reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16 - Starting, Stopping, and Turns › Section 31-16-5. - Turn signal required.

§ 31-16-5. Turn signal required.
No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in §§ 31-16-2 and 31-16-3, or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway, unless and until the movement can be made with reasonable safety. No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner described in this chapter in the event any other traffic may be affected by the movement. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-5; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 111.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16 - Starting, Stopping, and Turns › Section 31-16-6. - Time of signaling turn.

§ 31-16-6. Time of signaling turn.
A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet (100′) traveled by the vehicle before turning. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-6; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 111.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16 - Starting, Stopping, and Turns › Section 31-16-6.1. - Penalties.

§ 31-16-6.1. Penalties.
Any person who violates the provisions of § 31-16-2 pertaining to the right-of-way of pedestrians, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than seventy-five ($75.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 383, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 64.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16 - Starting, Stopping, and Turns › Section 31-16-7. - Signaling of stops.

§ 31-16-7. Signaling of stops.
No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner described in this chapter to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give the signal. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-7; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 111.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16 - Starting, Stopping, and Turns › Section 31-16-8. - Method of giving signals.

§ 31-16-8. Method of giving signals.
Any stop or turn signal when required in this chapter shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device, except as otherwise provided in § 31-16-9. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 5; P.L. 1955, ch. 3500, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-8; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 111.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16 - Starting, Stopping, and Turns › Section 31-16-9. - Vehicles on which mechanical signal devices required.

§ 31-16-9. Vehicles on which mechanical signal devices required.
Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signal shall be given by, a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab, or load of the motor vehicle exceeds twenty-four inches (24"), or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load of it exceeds fourteen feet (14′). The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, and/or to any combination of vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 5; P.L. 1955, ch. 3500, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16 - Starting, Stopping, and Turns › Section 31-16-10. - Manner of giving arm signals.

§ 31-16-10. Manner of giving arm signals.
All signals required in this chapter when given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and the signals shall indicate as follows:
(1) Left turn.
Hand and arm extended horizontally;
(2) Right turn.
Hand and arm extended upward;
(3) Stop or decrease speed.
Hand and arm extended downward.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16.1 - Idling › Section 31-16.1-1. - Purpose.

§ 31-16.1-1. Purpose.
The purposes of this chapter are to protect health and the environment by reducing air emissions and to conserve fuel by restricting the unnecessary operation of diesel engines.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 557, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16.1 - Idling › Section 31-16.1-2. - Powers of the department of environmental management.

§ 31-16.1-2. Powers of the department of environmental management.
The department of environmental management shall have the power and authority as set forth in §§ 23-23-29.1 — 23-23-29.5 to establish rules for engine idling.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 557, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16.1 - Idling › Section 31-16.1-3. - Restrictions on idling for diesel engines.

§ 31-16.1-3. Restrictions on idling for diesel engines.
No person shall on or after July 1, 2007, cause, allow or permit the unnecessary operation of the diesel engine vehicle while said vehicle is stopped for a period of time in excess of five (5) consecutive minutes in any sixty (60) minute period unless exempted pursuant to regulations adopted by the department of environmental management. Failure to operate the diesel engine vehicle in conformity with the rules of the department of environmental management adopted pursuant to § 23-23-20.2 shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 557, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16.1 - Idling › Section 31-16.1-4. - Penalties.

§ 31-16.1-4. Penalties.
Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) for the first offense, nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each succeeding offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 557, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-17 - Right-Of-Way › Section 31-17-1. - Right-of-way in absence of signs or signals.

§ 31-17-1. Right-of-way in absence of signs or signals.
(a)
The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.
(b)
When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
(c)
The right-of-way rules declared in subsections (a) and (b) of this section are modified at through highways and otherwise as stated in this chapter.
(d)
Violations of this section are subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4, unless bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death occurs to any person other than the offending operator under this section.
(e)
When bodily injury of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200). When serious bodily injury of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) and his/her driver’s license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months. When the death of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) and his/her driver’s license shall be suspended for a period of one year.
(f)
As used in this section, “serious bodily injury” means physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious physical disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 28, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-17-1; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 65; P.L. 2013, ch. 339, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 414, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-17 - Right-Of-Way › Section 31-17-2. - Vehicle turning left or right.

