from an automated traffic violation detection system shall be considered substantive evidence in the prosecution of all civil traffic violations. Evidence from an automated traffic violation detection system approved by the director of transportation shall be admitted without further authentication and such evidence may be deemed sufficient to sustain a civil traffic violation. In addition to any other defenses as set forth herein, any and all defenses cognizable at law shall be available to the individual who receives the summons commencing a prosecution under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 418, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 144, art. 9, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.2 - Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems › Section 31-41.2-6. - Driver/registered owner liability.

§ 31-41.2-6. Driver/registered owner liability.
(a)
The registered owner of the motor vehicle shall be primarily responsible in all prosecutions brought pursuant to the provisions of this chapter except as otherwise provided in this section.
(b)
In all prosecutions of civil traffic violations based on evidence obtained from an automated traffic violation detection system, the registered owner of a vehicle which has been operated in violation of a civil traffic violation, may be liable for such violation. The registered owner of the vehicle may assume liability for the violation by paying the fine; or by defending the violation pursuant to the procedures in § 31-41.2-4.
(c)
The lessee of a leased vehicle shall be considered the owner of a motor vehicle for purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.2 - Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems › Section 31-41.2-7. - Use of evidence in criminal and civil cases.

§ 31-41.2-7. Use of evidence in criminal and civil cases.
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the use of evidence produced by an automated traffic violation detection system in a criminal or private civil proceeding provided that the admissibility of such evidence shall follow the applicable laws and rules of procedure and rules of evidence which apply in criminal and civil cases.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.2 - Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems › Section 31-41.2-7.1. - Nature of violations.

§ 31-41.2-7.1. Nature of violations.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law:
(a)
No violation for which a civil penalty is imposed under this chapter shall be considered a moving violation, nor shall be included on the driving record of the person on whom the liability is imposed, nor shall it be used for insurance rating purposes in providing motor vehicle insurance coverage until there is a final adjudication of the violation.
(b)
Impositions of a penalty pursuant to this chapter shall not be deemed a criminal conviction of an owner or operator.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.2 - Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems › Section 31-41.2-8. - Security of records.

§ 31-41.2-8. Security of records.
(a)
The recorded images produced by an automated traffic violation detection system shall not be deemed “public records” subject to disclosure pursuant to subsection 38-2-2(4)(i).
(b)
All recorded images that do not identify a violation shall be destroyed within ninety (90) days of the date the image was recorded, unless ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(c)
All recorded images that identify a violation shall be destroyed within one year after the citation is resolved by administrative payment, trial or other final disposition of the citation, unless ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(d)
The privacy of records produced pursuant to this chapter shall be maintained; provided, that aggregate data not containing personal identifying information may be released.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 418, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.2 - Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring Systems › Section 31-41.2-9. - Reports.

§ 31-41.2-9. Reports.
The agency or municipality authorizing the installation of automated traffic signal detection systems shall prepare an annual report containing data on:
(1)
The number of citations issued at each particular intersection;
(2)
The number of those violations paid by mail;
(3)
The number of those violations found after trial or hearing;
(4)
The number of violations dismissed after trial or hearing;
(5)
The number of accidents at each intersection;
(6)
A description as to the type of accident;
(7)
An indication regarding whether there were any injuries involved in any accident reported;
(8)
The cost to maintain the automated traffic signal detection system; and
(9)
The amount of revenue obtained from the automated traffic signal detection system.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 418, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-1. - Short title.

§ 31-41.3-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 31-41.3-2. Legislative findings.
It is hereby found and declared that ever-increasing violations of the state’s school-zone speed laws and regulations place both motorists and students using the state’s streets and roadways within school zones in danger. The legislature hereby declares that the use of technology to reduce aggressive and dangerous speeding is in the best interest of public safety and therefore adopts a policy of authorizing the use of automated traffic-speed-enforcement systems in school zones within the state of Rhode Island. These systems shall be used in conjunction with civil penalties imposed upon the owners of speeding vehicles in order to reduce speeding violations.
Nothing in this chapter shall supersede any criminal or civil penalty or sanction against the driver of a vehicle who is cited by a law enforcement officer for a speeding violation in a school zone.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-3. - Automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system authorized and defined.

