reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-13 - Traffic Control Devices › Section 31-13-11. - Injury to signs and devices.

§ 31-13-11. Injury to signs and devices.
No person shall without lawful authority attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down, or remove any official traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal or any inscription, shield, or insignia on it or any other part of it. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 22, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-13-11; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 108.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-13 - Traffic Control Devices › Section 31-13-12. - Traffic control near road construction and maintenance operation.

§ 31-13-12. Traffic control near road construction and maintenance operation.
The standards set forth in section VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, prepared by the National Joint Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, pertaining to situations where traffic must be moved through or around road construction and maintenance operations, are incorporated by reference and are to be considered the minimum standards relative to those situations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 21, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-13 - Traffic Control Devices › Section 31-13-13. - Hospital sign indicating emergency treatment facility.

§ 31-13-13. Hospital sign indicating emergency treatment facility.
The director of transportation is directed to include on all signs indicating a hospital area, directions to a hospital, or the presence of a hospital, and whether the hospital has an emergency treatment facility.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 238, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 13; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-13 - Traffic Control Devices › Section 31-13-14. - Time period to complete projects.

§ 31-13-14. Time period to complete projects.
All projects approved by the state traffic commission pursuant to this chapter shall be completed before the end of the following construction season with the exception of geometric improvements/roundabouts and new signals.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 450, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 477, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 346, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-1. - Reasonable and prudent speeds.

§ 31-14-1. Reasonable and prudent speeds.
No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event, speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, or other conveyance on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 109.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-2. - Prima facie limits.

§ 31-14-2. Prima facie limits.
(a)
Where no special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with § 31-14-1, the speed of any vehicle not in excess of the limits specified in this section or established as authorized in this title shall be lawful, but any speed in excess of the limits specified in this section or established as authorized in this title shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful:
(1)
Twenty-five miles per hour (25 mph) in any business or residence district;
(2)
Fifty miles per hour (50 mph) in other locations during the daytime;
(3)
Forty-five miles per hour (45 mph) in such other locations during the nighttime;
(4)
Twenty miles per hour (20 mph) in the area within three hundred feet (300′) of any school house grounds’ entrances and exits during the daytime during the days when schools shall be open.
(5)
The provisions of subdivision (4) of this subsection shall not apply except when appropriate warning signs are posted in proximity with the boundaries of the area within three hundred feet (300′) of the school house grounds, entrances, and exits.
(b)
Daytime means from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Nighttime means at any other hour.
(c)
The prima facie speed limits set forth in this section may be altered as authorized in §§ 31-14-4 — 31-14-8.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-4. - Alteration of prima facie limits by traffic commission.

§ 31-14-4. Alteration of prima facie limits by traffic commission.
Whenever the state traffic commission shall determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that any prima facie speed set forth in § 31-14-2 is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist at any intersection or other place or upon any part of a highway, the commission may determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit for that place which shall be effective at all times or during hours of daylight or darkness, or at any other times that may be determined when appropriate signs giving notice of limits are erected at the intersection or other place or part of the highway.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-4.1. - Reduction of the prima facie limits in historic districts and on scenic highways.

§ 31-14-4.1. Reduction of the prima facie limits in historic districts and on scenic highways.
Whenever the state traffic commission shall determine that any prima facie limit set forth in § 31-14-2 is greater than is reasonable in any historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places or on any road duly recognized as a scenic highway by the scenic highway board in accordance with the provisions of chapter 14 of title 24, the commission shall determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie limit, in the manner set forth in § 31-14-4, in order to provide for the preservation of the historical character of the district or the scenic quality of the highway, provided that:
(1)
The reduced prima facie limit shall be for a length of road not to exceed one mile or the distance between the boundaries of the district, whichever distance is the lesser, and
(2)
The reduced prima facie limit shall not result in traffic congestion.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 187, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-5. - Reduction by local authorities of speed limits at local intersections and streets within business or residence districts.

§ 31-14-5. Reduction by local authorities of speed limits at local intersections and streets within business or residence districts.
Whenever local authorities within their respective jurisdictions determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the prima facie speed permitted under this chapter at any intersection or local street within a business or residence districts is greater than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist at the intersection, or local street within business or residence districts, the local authority, subject to § 31-14-8, shall determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit at that place, which shall be effective at all times or during hours of daylight or darkness or at any other times that may be determined when appropriate signs giving notice of it are erected at the intersection or local street within a business or residence district or at its approaches.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-5; P.L. 1986, ch. 299, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-6. - Increase by local authorities of speed limits in business and residence districts.