§ 31-17-2. Vehicle turning left or right.
(a)
The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intended to turn to the left or right shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close to it as to constitute an immediate hazard, or shall yield to a pedestrian intending to cross within a crosswalk which the driver of the vehicle must travel to make the left or right turn. The driver, having so yielded and having given a signal when and as required by chapter 16 of this title, may make the left or right turn, and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection from the opposite direction shall yield the right of way to the vehicle making the left or right turn. Violations of this section are subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4, unless bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death occurs to any person other than the offending operator under this section.
(b)
When bodily injury of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200). When serious bodily injury of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) and his/her driver’s license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months. When the death of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) and his/her driver’s license shall be suspended for a period of one year.
(c)
As used in this section, “serious bodily injury” means physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious physical disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 28, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-17-2; P.L. 1999, ch. 383, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 65; P.L. 2013, ch. 339, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 414, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-17 - Right-Of-Way › Section 31-17-3. - Intersection with through highway.

§ 31-17-3. Intersection with through highway.
The driver of a vehicle shall stop at the entrance to a through highway and shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the through highway, or which are approaching so closely on the through highway as to constitute an immediate hazard, but the driver having so yielded may proceed and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection on the through highway shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle so proceeding into or across the through highway. Violations of this section are subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 28, § 3; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 13-17-3; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 65.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-17 - Right-Of-Way › Section 31-17-5. - Entering from private road or driveway.

§ 31-17-5. Entering from private road or driveway.
The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from a private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the highway and to all pedestrians attempting to cross the private road driveway or highway. Violations of this section are subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 28, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-17-5; P.L. 1999, ch. 383, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 65.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-17 - Right-Of-Way › Section 31-17-5.1. - Penalties.

§ 31-17-5.1. Penalties.
Any person who violates any provision of §§ 31-17-1 — 31-17-5, pertaining to the right-of-way of pedestrians, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than seventy-five ($75.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 383, § 4; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 65.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-17 - Right-Of-Way › Section 31-17-6. - Yielding to emergency vehicle.

§ 31-17-6. Yielding to emergency vehicle.
(a)
Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped with at least one lighted lamp exhibiting any one or combination of red, blue, or white light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet (500′) to the front of the vehicle, and producing an audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle, or bell, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
(b)
This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 28, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-17-6; P.L. 1993, ch. 369, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 446, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-17 - Right-Of-Way › Section 31-17-7. - Right-of-way of fire companies.

§ 31-17-7. Right-of-way of fire companies.
The officers and men and women of the fire department, of any fire engine or hose company, or of any protective department or company duly chartered and organized under the laws of this state for the protection of property from fire in any city or town, with their registered fire apparatus, shall have the right of way while going to a fire or upon any alarm of fire, while responding to an emergency call; when on duty at any fire, in, upon, or through any street, highway, lane, avenue, or alley in the city or town; and when exiting or entering a fire station, garage or other department facility. Every person in or upon or owning any vehicle, or upon the street, highway, lane, avenue, or alley, who shall willfully or maliciously refuse the right of way to, or shall in any way willfully or maliciously obstruct or retard any registered fire apparatus of the fire department, fire company, protective department, or company, or any of the officers or men and women, while going to a fire or upon any alarm of fire, while responding to an emergency call, or while on duty at any fire, in, upon, or through the street, highway, lane, avenue, or alley, or when exiting or entering a fire station, garage or other department facility shall be fined not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200). However, the rights pursuant to this section of the protective department or company shall be subject, at all times, to the rights pursuant to this section of the fire department, fire engine company, and hose company.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 279, § 54; G.L. 1909, ch. 345, § 57; P.L. 1910, ch. 539, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 397, § 57; G.L. 1938, ch. 608, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 31-17-7; P.L. 2000, ch. 193, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 339, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 414, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-17 - Right-Of-Way › Section 31-17-8. - Right-of-way at rotary.

