reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-3. - Removal of vehicle obstructing traffic on bridge or in tunnel.

§ 31-21-3. Removal of vehicle obstructing traffic on bridge or in tunnel.
Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle, whether attended or unattended, disabled upon any bridge or causeway or in any tunnel where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic, the officer is authorized to provide for the removal of the vehicle to the nearest garage, service station, or other place of safety.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 32, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-21-3; P.L. 1965, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-5. - Unauthorized movement of vehicle into prohibited area.

§ 31-21-5. Unauthorized movement of vehicle into prohibited area.
No person shall move a vehicle not lawfully under his or her control into any prohibited area or away from a curb to a distance that is unlawful.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 32, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-21-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-6. - Admission or discharge of passengers.

§ 31-21-6. Admission or discharge of passengers.
The driver of any vehicle admitting or discharging passengers to or from his or her vehicle shall do so as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 32, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-21-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-7. - Parallel parking — Proximity to curb.

§ 31-21-7. Parallel parking — Proximity to curb.
Except as otherwise provided in §§ 31-21-8 and 31-21-9, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a roadway where there are adjacent curbs shall be stopped or parked with the right-hand wheels of the vehicle parallel to and within twelve inches (12") of the right-hand curb.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 32, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-21-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-8. - Left curb parking.

§ 31-21-8. Left curb parking.
Local authorities may by ordinance permit parking of vehicles with the left-hand wheels adjacent to and within twelve inches (12") of the left-hand curb of a one-way roadway.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 32, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-21-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-9. - Angle parking.

§ 31-21-9. Angle parking.
Local authorities may by ordinance permit angle parking on any roadway, except that angle parking shall not be permitted on any federal aid or state highway unless the state traffic commission has determined by resolution or order entered in its minutes, that the roadway is of sufficient width to permit angle parking without interfering with the free movement of traffic.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 32, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-21-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-10. - Restriction of parking on state highways.

§ 31-21-10. Restriction of parking on state highways.
The state traffic commission, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may place signs prohibiting or restricting the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on any highway where in its opinion, as evidenced by resolution or order entered in its minutes, such stopping, standing, or parking is dangerous to those using the highway or where the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles would unduly interfere with the free movement of traffic on it. The signs shall be official signs and no person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in violation of the restrictions stated on the signs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 32, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-21-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-10.1. - Removal of vehicles parked in excess of twenty-four hours.

§ 31-21-10.1. Removal of vehicles parked in excess of twenty-four hours.
No motor vehicle shall be parked upon any highway under the jurisdiction of the state traffic commission for a continuous period in excess of twenty-four (24) hours. Any law enforcement officer, state or municipal, may order the removal of the vehicle by towing. Any charges incurred for the towing shall be recoverable from the owner of the vehicle by the state or the municipality paying for the towing by civil action commenced in the district court for the district in which the illegal parking occurred. The civil action shall not be available, however, if the owner of the vehicle pays towing charges directly to the person who furnished the towing services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1966, ch. 138, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-11. - Removal of disabled vehicle obstructing traffic on state highway, state bridge, or state tunnel.

§ 31-21-11. Removal of disabled vehicle obstructing traffic on state highway, state bridge, or state tunnel.
Whenever a vehicle, whether attended or unattended, is disabled upon any state highway, state bridge, state causeway, or in a state tunnel where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic, the department of transportation is authorized to remove, or to provide for the removal of, the vehicle to the nearest garage, service station, or other place of safety at no expense to the owner or operator of the disabled vehicle for its removal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 165, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 17; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-12. - Acquisition, maintenance, and operation of tow trucks by department of transportation.

§ 31-21-12. Acquisition, maintenance, and operation of tow trucks by department of transportation.
The department of transportation is authorized to acquire, equip, maintain and operate not more than four (4) tow trucks, and to assign state employees to the trucks for the removal of disabled motor vehicles from state highways, state bridges, state causeways, or state tunnels in accordance with § 31-21-11.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 165, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 17; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-13. - Repealed.

§ 31-21-13. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 226, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1980, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-14. - Opening vehicle doors.