§ 31-41.3-3. Automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system authorized and defined.
(a)
The state department of transportation and the municipalities of this state are hereby authorized to operate “automated school-zone-speed-enforcement systems.”
(b)
For the purposes of this chapter:
(1)
An “automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system” is an automated traffic-speed-enforcement system operated within one-quarter (¼) mile of any type of school in the state of Rhode Island;
(2)
An “automated traffic-speed-enforcement system” is defined as a system using one or more vehicle detectors in combination with photography to identify and provide a photographic image of vehicles which are exceeding the posted speed limit, or the speed limit designated by state law or regulation, for a given school zone, and may be in fixed or mobile configurations; and
(3)
A “school zone” is defined as anywhere within a one-quarter (¼) mile radius of any type of school in the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-4. - Automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system operational requirements and certification.

§ 31-41.3-4. Automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system operational requirements and certification.
No automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system shall be used in the state of Rhode Island unless the system has been approved and certified for use in the state by the director of the department of transportation. The director of the department of transportation, in cooperation with the state police, shall require that any automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system approved and certified for use in the state of Rhode Island meets the following requirements:
(1)
All automated school-zone-speed-enforcement systems operated under this chapter shall record the speed of vehicles within plus or minus one mile per hour of the actual speed.
(2)
All automated school-zone-speed-enforcement systems operated under this chapter shall record at least two (2) photographic images of the vehicle exceeding the speed limit, one of which shall include the license plate attached to the rear of the vehicle.
(3)
All automated school-zone-speed-enforcement systems operated under this chapter shall, at the time of violation, imprint upon the photographic images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit:
(i)
The date and time of the violation; and
(ii)
The identity of the street, or school zone being monitored, and location upon that street, or within that school zone, including the direction of travel and lane of travel; this requirement may be met with code designations; and
(iii)
The posted or lawfully designated speed limit for the street or school zone being monitored; and
(iv)
The monitored speed of the vehicle identified in the photographic images as exceeding the posted or lawfully designated school zone speed limit; and
(v)
The consecutive event number of each photograph taken.
(4)
At least one hundred feet (100′) prior to entering an automated school-zone area where a speed-enforcement system is being operated, and on each approach to that area, four (4) signs, each measuring three feet (3′) in height by four feet (4′) in width, shall be erected in locations where the view is unobstructed, warning motorists that they will be entering an area monitored by an automated speed-zone-enforcement system and that violators of speed limitations may be prosecuted. The automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system shall be operational only from seven o’clock a.m. (7:00 a.m.) to six o’clock p.m. (6:00 p.m.) on school days of the promulgated one-hundred-eighty-day (180) school calendar year adopted in the applicable community.
(5)
It shall be the vendor’s responsibility to furnish an annual report with all pertinent data to the speaker of the house and the senate president.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 316, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 353, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-5. - Operation of system.

§ 31-41.3-5. Operation of system.
In the event a fixed or mobile automated traffic-speed-enforcement system is to be installed or used by any person other than the state department of transportation or state police personnel on a state maintained street, roadway or highway, the director of transportation shall approve installation or use of the system.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-6. - Maintenance of system.

§ 31-41.3-6. Maintenance of system.
The state department of transportation, and/or the municipalities, may enter into an agreement with a private corporation or other entity to provide automated school-zone-speed-enforcement systems equipment services and to maintain the systems. A contract between a government agency and a manufacturer or supplier of automated traffic-speed-enforcement systems shall be based on the value of such equipment and related support services and shall not be based on a percentage of the revenue generated by the automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-7. - Citation precedent.

§ 31-41.3-7. Citation precedent.
In the event a law enforcement officer stops and issues a citation to the driver of a vehicle for a speeding violation, which violation is also captured by an automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system, the citation issued to the driver by the law enforcement officer shall have and take precedence, and the automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system citation shall be dismissed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-8. - Procedure — Notice.