§ 31-14-6. Increase by local authorities of speed limits in business and residence districts.
Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may in their discretion, but subject to § 31-14-8, authorize by ordinance or by authority granted to any organized traffic engineering department, higher prima facie speeds than those stated in § 31-14-2 upon through highways or upon highways or portions of highways where there are no intersections or between widely spaced intersections, which higher prima facie speed shall be effective at all times or during hours of daylight or at any other times that may be determined when signs are erected giving notice of the authorized speed. Local authorities shall not have authority to modify or alter the basic rule set forth in § 31-14-1 or in any event to authorize by ordinance a speed in excess of fifty miles per hour (50 mph) during the daytime or forty-five miles per hour (45 mph) during nighttime.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-7. - Reduction by local authorities of speed limits in open areas.

§ 31-14-7. Reduction by local authorities of speed limits in open areas.
Whenever local authorities within their respective jurisdictions determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the prima facie speed permitted under this chapter upon any street or highway outside a business or residence district is greater than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist upon the street or highway, the local authority may determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie limit on that street or highway, but in no event less than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) and subject to § 31-14-8, which reduced prima facie limit shall be effective at all times or during hours of darkness or at any other times that may be determined when appropriate signs giving notice of the authorized speed are erected upon the street or highway.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-8. - Local alteration of limits on state highways.

§ 31-14-8. Local alteration of limits on state highways.
Alteration of prima facie limits on state highways or extensions of them in a municipality by local authorities shall not be effective until the alteration has been approved by the state traffic commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 3; P.L. 1950 (s.s.), ch. 2639, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-9. - Minimum speed.

§ 31-14-9. Minimum speed.
(a)
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
(b)
Police officers are authorized to enforce this provision by directions to drivers, and in the event of apparent willful disobedience to this provision and refusal to comply with direction of an officer in accordance with this section, the continued slow operation by a driver shall be a civil violation and is subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-9; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 7; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 109.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-10. - Nighttime limits for motor-driven cycles.

§ 31-14-10. Nighttime limits for motor-driven cycles.
No person shall operate any motor-driven cycle at any time mentioned in § 31-24-1 at a speed greater than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) unless the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a head lamp or lamps which are adequate to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of three hundred feet (300′) ahead.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-11. - Vehicles with solid rubber or cushion tires.

§ 31-14-11. Vehicles with solid rubber or cushion tires.
No person shall drive any vehicle equipped with solid rubber or cushion tires at a speed greater than a maximum of ten miles per hour (10 mph).
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-12. - Speed limits on bridges and structures.

§ 31-14-12. Speed limits on bridges and structures.
(a)
No person shall drive a vehicle over any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway at a speed which is greater than the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to the bridge or structure, when the structure is signposted as provided in this section.
(b)
The state traffic commission upon request from any local authority shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway. If it shall find that the structure cannot with safety to itself withstand vehicles traveling at the speed otherwise permissible under this chapter, the commission shall determine and declare the maximum speed of vehicles which the structure can withstand, and shall cause or permit suitable signs stating the maximum speed to be erected and maintained at a distance of one hundred feet (100′) before each end of the structure.
(c)
Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this section, proof of the determination of the maximum speed by the commission and the existence of the signs shall constitute conclusive evidence of the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to the bridge or structure.
(d)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-12; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 109.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-12.1. - Special speed limits in highway construction and maintenance operations.

§ 31-14-12.1. Special speed limits in highway construction and maintenance operations.
(a)
Whenever the department of transportation or local governing unit with jurisdiction over the highways determines that the preexisting established speed limit through a highway construction or maintenance operation is greater than is reasonable or safe with respect to the conditions expected to exist in that operation, it may, on highways under its respective jurisdiction, determine and declare reasonable and safe absolute maximum temporary speed limits applicable through all or part of the operation. A temporary speed limit so determined and declared shall become effective and shall suspend the applicability of any other speed limit prescribed in this chapter when appropriate signs of the design prescribed by the department giving notice of the limits are erected at or along the operation. When these signs are erected, the total of fines, penalties, and costs assessed upon conviction shall be twice the amount otherwise set by the general laws.
(b)
When street, highway or bridge construction, or a maintenance operation is present, the department of transportation or local governing unit with jurisdiction over the street or highway shall erect signs declaring that the fine for a conviction of a traffic violation, as defined by § 31-41.1-4, through the “temporary traffic control zone” shall be doubled. When these signs are erected, the total of the fines, penalties, and costs assessed upon conviction shall be twice the amount otherwise set by the general laws. The prescribed legend for the signs shall be established by the department of transportation.
(c)
For the purposes of this section, “temporary traffic control zone” means that portion of a bridge, street, or highway that is identified by official traffic-control devices. The zone includes the entire section of roadway between the first advance warning sign through the last traffic control device, where traffic returns to its normal path and conditions. This zone shall exist throughout the duration of the construction or maintenance operation or as long as the signs remain.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 14; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions › Section 31-14-13. - Burden of proof in civil actions.