§ 31-21-14. Opening vehicle doors.
No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the roadways, streets, or highways of this state, available to moving traffic, unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles on sidewalks, shoulders, or bicycle lanes. No person shall leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles on sidewalks, shoulders or bicycle lanes, for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be fined as provided in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 58, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 118; P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 6; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 6; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-15. - Temporary no parking.

§ 31-21-15. Temporary no parking.
In the event that the state or any municipality creates a temporary parking ban in a given area, any signs within that area allowing parking shall be covered in such a manner that the lettering on the signs shall not be visible, provided that, the provisions of this section pertaining to the covering of signs need not be complied with during any snow emergency or other emergency, or when the state or municipality is conducting any street sweeping or other maintenance activities. Any costs to be incurred shall be borne by the municipality in which the signs are located, and the provisions of this section shall not be considered as state mandated costs pursuant to chapter 13 of title 45.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 419, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-16. - Liability of owner, operator, and lessee.

§ 31-21-16. Liability of owner, operator, and lessee.
(a)
The owner of a rented or leased motor vehicle shall be entitled to establish non-liability for parking violations by providing to the traffic tribunal or any municipality which has jurisdiction over parking tickets, a copy of a written rental or lease agreement which shall be prima facie evidence that the lessee was the operator of the vehicle.
(b)
The issuing authority shall provide to the owner of a rented or leased vehicle a notice, in writing, of each parking violation in which a motor vehicle owned by the rental or leasing company is involved, including the license number of the vehicle and the date and time of the parking violation. Upon receipt of this notice the owner of a rented or leased vehicle shall inform the issuing authority, within twenty (20) days, to the extent available, the operator’s name, home address, employer, employer’s address, and local address, if any.
(c)
The renter or lessee shall not be considered an agent of the owner if the owner is engaged in the business of renting or leasing vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 419, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-17. - Motorcycle parking privileges.

§ 31-21-17. Motorcycle parking privileges.
(a)
Whenever the proprietor of any shopping center including a shopping mall shall provide for parking spaces designated for use by motorcycles only, then no person shall park any vehicle other than a properly registered motorcycle in the space. Any person who unlawfully parks a vehicle in parking spaces designated for motorcycles shall be fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for a first violation, seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for a second violation, and one hundred dollars ($100) for a third or subsequent violation. The vehicle may be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
(b)
Enforcement of the parking provisions of this section shall be enforced by the local authorities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 497, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21 - Stopping, Standing, and Parking Restrictions › Section 31-21-18. - Electric vehicle charging station parking restrictions.

§ 31-21-18. Electric vehicle charging station parking restrictions.
(a)
For the purposes of this section, “electric vehicle charging station” means a public or private parking space that is served by charging equipment that has as its primary purpose the transfer of electric energy to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.
(b)
No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in any electric vehicle charging station provided on any public or private parking space if the vehicle is not connected to the charging equipment and where the electric vehicle charging station is indicated by signage identifying the station as an electric vehicle charging station and indicating that it is only for electric vehicle charging and subject to a parking violation.
(c)
Enforcement of the parking provisions of this section shall be enforced by the local or state authorities on public or private property when the location of the parking spaces is within the purview of the state building code, chapter 27.3 of title 23.
(d)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 204, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 259, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21.1 - Traffic Stops Statistics › Section 31-21.1-2. - Declaration and policy.

§ 31-21.1-2. Declaration and policy.
The general assembly declares that the use of racial profiling for stopping or searching motorists on our public highways is against public policy and violates the civil rights of the motorist. For purposes of this chapter, “racial profiling” means the detention, interdiction or other disparate treatment of an individual on the basis, in whole or in part, of the racial or ethnic status of such individual, except when such status is used in combination with other identifying factors in seeking to apprehend a specific suspect whose racial or ethnic status is part of the description of the suspect. The purpose of this chapter is to conduct a study of the traffic stops by the police to determine whether racial profiling is occurring and to require that police prohibit the practice of racial profiling.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 251, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 230, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 240, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21.1 - Traffic Stops Statistics › Section 31-21.1-3. - Advisory committee — Establishment — Duties.