§ 31-41.3-8. Procedure — Notice.
(a)
Except as expressly provided in this chapter, all prosecutions based on evidence produced by an automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system shall follow the procedures established in chapter 41.1 of this title, chapter 18 of title 8, and the rules promulgated by the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal for the hearing of civil traffic violations. Citations may be issued by an officer solely based on evidence obtained by use of an automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system. All citations issued based on evidence obtained from an automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system shall be issued within fourteen (14) days of the violation.
(b)
It shall be sufficient to commence a prosecution based on evidence obtained from an automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system, provided that a copy of the citation and supporting documentation be mailed to the address of the registered owner kept on file by the registry of motor vehicles pursuant to § 31-3-34. For purposes of this section, the date of issuance shall be the date of mailing.
(c)
The officer issuing the citation shall certify under penalties of perjury that the evidence obtained from the automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system was sufficient to demonstrate a violation of the motor vehicle code. Such certification shall be sufficient in all prosecutions pursuant to this chapter to justify the entry of a default judgment upon sufficient proof of actual notice in all cases where the citation is not answered within the time period permitted.
(d)
The citation shall contain all the information provided for in the uniform summons as referred to in § 31-41.1-1 and the rules of procedure promulgated by the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal.
(e)
In addition to the information in the uniform summons, the following information shall be attached to the citation:
(1)
Copies of two (2) or more photographs, or microphotographs, or other recorded images taken as proof of the violation; and
(2)
A signed statement by a trained law enforcement officer that, based on inspection of recorded images, the motor vehicle was being operated in violation of chapter 14 of title 31 relating to speed restrictions; and
(3)
A statement that recorded images are evidence of a violation of this chapter; and
(4)
A statement that the person who receives a summons under this chapter may either pay the civil penalty in accordance with the provisions of § 31-41.1-3, or elect to stand trial for the alleged violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 451, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-9. - Hearings.

§ 31-41.3-9. Hearings.
Evidence from an automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system shall be considered substantive evidence in the prosecution of all civil traffic violations. Evidence from an automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system approved by the director of the department of transportation shall be admitted without further authentication and such evidence may be deemed sufficient to sustain a civil traffic violation. In addition to any other defenses as set forth herein, any defenses cognizable at law, with the exception of that available under § 31-41.1-7, shall be available to the individual who receives the citation commencing a prosecution under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-10. - Driver/registered owner liability.

§ 31-41.3-10. Driver/registered owner liability.
(a)
The registered owner of the motor vehicle shall be primarily responsible in all prosecutions brought pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(b)
In all prosecutions of civil school-zone violations based on evidence obtained from an automated traffic-speed-enforcement system, the registered owner of a vehicle which has been operated in violation of a civil traffic violation, may be liable for such violation. The registered owner of the vehicle may assume liability for the violation by paying the fine, or by defending the violation pursuant to the remedies available under the law.
(c)
The lessee of a leased vehicle shall be considered the owner of a motor vehicle for purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-11. - Use of evidence in criminal and civil cases.

§ 31-41.3-11. Use of evidence in criminal and civil cases.
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the use of evidence produced by an automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system in a criminal or civil proceeding; provided, that the admissibility of such evidence shall follow the applicable laws and rules of procedure and rules of evidence which apply in criminal and civil proceedings.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-12. - Nature of violations.

§ 31-41.3-12. Nature of violations.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law:
(1)
No violation for which a civil penalty is imposed under this chapter shall be considered a moving violation; nor shall it be included on the driving record of the person on whom the liability is imposed; nor shall it be used for insurance rating purposes in providing motor vehicle insurance coverage.
(2)
Impositions of a penalty pursuant to this chapter shall not be deemed a criminal conviction of an owner or operator.
(3)
The defense available under § 31-41.1-7 shall not be available for any violation imposed under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 316, § 3; P.L. 2018, ch. 353, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-13. - Security of records.

§ 31-41.3-13. Security of records.
(a)
The recorded images produced by an automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system shall not be deemed “public records” subject to disclosure pursuant to § 38-2-2.
(b)
All recorded images that do not identify a violation shall be destroyed within ninety (90) days of the date the image was recorded, unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(c)
All recorded images that identify a violation shall be destroyed within one year after the citation is resolved by administrative payment, trial, or other final disposition of the citation, unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(d)
The privacy of records produced pursuant to this chapter shall be maintained; provided, that aggregate data not containing personal identifying information may be released.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-14. - Reports.