§ 31-14-13. Burden of proof in civil actions.
The provisions of this chapter declaring prima facie speed limitations shall not be construed to relieve the plaintiff in any civil action from the burden of proving negligence on the part of the defendant as the proximate cause of an accident.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-1. - Right half of road.

§ 31-15-1. Right half of road.
Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
(1)
When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing the movement;
(2)
When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair;
(3)
Upon a roadway divided into three (3) marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable to it; or
(4)
Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.
(5)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-2. - Slow traffic to right.

§ 31-15-2. Slow traffic to right.
Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-2; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-3. - Passing of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.

§ 31-15-3. Passing of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.
Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having a width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction, each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-3; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-4. - Overtaking on left.

§ 31-15-4. Overtaking on left.
The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules stated in this chapter:
(1)
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall give a timely, audible signal and shall pass to the left at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
(2)
Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his or her vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
(3)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-4; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-5. - Overtaking on the right.

§ 31-15-5. Overtaking on the right.
(a)
The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(1)
When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
(2)
Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
(b)
The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting the movement in safety. In no event shall the movement be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-5; P.L. 1970, ch. 107, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-6. - Clearance for overtaking.

§ 31-15-6. Clearance for overtaking.
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, unless the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred feet (100′) of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-6; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-7. - Places where overtaking prohibited.

§ 31-15-7. Places where overtaking prohibited.
(a)
No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
(1)
When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver’s view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction;
(2)
When approaching within one hundred feet (100′) of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing;
(3)
When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet (100′) of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
(b)
The limitations in subsection (a) of this section shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.
(c)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-7; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-8. - Posting of no passing zones.

§ 31-15-8. Posting of no passing zones.
The state traffic commission is authorized to determine those portions of any highway where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of the zones. When the signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions given by them. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-8; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-9. - One way highways.

§ 31-15-9. One way highways.
(a)
The state traffic commission may designate any highway or any separate roadway under its jurisdiction for one-way traffic and shall erect appropriate signs giving notice of one-way traffic.
(b)
Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated.
(c)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-9; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-10. - Rotary traffic islands.

§ 31-15-10. Rotary traffic islands.
A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of the island. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-10; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-11. - Laned roadways.

§ 31-15-11. Laned roadways.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others consistent with them shall apply:
(1)
A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.
(2)
Upon a roadway which is divided into three (3) lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is sign-posted to give notice of the allocation.
(3)
Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of the sign.
(4)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-11; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-12. - Interval between vehicles.

§ 31-15-12. Interval between vehicles.
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway, and shall, whenever traveling through a business or residential district, and whenever traffic permits, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy the space without danger. This provision shall not apply to a caravan under police escort or a funeral procession. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-12; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-12.1. - Entering intersections.

§ 31-15-12.1. Entering intersections.
(a)
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not enter an intersection whether or not any traffic signal is green unless there is sufficient space in the roadway he or she is about to enter beyond the intersection to receive his or her vehicle without blocking the intersection. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in section 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. 1962, ch. 204, § 4; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110; P.L. 2013, ch. 339, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 414, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-12.2. - Don’t Block the Box.

§ 31-15-12.2. Don’t Block the Box.
(a)
No operator of a motor vehicle shall proceed into an intersection that has been designated, posted, and marked by a municipality in accordance with subsection (b), except when making a turn, unless there is sufficient space on the opposite side of the intersection to accommodate such motor vehicle without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding the indication of a traffic control signal that would permit such operator to proceed into the intersection.
(b)
Any municipality may, by ordinance, designate one or more intersections within that municipality as “Don’t Block the Box” intersections, to which the provisions of subsection (a) shall apply. The municipality shall:
(1)
Post “Don’t Block the Box” signs, as designed by the state traffic commission so as to have conformity in all municipalities, at each such designated intersection indicating that blocking the intersection is prohibited and violators are subject to a fine; and
(2)
Mark, in white paint, the boundary of such intersection with a line not less than one-foot in width and the area within such boundary line with parallel diagonal lines not less than one-foot in width.
(c)
Prior to January 1, 2017, any motorist who violates this subsection shall be issued a verbal warning only; this verbal warning shall only apply to “Don’t Block the Box” intersections as established by subsection (b).
(d)
Effective January 1, 2017, any motorist who commits a first violation of this section shall be fined one hundred dollars ($100); a second violation of this section shall be fined two hundred fifty dollars ($250); and for a third and subsequent violation of this section, five hundred dollars ($500).
(e)
Any city or town that determines that it has a traffic and safety problem in its community due to violations of this section on state intersections located within its municipality may petition the state traffic commission, created by § 31-13-1, for permission to paint “Don’t Block the Box” lines in accordance with subsection (b).
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 539, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-13. - Divided highways.