§ 31-21.1-3. Advisory committee — Establishment — Duties.
(a)
There is established an advisory committee to be called the “traffic stop study advisory committee.” The committee shall consist of thirteen (13) members:
(1)
Three (3) of whom shall be from the house of representatives, not more than two (2) from the same political party, to be appointed by the speaker;
(2)
Three (3) of whom shall be from the senate, not more than two (2) from the same political party, to be appointed by the president of the senate;
(3)
Two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the governor;
(4)
One of whom shall be the attorney general’s designee, who shall be the president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association;
(5)
One of whom shall be the executive director of the Urban League of Rhode Island or his or her designee;
(6)
One of whom shall be the executive director of the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) or his or her designee;
(7)
One of whom shall be the executive director of the Rhode Island commission for human rights or his or her designee; and
(8)
One of whom shall be a representative from a college or university in Rhode Island, who shall be a professor of statistics, to be appointed by the governor.
(b)
The committee shall advise the attorney general throughout the course of the traffic stop study authorized by this chapter. The attorney general shall work in cooperation with the committee and shall keep the committee informed on all matters relating to the implementation and enforcement of this chapter, including but not limited to, information on all data collected and budgetary expenditures. The committee is advisory only with all power under the chapter resting with the attorney general.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 251, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 67.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21.1 - Traffic Stops Statistics › Section 31-21.1-5. - Adoption of written policies.

§ 31-21.1-5. Adoption of written policies.
(a)
Not later than ninety (90) days after January 1, 2004, each police department and the state police shall adopt written policies which shall prohibit the use of racial profiling as the sole reason for stopping or searching motorists for routine traffic stops.
(b)
Copies of the policies adopted pursuant to this section shall be submitted to the attorney general and the committee, and shall be public records.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 251, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 230, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 240, § 2; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21.1 - Traffic Stops Statistics › Section 31-21.1-6. - Data collection and use.

§ 31-21.1-6. Data collection and use.
(a)
Except as otherwise specified in this chapter, data acquired under this section shall be used only for: (1) research or statistical purposes; or (2) in any legal or administrative proceeding to establish an inference of discrimination on the basis of particular identifying characteristics, by court order. All data collected pursuant to this chapter shall be public; provided, that any complaints filed pursuant to § 31-21.1-4(c)(2) shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 28.6 of title 42.
(b)
Any police officer who in good faith records traffic stop information pursuant to the requirements of this chapter shall not be held civilly liable for the act of recording the information unless the officer’s conduct was reckless.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 251, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 331, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 356, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21.1 - Traffic Stops Statistics › Section 31-21.1-7. - Penalties for refusal to act.

§ 31-21.1-7. Penalties for refusal to act.
An organization chartered for the purpose of combating discrimination, racism, or of safeguarding civil liberties, or of promoting full, free, or equal employment opportunities, may seek appropriate relief in a civil action against any police department for failing to collect or transmit the data as required in this chapter, and may be awarded its costs, including attorneys’ fees, for bringing such an action. As a condition precedent to the filing of a civil action by an organization under this section, the organization shall send a notice to the attorney general and the committee identifying the police department which is failing to collect or transmit the data and the organization shall then allow fifteen (15) days to elapse to allow the police department to come into compliance or to allow the attorney general to commence a civil action to enforce compliance with this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 251, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21.2 - Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act of 2015 › Section 31-21.2-1. - Title.

§ 31-21.2-1. Title.
This chapter may be cited as “Racial Profiling Prevention Act of 2004.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 331, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 356, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21.2 - Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act of 2015 › Section 31-21.2-2. - Findings.