§ 31-17-8. Right-of-way at rotary.
(a)
In the absence of any traffic control device or sign, the driver of a vehicle about to enter a rotary, regardless of the direction from which the vehicle is approaching, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles already in the rotary. The state traffic commission shall determine the location of yield signs at rotaries. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4, unless bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death occurs to any person other than the offending operator under this section.
(b)
When bodily injury of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200). When serious bodily injury of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) and his/her driver’s license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months. When the death of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) and his/her driver’s license shall be suspended for a period of one year.
(c)
As used in this section, “serious bodily injury” means physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious physical disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 138, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 207, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 112; P.L. 2013, ch. 339, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 414, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-17 - Right-Of-Way › Section 31-17-9. - Yielding to riders on bicycle lane.

§ 31-17-9. Yielding to riders on bicycle lane.
(a)
The driver of a vehicle about to cross or to turn left or right across a bicycle lane shall yield the right-of-way to any person operating a bicycle or motorized wheelchair upon the bicycle lane.
(b)
Any driver of a vehicle convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-1. - Applicability of regulations to pedestrians.

§ 31-18-1. Applicability of regulations to pedestrians.
Pedestrians shall be subject to traffic control signals at intersections as provided in §§ 31-13-6 and 31-13-7, unless required by local ordinance to comply strictly with the signals, but at all other places pedestrians shall be accorded the privileges and shall be subject to the restrictions stated in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-2. - Local ordinances.

§ 31-18-2. Local ordinances.
Local authorities are empowered by ordinance to require that pedestrians shall strictly comply with the directions of any official traffic control signal and may by ordinance prohibit pedestrians from crossing any roadway in a business district or any designated highways except in a crosswalk.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-3. - Right-of-way in crosswalk.

§ 31-18-3. Right-of-way in crosswalk.
(a)
When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger, but no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. This provision shall not apply under the conditions stated in § 31-18-6.
(b)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4 and in addition to any other penalty provided by law, a judge or magistrate shall impose a mandatory fine of one hundred dollars ($100) for a second or any subsequent violation of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-3; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 15; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 113.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-4. - Overtaking of vehicle stopped for pedestrian.

§ 31-18-4. Overtaking of vehicle stopped for pedestrian.
(a)
Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
(b)
Whenever there are no markings to the contrary, there shall be a presumption that there is an unmarked crosswalk at any intersection.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-4; P.L. 1999, ch. 383, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-5. - Crossing other than at crosswalks.

§ 31-18-5. Crossing other than at crosswalks.
Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-5; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 113.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-6. - Crossing where tunnel or overhead is provided.

§ 31-18-6. Crossing where tunnel or overhead is provided.
Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-7. - Crossing between intersections.

§ 31-18-7. Crossing between intersections.
Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-8. - Due care by drivers.

§ 31-18-8. Due care by drivers.
Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter or the provisions of any local ordinance, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human-powered vehicle upon any roadway, shall give an audible signal when necessary, and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused, intoxicated, or incapacitated person. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-8; P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 5; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 113.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-9. - Right half of crosswalks.

§ 31-18-9. Right half of crosswalks.
Pedestrians shall move, whenever practicable, upon the right half of crosswalks.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-10. - Walking in street prohibited.

§ 31-18-10. Walking in street prohibited.
Where sidewalks are provided it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. Where sidewalks are provided it shall be lawful for a person to run or jog along and upon an adjacent roadway, and if the person shall begin to walk he or she shall walk upon an available sidewalk.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-10; P.L. 1984, ch. 298, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-11. - Walking, jogging, or running on left.

§ 31-18-11. Walking, jogging, or running on left.
(a)
Where sidewalks are not provided any person walking, jogging, or running along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk, jog or run only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction. Under no circumstances shall anyone walk, run, or jog on any interstate highway within this state.
(b)
Any person jogging or running during the time from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, shall, in addition, wear reflective material which is visible by low beam headlamps from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500′). In no event, shall the failure to wear reflective clothing be considered as contributing negligence, nor shall the failure to wear reflective clothing be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.
(c)
Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be fined fifteen dollars ($15.00). If the person has been charged with failure to wear reflective material they shall be issued a citation. If any person issued a citation presents proof of purchase of reflectorized clothing or the minimum amount of reflectorized material to the issuing police department within ten (10) days, the department shall void the violation. Should an individual issued a citation fail to present the proof of purchase within the prescribed time, he or she shall be fined fifteen dollars ($15.00). The fine shall be paid by mail and paid to the traffic tribunal and shall not be recorded on the driving record of the violator.
(d)
Any person found to have violated the provisions of this section more than once shall, upon conviction, be fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each subsequent conviction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-11; P.L. 1984, ch. 298, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-11.1. - Severability.