§ 31-15-13. Divided highways.
Whenever any highway has been divided into two (2) roadways by leaving an unpaved intervening space or by a physical barrier, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway and no vehicle shall be driven over, across, or within a dividing space, barrier, or section, except through an opening in the physical barrier or dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection established by public authority. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-13; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110; P.L. 2013, ch. 82, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 89, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-14. - Entry or leaving of limited-access roadways.

§ 31-15-14. Entry or leaving of limited-access roadways.
No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any limited-access roadway except at those entrances and exits that are established by public authority. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-14; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-15. - Designation and posting of controlled-access roadways.

§ 31-15-15. Designation and posting of controlled-access roadways.
(a)
The state traffic commission may, by resolution or order entered in its minutes, and local authorities may by ordinance with respect to any controlled-access roadway under their respective jurisdictions, prohibit the use of a roadway by pedestrians, bicycles, or other non-motorized traffic or by any person operating a motordriven cycle.
(b)
The state traffic commission or the local authority adopting the prohibitory regulations shall erect and maintain official signs on the controlled access roadway on which the regulations are applicable and when so erected no person shall disobey the restrictions stated on the signs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 26, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 31-15-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-16. - Use of emergency break-down lane for travel.

§ 31-15-16. Use of emergency break-down lane for travel.
No person shall operate a motor vehicle for travel on the emergency break-down lane of any highway. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 383, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-17. - Crossing bicycle lane.

§ 31-15-17. Crossing bicycle lane.
(a)
A person may not operate a motor vehicle upon a bicycle lane except when making a turn, entering or leaving the roadway or a parking lane, or when required in the course of official duty. An implement of husbandry may momentarily cross into a bicycle lane to permit other vehicles to overtake and pass the implement of husbandry.
(b)
Violations of this section are subject of fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-18. - Unsafe passing of a person operating a bicycle; penalty.

§ 31-15-18. Unsafe passing of a person operating a bicycle; penalty.
(a)
A driver of a motor vehicle commits the offense of unsafe passing of a person operating a bicycle if the driver violates any of the following requirements:
(1)
The driver of a motor vehicle may only pass a person operating a bicycle by driving to the left of the bicycle at a safe distance and returning to the lane of travel once the motor vehicle is safely clear of the overtaken bicycle. For the purposes of this subdivision, a “safe distance” means a distance that is sufficient to prevent contact with the person operating the bicycle if the person were to fall into the driver’s lane of traffic. This subdivision does not apply to a driver operating a motor vehicle:
(i)
In a lane that is separate from and adjacent to a designated bicycle lane;
(ii)
At a speed not greater than fifteen miles per hour (15 mph); or
(iii)
When the driver is passing a person operating a bicycle on the person’s right side and the person operating the bicycle is turning left.
(2)
The driver of a motor vehicle may drive to the left of the center of a roadway to pass a person operating a bicycle proceeding in the same direction only if the roadway to the left of the center is unobstructed for a sufficient distance to permit the driver to pass the person operating the bicycle safely and avoid interference with oncoming traffic. This subdivision does not authorize driving to the left of center of a roadway when prohibited under § 31-15-1 (failure to drive on right), § 31-15-3 (passing of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions) or § 31-15-13 (divided highway).
(b)
The driver of a motor vehicle that passes a person operating a bicycle shall return to an authorized lane of traffic as soon as practicable.
(c)
Violations of this section are subject to the fine enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
(d)
This section may be cited as “Frank’s Law.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 92, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 132, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-19. - Two-way left turn lanes.