§ 31-21.2-2. Findings.
(a)
Municipal and state law enforcement officers play a vital role in protecting the public from crime. The vast majority of police officers discharge their duties professionally and without bias.
(b)
The use by police officers of race, ethnicity, or national origin solely in deciding which persons should be subject to traffic stops, searches and seizures is improper.
(c)
In many communities nonwhite drivers in Rhode Island, subjected to discretionary searches, are twice as likely as whites to be searched.
(d)
In some instances, law enforcement practices may have the unintended effect of promoting racially disparate stops and searches.
(e)
Racial profiling harms individuals subjected to it because they experience fear, anxiety, humiliation, anger, resentment and cynicism when they are unjustifiably treated as criminal suspects.
(f)
Racial profiling damages law enforcement and the criminal justice system as a whole by undermining public confidence and trust in the police, the courts, and criminal law, and thereby undermining law enforcement efforts and ability to solve and reduce crime.
(g)
A comprehensive solution is needed to address racial profiling at the state and local levels.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 331, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 356, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21.2 - Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act of 2015 › Section 31-21.2-3. - Ban on racial profiling.

§ 31-21.2-3. Ban on racial profiling.
No state or municipal law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency shall engage in racial profiling. For purposes of this chapter, “racial profiling” means the detention, interdiction or other disparate treatment of an individual on the basis, in whole or in part, of the racial or ethnic status of such individual, except when such status is used in combination with other identifying factors seeking to apprehend a specific suspect whose racial or ethnic status is part of the description of the suspect, which description is timely and reliable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 331, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 356, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21.2 - Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act of 2015 › Section 31-21.2-4. - Enforcement.

§ 31-21.2-4. Enforcement.
Any individual who alleges a violation of this chapter, other than § 31-21.2-6, may file a civil action for damages and any appropriate and equitable relief in Superior Court. The court may allow a prevailing plaintiff reasonable attorneys’ fees as part of the costs.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 331, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 356, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-21.2 - Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act of 2015 › Section 31-21.2-8. - Complaint procedures.

§ 31-21.2-8. Complaint procedures.
(a)
Each state and municipal law enforcement agency shall establish a procedure to investigate complaints of police misconduct by members of the public against personnel of these agencies, and shall make a written description of the procedure available to the public. Copies of any departmental complaint forms shall be available in at least one governmental location other than the police department. The procedure and forms shall also be made available on any website of a law enforcement agency.
(b)
At a minimum, complaints shall be accepted in person by mail or by facsimile.
(c)
Information on the complaints received by each law enforcement agency shall be compiled on an annual basis by the state police and each municipal law enforcement agency and published in each agency’s annual report and/or on its website. The information compiled by each department shall include the total number of complaints received from the public, a breakdown by category of the type of complaint, and a further breakdown by category of the disposition of the complaints.
(d)
The state police and all municipal law enforcement agencies shall make available as a public record subject to the access to public records act, § 38-2-2(4)(D), law enforcement exemptions:
(1)
Copies of any formal or informal arrangements between the state police or a municipal law enforcement agency and the bureau of immigration and customs enforcement/homeland security investigations concerning the questioning, detention, investigation, arrest, apprehension, stopping, referral or processing of individuals within the state of Rhode Island, including copies of any agreements entered into pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1357(g); and
(2)
Any policies or procedures governing the circumstances under which an inquiry to federal authorities is made to determine a person’s immigration status.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 331, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 356, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 214, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 235, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-1. - Unattended vehicles.

§ 31-22-1. Unattended vehicles.
No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the vehicle, and effectively setting the brake and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. However, the provision for removing the key from the vehicle shall not require the removal of keys hidden from sight about the vehicle for convenience or emergency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-1; P.L. 1977, ch. 117, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-2. - Restrictions on backing.

§ 31-22-2. Restrictions on backing.
The driver of a vehicle shall not back the vehicle unless the movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-2; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-3. - Riding on motorcycles.

§ 31-22-3. Riding on motorcycles.
(a)
A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached to it. The operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two (2) persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side of the operator.
(b)
In no event shall a motorcycle passenger ride in front of the operator. An operator violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a civil violation and upon conviction shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100).
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-3; P.L. 1983, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-3.1. - Riding on motor driven cycles — Passengers prohibited.

§ 31-22-3.1. Riding on motor driven cycles — Passengers prohibited.
A person operating a motor driven cycle as defined in § 31-3-1(i) shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached to it. The operator shall not carry any other person. An operator violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a civil violation and upon conviction shall be fined not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first offense nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for the second or subsequent offenses.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-4. - Overloading of vehicles.