§ 31-41.3-14. Reports.
(a)
The agency or municipality authorizing the installation of automated school-zone-speed-enforcement systems shall prepare an annual report containing data on:
(1)
The number of citations issued at each particular school zone;
(2)
The number of those violations paid by mail;
(3)
The number of those violations found after trial or hearing;
(4)
The number of violations dismissed after trial or hearing;
(5)
The number of accidents at each school zone;
(6)
A description as to the type of accident;
(7)
An indication regarding whether there were any injuries involved in any accident reported;
(8)
The cost to maintain the automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system; and
(9)
The amount of revenue obtained from the automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-41.3 - Automated School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement System Act of 2016 › Section 31-41.3-15. - Penalties.

§ 31-41.3-15. Penalties.
(a)
Every person found to have violated the provisions of this chapter shall be fined fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense; provided, however that for a period of thirty (30) days following the installation of any new automated school-zone-speed-enforcement system, a violation recorded by the system shall only be enforced by the issuance of a warning.
(b)
A violation of this chapter shall not be considered a moving violation for purposes of the motorist’s driving record.
(c)
Every three (3) years from the date of the motorist’s first offense under this chapter, the court shall expunge any automated school-zone-speed-enforcement violations during the preceding three-year (3) period.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 316, § 4; P.L. 2018, ch. 353, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-42 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Section 31-42-1. - Definitions.

§ 31-42-1. Definitions.
(a)
“Abandoned motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is inoperable and over eight (8) years old and is left unattended on public property for more than forty-eight (48) hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained illegally on public property for a period of more than three (3) days, or a motor vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than three (3) days.
(b)
“Abandoned motor vehicle of no value” means a motor vehicle that is inoperable and over ten (10) years old and is left unattended on public property for more than forty-eight (48) hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained illegally on public property for a period of more than three (3) days, or a motor vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than three (3) days, and meets the following criteria:
(1)
The vehicle has no evidence of current registration in or upon the vehicle;
(2)
The vehicle has a fair market value of five hundred dollars ($500) or less; and
(3)
The vehicle does not have a valid inspection sticker.
(c)
“Demolisher” means any person whose business is to convert a motor vehicle into processed scrap or scrap metal, or otherwise to wreck or dismantle motor vehicles.
(d)
“Police department” means the police department of a city or town. For the purposes of this section “police department” shall also include the Rhode Island airport corporation police department.
(e)
“Unlicensed junkyards” means any establishment or premises which are used for the storing, keeping or accumulation of one or more inoperable, worn out, junked, or otherwise discarded motor vehicles, which establishment or premises do not have a license as an auto wrecking and salvage yard.
(f)
“Vehicle survey report” means a report printed in the following form:
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 234, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 434, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-42 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Section 31-42-2. - Authority to take possession of abandoned motor vehicles and abandoned motor vehicles of no value.

§ 31-42-2. Authority to take possession of abandoned motor vehicles and abandoned motor vehicles of no value.
(a)
A police department may, upon completion of a vehicle survey report, take into custody any motor vehicle found abandoned on public or private property. A police department may employ its own personnel, equipment, and facilities or authorize persons, equipment, and facilities for the purpose of removing, preserving and storing abandoned motor vehicles.
(b)
The police shall post or attach to the vehicle, forty-eight (48) hours prior to towing, a notification of an abandoned vehicle indicating the vehicle will be towed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 234, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 191, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-42 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Section 31-42-3. - Notification of owner and lienholders.

