2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-31. - Mobile telephone usage by motor vehicle operators.

§ 31-22-31. Mobile telephone usage by motor vehicle operators.
(a)
For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Engage in a call” means talking into or listening on a hand-held personal wireless communication device, but does not include holding a hand-held personal wireless communication device to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of such telephone.
(2)
“Hand-held personal wireless communication device” means a personal wireless communication device with which a user engages in a call using at least one hand.
(3)
“Hands-free accessory” means an attachment, add-on, built-in feature, or addition to a personal wireless communication device, whether or not permanently installed in a motor vehicle, that, when used, allows the vehicle operator to maintain both hands on the steering wheel.
(4)
“Hands-free personal wireless communication device” means a hand-held personal wireless communication device that has an internal feature or function, or that is equipped with an attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of such hand-held personal wireless communication device, by which a user engages in a call without the use of either hand, whether or not the use of either hand is necessary to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of such telephone.
(5)
“Immediate proximity” means the distance that permits the operator of a hand-held personal wireless communication device to hear telecommunications transmitted over such hand-held personal wireless communication device, but does not require physical contact with such operator’s ear.
(6)
“Mobile telephone” means a personal wireless communication device, analog, wireless, or digital telephone capable of sending or receiving telephone communication without an access line for service.
(7)
“Public utility” means a business that provides electricity, natural gas, water, and communications and other information services to residential and commercial customers.
(8)
“Using” or “use” means holding a hand-held personal wireless communication device to, or in the immediate proximity of, the user’s ear.
(b)(1)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall operate a motor vehicle while using a hand-held personal wireless communication device to engage in a call while such vehicle is in motion.
(2)
An operator of a motor vehicle who holds a hand-held personal wireless communication device to, or in the immediate proximity of, the operator’s ear while such vehicle is in motion is presumed to be engaging in a call within the meaning of this section. The presumption established by this subdivision is rebuttable by evidence tending to show that the operator was not engaged in a call.
(3)
The provisions of this section shall not be construed as authorizing the seizure or forfeiture of a hand-held personal wireless communication device, unless otherwise provided by law.
(4)
Subsection (b)(1) of this section shall not apply to:
(i)
The use of a hand-held personal wireless communication device for the sole purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator; a hospital, physician’s office or health clinic; an ambulance company; a fire department; a police department; or a public utility; or
(ii)
Any of the following persons while in the performance of their official duties and within the scope of their employment: a peace officer, as defined in § 12-7-21, a firefighter or an operator of an ambulance or authorized emergency vehicle, or the operator of a taxi cab, tow truck, or bus without passengers; or employees or agents of a public utility; or
(iii)
The use of a hands-free personal wireless communication device.
(c)
Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100); provided, however, until January 1, 2023, the fine shall be suspended for a first-time violator who provides proof of acquisition of a hands-free accessory subsequent to the violation, but prior to the imposition of a fine.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 180, § 1, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 181, § 1, effective June 27, 2022.