§ 31-22-4. Overloading of vehicles.
(a)
No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such a number of persons, exceeding three (3), as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
(b)
No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in any position as to interfere with the driver’s view ahead or to the sides, or to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
(c)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-4; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-5. - Safety zones.

§ 31-22-5. Safety zones.
No vehicle shall at any time be driven through or within a safety zone. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-5; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-6. - Coasting prohibited.

§ 31-22-6. Coasting prohibited.
(a)
The driver of any motor vehicle when traveling upon a down grade shall not coast with the gears of the vehicle in neutral.
(b)
The driver of a commercial motor vehicle, when traveling upon a down grade, shall not coast with the clutch disengaged.
(c)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-6; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-7. - Following fire apparatus.

§ 31-22-7. Following fire apparatus.
The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business, shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than five hundred feet (500′), or drive into or park the vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-7; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-8. - Crossing fire hose.

§ 31-22-8. Crossing fire hose.
No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when it is laid down on any street, or private driveway to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-8; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-9. - Throwing debris on highway — Snow removal.

§ 31-22-9. Throwing debris on highway — Snow removal.
(a)
No person shall throw or deposit upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon the highway, or likely to deface the beauty or cleanliness of the highway, nor shall any person in removing snow from any driveway, public or private, leave the snow in any condition so as to constitute a hazard on the highway.
(b)
The director of transportation shall post signs advising the public of penalties for throwing debris on the highways.
(c)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-9; P.L. 1958, ch. 106, §§ 1, 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 119; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 18; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-10. - Regulation as to school buses.

§ 31-22-10. Regulation as to school buses.
The division of motor vehicles is authorized to adopt any rules and regulations that it may deem necessary for the safety and protection of school children concerning the type, construction, and equipment of motor vehicles primarily used for the transportation of children to and from schools, to and from child care facilities licensed by the department of children, youth and families, and to and from school sponsored activities including athletics and extra-curricular activities, and the operation of them. It may from time to time alter, rescind, or add to the rules and regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-10; P.L. 1987, ch. 361, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 362, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 424, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 514, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-10.1. - Insurance for school buses.

§ 31-22-10.1. Insurance for school buses.
(a)
Every owner of a school bus or other mass transit vehicle registered with the division of motor vehicles of this state shall insure the vehicle against loss from liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of the vehicle in minimum amounts of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per person and three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) per accident. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall not permit the vehicle to be registered until satisfactory proof of the existence of a policy of insurance providing the coverage required in conformity with the provisions of this section is furnished.
(b)
The term “mass transit vehicle” for the purposes of this section means and includes any motor vehicle with a capacity of ten (10) or more persons which is primarily for the transportation of minors.
(c)
The provisions of this section shall not apply to any motor vehicle owned by the Rhode Island public transit authority pursuant to chapter 18 of title 39.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 218, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-11. - Inspection of school buses.

§ 31-22-11. Inspection of school buses.
(a)
The division of motor vehicles shall inspect or cause to be inspected all school buses used for the transportation of school children as defined in § 31-1-3 at least twice throughout the year. Both of the inspections are to be done at a state certified facility on a semiannual scheduled basis. These inspections will be known as tear down inspections that will include pulling wheels at least once each year if the school bus is equipped with drum brakes and any other work deemed necessary by the state employed or state certified inspectors. Reports of the inspections shall be made in writing and shall be filed with the inspection division of the department of revenue, and the reports shall be available at no cost for public inspection during usual business hours of the division. In the event that a school bus does not pass an inspection and a re-inspection is required, the division of motor vehicles shall impose a fee of one hundred dollars ($100) for each re-inspection.
(b)
Upon receipt of the report, the inspection division shall immediately forward a copy to the registered owner and to the superintendent and school committee of the school district for which the school bus transports children.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-11; P.L. 1968, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 1971, ch. 154, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 297, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 268, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 286, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 16; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 18; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 18; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 21, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-11.1. - Enforcement of inspections of school buses.