§ 31-42-3. Notification of owner and lienholders.
(a)
A police department which takes into custody an abandoned motor vehicle shall notify within fifteen (15) days of it, by registered mail, return receipt requested, the last known registered owner of the motor vehicle and all lienholders of record that the vehicle has been taken into custody. The notice shall describe the year, make, model, and serial number of the abandoned motor vehicle The notice shall set forth the location of the facility where the motor vehicle is being held, inform the owner and any lienholders of their right to reclaim the motor vehicle within three (3) weeks after the date of the notice, upon payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and state that the failure of the owner or lienholders to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner and all lienholders of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction.
(b)
If the identity of the last registered owner cannot be determined, or if the registration contains no address for the owner; or if it is impossible to determine with reasonable certainty the identity and addresses of all lienholders, notice by one publication in one newspaper of general circulation in the area where the motor vehicle was abandoned shall be sufficient to meet all requirements of notice pursuant to this chapter. The notice by publication can contain multiple listings of abandoned vehicles. The notice shall be within the time requirements prescribed for notice by registered mail and shall have the same contents required for a notice by registered mail.
(c)
The consequences and effect of failure to reclaim an abandoned motor vehicle shall be as set forth in a valid notice given pursuant to this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 234, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-42 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Section 31-42-3.1. - Repealed.

§ 31-42-3.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988 ch. 603, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 2, effective July 12, 1994.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-42 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Section 31-42-4. - Auction of abandoned motor vehicles.

§ 31-42-4. Auction of abandoned motor vehicles.
(a)
If an abandoned motor vehicle has not been reclaimed as provided for in § 31-42-3, the police department shall sell the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction. The purchaser of the motor vehicle shall take title to the motor vehicle free and clear of all liens and claims of ownership, shall receive a sales receipt and bill of sale from the police department, and shall be entitled to register the purchased vehicle. The sales receipt at a sale shall be sufficient title only for purposes of transferring the vehicle to a demolisher for demolition, wrecking, or dismantling, and, in that case no further registration of the vehicle shall be necessary.
(b)
From the proceeds of the sale of an abandoned motor vehicle, the police department shall reimburse itself for the expenses of the auction, the costs of towing, preserving, and storing the vehicle which resulted from placing the abandoned motor vehicle in custody, and all notices and publication costs incurred pursuant to § 31-42-3. Any remainder from the proceeds of a sale shall be held for the owner of the vehicle or entitled lienholder for ninety (90) days, and then shall be deposited in a special abandoned motor vehicle fund which shall remain available for the payment of auction, towing, preserving, storage, and all notice and publication costs which result from placing other abandoned vehicles in custody, whenever the proceeds from a sale of the other abandoned motor vehicles are insufficient to meet these expenses and costs.
(c)
Whenever the chief finance officer of the city or town finds that moneys in the abandoned motor vehicle fund are in excess of reserves likely to be needed, he or she may transfer the excess to the general fund. But in the event there are additional claims against the abandoned motor vehicle fund, if the abandoned motor vehicle fund is temporarily exhausted, these claims shall be met from the general fund to the limit of any transfers previously made to it pursuant to this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 234, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-42 - Abandoned Motor Vehicles › Section 31-42-5. - Garage keepers and abandoned motor vehicles.

§ 31-42-5. Garage keepers and abandoned motor vehicles.
(a)
Any motor vehicle left for more than ten (10) days in a garage operated for commercial purposes after notice by registered mail, return receipt requested to the owner to pick up the vehicle, or for more than ten (10) days after the period when, pursuant to contract, the vehicle was to remain on the premises, and any motor vehicle left for more than ten (10) days in the garage by someone other than the registered owner or left by a person authorized to have possession of the motor vehicle, shall be deemed an abandoned vehicle and shall be reported by the garage keeper to the police department. Any garage keeper who fails to report the possession of the vehicle within ten (10) days after it becomes abandoned within the meaning of this section shall no longer have any claim for storage of the vehicle.
(b)
All abandoned vehicles left in garages may be taken into custody by the police department and sold in accordance with the procedures set forth in this chapter unless the motor vehicle is reclaimed and the garage keeper is paid. The proceeds of the sale shall be first applied to the garage keepers’ charges for storage and any surplus proceeds shall be distributed in accordance with § 31-42-4. Except for the termination of a claim for storage for failure to report an abandoned motor vehicle, nothing in this section shall be construed to impair any lien of a garage keeper under the laws of this state, or the right of a lienholder to foreclose.
(c)
For the purposes of this section, “garage keeper” means any operator of a parking place establishment or motor vehicle storage facility.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 234, § 1.