§ 31-18-11.1. Severability.
If any portion or provision of §§ 31-18-10 and 31-18-11 is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the remaining parts or provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 298, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-12. - Hitchhiking in road.

§ 31-18-12. Hitchhiking in road.
No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any vehicle. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 29, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-12; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 113.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-13. - Use of white cane restricted to blind persons.

§ 31-18-13. Use of white cane restricted to blind persons.
It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind, while on any public street or highway, to carry in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2255, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-14. - Full stop for pedestrian with guide dog or white cane.

§ 31-18-14. Full stop for pedestrian with guide dog or white cane.
Whenever a pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway guided by a seeing-eye guide dog or a hearing-ear signal dog clearly identified as such by a yellow harness, which has been trained and educated to guide and assist the pedestrian in traveling upon the public streets; or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection, or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross, shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at the intersection or place of crossing, and before proceeding shall take any precautions that may be necessary to avoid injuring the pedestrian.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2255, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-14; P.L. 1979, ch. 159, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-15. - Pedestrians who are blind or deaf not guided by dog or carrying white cane.

§ 31-18-15. Pedestrians who are blind or deaf not guided by dog or carrying white cane.
Nothing contained in §§ 31-18-13 — 31-18-16 shall be construed to deprive any person who is blind, visually impaired, or deaf, but not carrying a cane or walking stick, or not being guided by a dog, of the rights and privileges conferred by law upon pedestrians crossing streets or highways. In no case shall the failure of the person who is blind, visually impaired or deaf to carry a cane or walking stick, or to be guided by a guide or signal dog upon the streets, highways, or sidewalks of this state, be held to constitute nor be evidence of contributory negligence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2255, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-15; P.L. 1979, ch. 159, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 70; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 70.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-16. - Penalty for violations as to people who are blind.

§ 31-18-16. Penalty for violations as to people who are blind.
Any person who violates any provision of §§ 31-18-13 — 31-18-15, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2255, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-18-16; P.L. 1981, ch. 62, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 284, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 383, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-16.1. - Failure to stop on red signal for blind person at intersection.

§ 31-18-16.1. Failure to stop on red signal for blind person at intersection.
Any person who shall violate the provisions of § 31-13-6(3)(i) at an intersection where a pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway guided by a seeing-eye dog or a hearing-ear signal dog, clearly identified by a yellow harness, which has been trained and educated to guide and assist the pedestrian in traveling upon the public streets, or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 78, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-17. - Pedestrians on freeways.

§ 31-18-17. Pedestrians on freeways.
Any pedestrian who shall cross any freeway as defined by § 24-10-1, except in an emergency or to render assistance in case of an accident or unforeseen cause, shall be deemed to be guilty of a civil violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 19, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-18. - Right-of-way on sidewalks.

§ 31-18-18. Right-of-way on sidewalks.
The driver of a vehicle crossing a sidewalk shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic proceeding along and upon the sidewalk. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 6; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 113.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-19. - Negligence of children.

§ 31-18-19. Negligence of children.
A violation of any provision of this chapter by a child under the age of fourteen (14) shall not constitute negligence per se although a violation may be considered as evidence of negligence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-20. - Wheelchairs — Rights and duties.

§ 31-18-20. Wheelchairs — Rights and duties.
(a)
Every person operating a wheelchair upon a sidewalk or roadway shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to a pedestrian.
(b)
Every person riding a motorized wheelchair on a bicycle lane, trail or path shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a bicycle operating on a bicycle lane trail or path except: (1) when those rights or duties, by their very nature, can have no application; or (2) as otherwise specifically provided under chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 116, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 337, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 4; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-20.1. - Operation of wheelchairs — Lamps and other equipment required.