§ 31-22-11.1. Enforcement of inspections of school buses.
(a)
Failure of a school bus to appear for a scheduled inspection shall result in that school bus registration being immediately suspended. Notification of the failure to appear and the suspension order shall be sent to the registered owner and to the superintendent and the school committee of the district for which the bus transports children.
(b)
Failure of a school bus to pass any inspection shall result in written notice to the registered owner to bring the bus into compliance within five (5) days or face suspension of the school bus registration. Notification of the failure of the bus to pass inspection shall also be sent to the superintendent and the school department for which the bus transports children.
(c)
The suspensions shall remain in effect until the time that the bus passes inspection. No school bus will be used to transport children after failing an inspection until the time it is brought into compliance and passes inspection. Notification that a bus has passed inspection shall be sent to the registered owner, the school superintendent, and the school committee for which the bus transports children.
(d)
The division of motor vehicles is authorized to enact such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to enforce this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 344, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-11.2. - Maintenance of school buses.

§ 31-22-11.2. Maintenance of school buses.
(a)
All school buses, as defined in § 31-1-3, shall be maintained in a safe operating condition through an approved systematic preventive maintenance program. Defects which could create a hazard for riders or other road users shall be corrected before the vehicle transports children.
(b)
The maintenance program shall be adequate to provide the proper care of all the equipment owned, leased, or contracted, and a written record shall be kept for all repairs conducted on each bus. The records shall be retained for the life of each vehicle and shall transfer with the vehicle when sold, and the record shall be available for inspection by the director of inspections during normal business hours. Included in these records shall be a record of any torque pressure as recommended by the manufacturer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 144, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 16; P.L. 2005, ch. 410, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-11.3. - Random inspection of school buses.

§ 31-22-11.3. Random inspection of school buses.
(a)
The division of motor vehicles, and state and local law enforcement officers, are authorized to stop and conduct a visual inspection of any school bus as defined in 31-1-3, on public roads and highways and in public and private parking areas. The random inspections shall be conducted at a time when no school children are on the school bus. Nothing in this section shall preclude a law enforcement officer from stopping a school bus which is transporting children for any visible violation of applicable safety standards. Whenever a law enforcement officer stops a school bus, he or she shall verify that the vehicle identification number (VIN) listed on the registration card is the same as the VIN listed on the body of the bus.
(b)
Any federal or state employee authorized to stop and inspect trucks on the highways or roads of this state is authorized to conduct inspections of any school bus.
(c)
Any school bus found to be in violation of applicable laws and/or regulations may be immediately impounded, and notification shall be sent to the registered owner, the school superintendent and the school committee for which the bus transports children. The bus shall not be used to transport children until the violation is cured and the bus is inspected by a state employed or state certified inspector.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 344, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-11.4. - School bus drivers pre-trip inspection.

§ 31-22-11.4. School bus drivers pre-trip inspection.
Every school bus driver shall perform a daily pre-trip inspection of his or her assigned vehicle, and shall report promptly and in writing any defect or deficiencies discovered that may affect the safety of the vehicle’s operation or result in mechanical breakdown. Pre-trip inspection and condition reports for school vehicles subject to the motor carrier safety regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) as may be amended from time to time shall be performed in accordance with those regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 344, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 77, § 4; P.L. 2005, ch. 82, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-11.5. - Use of school bus with suspended registration — Penalty.

§ 31-22-11.5. Use of school bus with suspended registration — Penalty.
No registered owner, school superintendent, or driver shall use or allow to be used any school bus for transporting children after notification that the bus registration has been suspended for failure to appear for its scheduled inspection or for failure to pass the inspection. The registered owner of the bus shall be fined an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) for each day the bus is used to transport children in violation of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 344, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-11.7. - Unauthorized school bus entry.

§ 31-22-11.7. Unauthorized school bus entry.
(a)
Any person over eighteen (18) years of age who enters a school bus as defined in § 31-1-3 without prior authorization of the driver or a school official, and who refuses to disembark after being ordered to do so by the driver, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b)
A school district may place a notice at the entrance of the school bus that warns against the unauthorized entry or refusal to disembark prohibited by this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 123, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 16; P.L. 2005, ch. 410, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-11.8. - Unauthorized use of personal wireless communication devices on a school bus.