§ 31-15-19. Two-way left turn lanes.
A two-way left turn lane may be designated near the center of a roadway for use by vehicles making left turns in both directions from or into the roadway.
(1)
Two-way left turn lanes shall be designated by distinctive roadway markings consisting of parallel double yellow lines, interior line dashed and exterior line solid on each side of the lane. The department of transportation may determine and prescribe standards and specifications governing length, width, and positioning of the distinctive pavement markings. All pavement markings designating a two-way left turn lane shall conform to the department of transportation’s standards and specifications.
(2)
A vehicle shall not be driven in a designated two-way left turn lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into a highway or when preparing for or making a U-turn when otherwise permitted by law, and shall not be driven in that lane for more than two hundred feet (200′) while preparing for and making the turn or while preparing to merge into the adjacent lanes of travel. A left turn or U-turn shall not be made from any other lane where a two-way left turn lane has been designated.
(3)
This section shall not prohibit driving across a two-way left turn lane.
(4)
Raised pavement markers may be used to simulate painted lines described in this section when such markers are placed in accordance with standards established by the department of transportation.
(5)
Upon any vehicle entering the turn lane, no other vehicle proceeding in the opposite direction shall enter that turn lane if that entrance would prohibit the vehicle already in the lane from making the intended turn.
(6)
When vehicles enter the turn lane proceeding in opposite directions, the first vehicle to enter the lane shall have the right-of-way.
(7)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 305, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 325, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-15 - Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road › Section 31-15-20. - Unsafe passing of a vulnerable road user.

§ 31-15-20. Unsafe passing of a vulnerable road user.
(a)
For purposes of this section, “vulnerable road user” means:
(1)
A pedestrian who is acting in compliance with chapter 18 of this title;
(2)
A bicyclist who is acting in compliance with chapter 19 of this title;
(3)
A police officer or emergency worker on duty when outside of a vehicle;
(4)
A highway worker performing duties outside of a vehicle;
(5)
A person riding on or driving a wheelchair, motorized or not, who is acting in compliance with chapter 18 of this title;
(6)
A person using a skateboard, inline skates, or roller skates who is acting in compliance with chapter 19 of this title;
(7)
A person riding on or driving an animal;
(8)
A person riding on a scooter who is acting in compliance with chapter 19.1 of this title.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of the general or public laws to the contrary, any person, while operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway, who fails to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a vulnerable road user, who is the proximate cause of injury, serious injury, or death to the vulnerable road user, shall be guilty of an offense pursuant to this section and shall be sentenced, in addition to any other applicable criminal or civil statute, as follows:
(1)
When bodily injury of a vulnerable road user is caused by a violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200).
(2)
When serious bodily injury of a vulnerable road user is caused by a violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500), and the driver’s license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months.
(3)
When the death of a vulnerable road user is caused by a violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) and the 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. 2021, ch. 63, § 1, effective June 25, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 66, § 1, effective June 25, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-16 - Starting, Stopping, and Turns › Section 31-16-1. - Care in starting from stop.

§ 31-16-1. Care in starting from stop.
No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing, or parked unless and until the movement can be made with reasonable safety. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-1; 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 31-16-2. - Manner of turning at intersection.

§ 31-16-2. Manner of turning at intersection.
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:
(1) Right turns.
(i)
Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(ii)
Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign or other traffic control device shall be granted the right-of-way.
(2) Left turns on two-way roadways.
(i)
At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersections, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line of it and by passing to the right of the center line where it enters the intersection, and, after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.
(ii)
Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign or other traffic control device shall be granted the right of way.
(3) Left turns on other than two way roadways.
(i)
At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one direction on one or more of the roadways, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at an intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and, after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection, as nearly as practicable, in the left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction upon the roadway being entered.
(ii)
Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign, or other traffic control device, shall be granted the right-of-way.
(4)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-2; P.L. 1999, ch. 383, § 1; 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 31-16-3. - Marking of turn-paths at particular intersections.

§ 31-16-3. Marking of turn-paths at particular intersections.
(a)
Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may place markers, buttons, or signs within or adjacent to intersections, and require and direct that a different course from that specified in § 31-16-2 be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when markers, buttons, or signs are so placed, no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by the markers, buttons, or signs.
(b)
In view of the fact that there are many intersections, including “T” intersections, where large numbers of vehicles turn left, local authorities and traffic officers should permit and direct vehicles to turn left in two (2) lines at those intersections.
(c)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-3; 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 31-16-4. - Places where U-turns prohibited.

§ 31-16-4. Places where U-turns prohibited.
No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve or upon the approach to, or near the crest of a grade, where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within five hundred feet (500′). Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 27, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-16-4; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 111.