§ 31-18-20.1. Operation of wheelchairs — Lamps and other equipment required.
(a)
Any wheelchair, motorized or manual, operating upon roadways, when in use at nighttime, shall be equipped with: a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred (500′) feet to the front.
(b)
Every wheelchair shall be equipped with a red reflector of a type approved by the division of motor vehicles which shall be visible from six hundred (600′) feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.
(c) Side Reflectors.
Every wheelchair operating upon roadways, when in use at nighttime, shall be equipped with a minimum of twenty (20) square inches on each side of the wheelchair of white reflective material on the wheels or tires to indicate as nearly as possible the continuous circular shape and size of the wheels or tires of each wheelchair. All reflective material shall be visible during the hours of darkness from five hundred (500′) feet when viewed under lawful low beam headlights under normal atmospheric conditions on straight, level, unlighted roadway, and shall meet the requirements as prescribed by the division of motor vehicles.
(d)
No person shall sell a wheelchair, new or used, that is not equipped with side reflectors, rear reflectors and front white light as required by this section. Wheelchairs sold to institutions for the exclusive use inside facilities shall be exempt from this section, provided that no exempt wheelchair shall be used upon roadways.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 337, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-20.2. - Wheelchair use in roadway prohibited.

§ 31-18-20.2. Wheelchair use in roadway prohibited.
Where sidewalks with curb-cuts and at least thirty-two (32) inches of unobstructed clear width are provided it shall be unlawful for any user of a manual or motorized wheelchair to wheel along and upon an adjacent roadway.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 337, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-21. - Pedestrians and bike facilities.

§ 31-18-21. Pedestrians and bike facilities.
Except in the cases of limited access roads, and/or roads of less than twenty-three feet (23′) in width, the director of the department of transportation is authorized and directed to provide for the accommodation of bicycle and pedestrian traffic in the planning, design, construction and reconstruction, and to consider this in the resurfacing and striping of any project undertaken by the department, unless the director, after appropriate review by the director or his or her designees, determines that the inclusion of bike facilities and pedestrian access would be contrary to acceptable standards of public safety, degrade environmental or scenic quality, or conflict with existing right-of-way. In his or her deliberations, the director shall take into consideration the cost of the facilities in relationship to available funding. Bike facilities may include bicycle lanes, routes, paths or trails; permeable paved shoulders; and/or signage.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 102, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 65; P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 4; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-18 - Pedestrians › Section 31-18-22. - Public information and education on the rights of pedestrians.

§ 31-18-22. Public information and education on the rights of pedestrians.
A program of public information and education designed to educate the motoring public to the rights of pedestrians shall be developed by the department of transportation’s office on highway safety. The department of transportation’s office on highway safety, in cooperation with the department of health, shall study the effectiveness of the implementation of this section and shall submit to the general assembly a report containing its findings by July 1, 2000.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 383, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-1. - Violations.

§ 31-19-1. Violations.
It is a violation for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter. The violations shall be adjudicated administratively under the provisions of chapter 41.1 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-1.1, 31-19-1.2. - Repealed.

§ 31-19-1.1, 31-19-1.2. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 640, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2007, ch. 432, § 2, effective July 7, 2007.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-2. - Responsibility of parent or guardian.

§ 31-19-2. Responsibility of parent or guardian.
The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any child or ward to violate any of the provisions of chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-2.1. - Helmets required on bicycle operators, bicycle passengers, skateboarders, rollerskaters, inline skaters, and scooter riders ages fifteen (15) and younger.

§ 31-19-2.1. Helmets required on bicycle operators, bicycle passengers, skateboarders, rollerskaters, inline skaters, and scooter riders ages fifteen (15) and younger.
Any person fifteen (15) years of age or younger who is operating or who is a passenger on a bicycle or who is using or operating a skateboard, rollerskates, scooter or inline skates on a public highway, bicycle trail or path, shared use path, park and/or recreational area, school property or on any other public right of way shall wear a helmet. The helmet shall fit the person’s head and shall be secured to the person’s head by straps while the person is operating the bicycle, skateboard, scooter, rollerskates or inline skates. The helmet shall meet the standards for helmets established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or subsequent standards. In no event shall failure to wear a helmet be considered as contributory or comparative negligence, nor shall the failure to wear a helmet be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 192, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 202, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 249, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-3. - Applicability of traffic laws.