§ 31-22-11.8. Unauthorized use of personal wireless communication devices on a school bus.
(a)
The use of a personal wireless communications device by a school bus driver shall be prohibited, while the bus is transporting children, except in the case of an emergency.
(b)
Any person who violates any of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
(c)
For a subsequent conviction under this section, a person shall be punished by a fine of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
(d)
For a third or subsequent conviction under this section a person shall be punished by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200).
(e)
If any civil action is brought as a result of a violation of this section, the violation shall be evidence of negligence.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 146, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 251, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 256, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 313, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-11.9. - Use of personal wireless communications devices by minors while operating motor vehicles is prohibited.

§ 31-22-11.9. Use of personal wireless communications devices by minors while operating motor vehicles is prohibited.
(a)
The use of a personal wireless communication device by a minor, while the minor is operating a motor vehicle shall be prohibited, except in the case of an emergency. For purposes of this section, the term “minor” shall include any person less than eighteen (18) years of age.
(b)
Any person who violates any of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
(c)
For a second conviction under this section, a person shall be punished by a fine of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
(d)
For a third or subsequent conviction, a person shall be punished by a fine of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) and/or loss of license until the user reaches his/her eighteenth (18th) birthday.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 322, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 155, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 256, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 313, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-12. - Supervision and inspection of vehicles transporting passengers for hire.

§ 31-22-12. Supervision and inspection of vehicles transporting passengers for hire.
(a)
The division of motor vehicles shall have jurisdiction over the lighting, equipment, safety, and sanitary condition of all taxicabs, buses, jitneys, and other vehicles used for the transportation of passengers for hire, and shall cause an inspection of them to be made before registering the vehicles and from time to time thereafter as it shall deem necessary for the convenience, protection, and safety of passengers and the public.
(b)
A fee of two dollars ($2.00) shall be paid to the division of motor vehicles for each inspection as required by this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 33, § 11; P.L. 1954, ch. 3275, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-22-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-13. - Abandoned vehicles.

§ 31-22-13. Abandoned vehicles.
The last registered owner, or person having custody and control as authorized by the owner, of any motor vehicle who abandons it as defined by § 31-42-1 on any public or private property other than his or her own, without the permission of the owner or lessee of the property in cases of private property, shall be liable for all costs and expenses incurred by the owner, lessee, or the state or any municipality in the removal of the vehicle from public or private property. Failure to pay the expenses within thirty (30) days of written notice shall be punished by a fine upon conviction, not in excess of two hundred dollars ($200). Upon conviction the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall be notified and shall suspend the license and registration of the last registered owner of the abandoned vehicle until these expenses are paid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 23, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 445, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 401, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-14. - Towing — Costs paid by owner.

§ 31-22-14. Towing — Costs paid by owner.
(a)
The owner, or person having custody and control as authorized by the owner, of any motor vehicle which is towed away from any public roadway because it is in violation of a state law or city or town ordinance, or which is towed from the scene of an accident or breakdown, or which is towed as the result of the lawful detention of an unlicensed operator, including those operating after denial, suspension, or revocation of license, shall be liable for the cost of towing, storage, and other incidental expenses in connection with the towing.
(b)
The owner or operator of this section shall be responsible for the towing, storage and incidental expenses and for the towing or transportation fees to a demolisher or crusher and any crushing preparation fees associated with gas tanks, auto fluff, and battery acid and tire removal which exceed the salvage value of the vehicle.
(c)
Any owner or operator who should fail to pay the costs and expenses set forth in this section within thirty (30) days of the receipt of written notice from the tow company, police department or demolisher shall be punished by a fine upon conviction not in excess of two hundred dollars ($200).
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 445, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-14.1. - Towing — Accident scene.

§ 31-22-14.1. Towing — Accident scene.
Every licensed wrecker who shall render towing services at the scene of an accident shall also have the responsibility to remove all glass and debris at the accident scene from the roadway at the time of rendering the services. A police officer shall remain on the scene of the accident until the licensed wrecker has cleared the roadway from auto debris in accordance with this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 234, § 1.