2023 -- H 5294 SUBSTITUTE A
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AN D OTHER VEHICLES -- SPEED RESTRICTIONS
Introduced By: Representatives Hull, J. Lombardi, Tanzi, Felix, Newberry, Slater,
McNamara, and Bennett
Date Introduced: February 01, 2023
Referred To: House Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 31-14-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-14 entitled "Speed 1
Restrictions" is hereby amended to read as follows: 2
31-14-3. Conditions requiring reduced speed. 3
(a) The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements of § 31-14-1, drive 4
at an appropriate, reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade 5
crossing; when approaching and going around a curve; when approaching a hill crest; when 6
traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway; when special hazard exists with respect to 7
pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions; and in the presence of 8
emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights as provided in § 31-24-31, tow trucks, transporter 9
trucks, highway maintenance equipment displaying flashing lights (while performing maintenance 10
operations), and roadside assistance vehicles displaying flashing amber lights while assisting a 11
disabled motor vehicle, and any nonemergency vehicle that is stationary and located on the shoulder 12
or breakdown lane of a roadway or highway. Violations of this section are subject to fines 13
enumerated in § 31-41.1-4. 14
(b) When an authorized vehicle, as described in subsection (a), is parked or standing within 15
twelve feet (12′) of a roadway and, if required pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, is giving a 16
warning signal by appropriate light, the driver of every other approaching vehicle shall, as soon as 17
it is safe, and when not otherwise directed by an individual lawfully directing traffic, do one of the 18
following: 19
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(1) Move the vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest the parked or standing 1
authorized highway maintenance equipment displaying flashing lights (while performing 2
maintenance operations) or, tow truck, transporter trucks, roadside assistance vehicles, emergency 3
vehicle, or nonemergency vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear of the 4
authorized highway maintenance equipment displaying flashing lights (while performing 5
maintenance operations) or, tow truck, transporter trucks, roadside assistance vehicles, emergency 6
vehicle, or non emergency vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has at least two (2) 7
lanes for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle and if the approaching 8
vehicle may change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic. 9
(2) Slow the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the vehicle 10
at a reduced speed until completely past the authorized highway maintenance equipment displaying 11
flashing lights (while performing maintenance operations) or, tow truck, transporter trucks, 12
roadside assistance vehicle, emergency vehicle, or nonemergency vehicle. This paragraph applies 13
only if the roadway has only one lane for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching 14
vehicle or if the approaching vehicle may not change lanes safely and without interfering with any 15
vehicular traffic. 16
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4. 17
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 18
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AN D OTHER VEHICLES -- SPEED RESTRICTIONS
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This act would require those vehicles traveling on any roadway or highway to move over 1
to the left lane or slow down upon approaching a nonemergency vehicle that is stationary on the 2
side of any roadway or highway. 3
This act would take effect upon passage. 4
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