§ 31-19-3. Applicability of traffic laws.
Every person riding an electric personal assistive mobility device (“EPAMD”), riding an electric motorized bicycle, or propelling a vehicle by human power shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle by chapters 12 — 27 of this title, except as to special regulations in this chapter and except as to those provisions of chapters 12 — 27 of this title which by their nature can have no application. This section shall not forbid a bicyclist, EPAMD or electric motorized bicycle from traveling upon the shoulders of the highway except for those highways which prohibit bicyclists; provided, that an EPAMD shall possess all the rights and obligations of a pedestrian, but shall not have the rights and responsibilities of the operator of a motor vehicle and that cities and towns may regulate the operation of an EPAMD. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2; P.L. 1980, ch. 329, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 56, § 4; P.L. 2002, ch. 136, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 116; P.L. 2002, ch. 397, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-4. - Excessive number of persons on bicycle.

§ 31-19-4. Excessive number of persons on bicycle.
No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped, except when transporting a child six (6) years of age or younger in a rear-mounted bicycle carrier and/or trailer that meets mandatory and various industry standard specifications as developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 249, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-5. - Clinging to vehicles.

§ 31-19-5. Clinging to vehicles.
(a)
No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle shall attach it or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway.
(b)
This section shall not prohibit attaching a trailer or semi-trailer to a bicycle if that trailer or semi-trailer has been designed for this attachment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-6. - Bicycles to right of road.

§ 31-19-6. Bicycles to right of road.
Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction except where official traffic control devices (signs or pavement markings) specifically direct bicyclists to do otherwise.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 5; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-7. - Number of bicycles abreast.

§ 31-19-7. Number of bicycles abreast.
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on bicycle trails or paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two (2) abreast shall not unduly impede traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 5; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-8. - Repealed.

§ 31-19-8. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1980, ch. 329, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-9. - Carrying articles.

§ 31-19-9. Carrying articles.
No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents the use of both hands in the control and operation of the bicycle. A person operating a bicycle shall keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-10. - Lamps and other equipment on bicycles.

§ 31-19-10. Lamps and other equipment on bicycles.
(a) Front lamp.
Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500′) to the front.
(b) Rear reflector.
Every bicycle shall be equipped with a red reflector of a type approved by the division of motor vehicles which shall be visible for six hundred feet (600′) to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500′) to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.
(c) Pedal reflectors.
No person shall sell a new bicycle or a pedal for use on a bicycle that is not equipped with a reflector of a type approved by the department, on each pedal of the bicycle which is visible from the front and rear of the bicycle during darkness from a distance of two hundred feet (200′) nor shall any person operate a bicycle without reflective pedals.
(d) Sirens or whistles.
A bicycle shall not be equipped with, nor shall any person use a bicycle equipped with, a siren or whistle.
(e) Brakes.
No person shall sell a bicycle, new or used, that is not equipped, and every bicycle, excluding bicycles that are especially designed and made for off-road use, shall be equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable the operator to stop the bicycle within twenty-five feet (25′) at a speed of ten (10) mph on dry, level, clean pavement.
(f) Side reflectors.
Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a minimum of twenty (20) square inches on each side of the bicycle of white reflective material on the wheels or tires to indicate as nearly as possible the continuous circular shape and size of the wheels or tires of each bicycle. All reflective materials used in compliance with this statute shall be visible during the hours of darkness from five hundred feet (500′) when viewed under lawful low beam headlamps under normal atmospheric conditions on a straight, level, unlighted roadway, and shall meet the requirements as prescribed by the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 423, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles › Section 31-19-11. - Bicycles and motorized wheelchairs on sidewalks and crosswalks.

§ 31-19-11. Bicycles and motorized wheelchairs on sidewalks and crosswalks.
A person may ride any vehicle operated by human power or may operate a motorized wheelchair or an electric personal assistive mobility device (“EPAMD”) as defined in § 31-1-3 upon and along a sidewalk, a bicycle lane, a bicycle route or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, unless prohibited by official traffic-control devices (signs).
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 116, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 56, § 4; P.L. 2002, ch. 136, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 397, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 5; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 5.