2023 -- S 0357
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LC000889
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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 -- PASSING, USE OF LANES, AND
RULES OF THE ROAD
Introduced By: Senators Gallo, and Ciccone
Date Introduced: February 16, 2023
Referred To: Senate Judiciary
(by request)
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 31-15 of the General Laws entitled "Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules 1
of the Road" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 2
31-15-20.1 Lane splitting permitted. 3
(a) Notwithstanding any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, any 4
motorcycle may be permitted to split lanes; provided that: 5
(1) Traffic is stopped or traveling at a speed of no greater than ten miles per hour (10 mph). 6
(2) The motorcycle operator does not exceed ten miles per hour (10 mph) above the rate of 7
speed of the current traffic flow. 8
(3) The motorcycle operator merges with traffic once the ten miles per hour (10 mph) lane-9
splitting restriction speed has been achieved by the flow of traffic. 10
(4) The posted speed limit on the highway being traveled is greater than fifty miles per 11
hour (50 mph). 12
(b) For the purposes of this section, "lane splitting" means driving a motorcycle, as defined 13
in § 31-1-3, that has two (2) wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving 14
vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. 15
(c) The administrator, as defined in § 31-1-16, is hereby authorized to develop rules and 16
regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, in consultation with the department 17
of public safety. 18
LC000889 - Page 2 of 3
(d) The provisions of this section authorizing lane splitting by motorcycles shall cease on 1
January 28, 2024. 2
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage and shall sunset on January 28, 2024. 3
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LC000889
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LC000889 - Page 3 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AN D OTHER VEHICLES -- PASSING, USE OF LANES, AND
RULES OF THE ROAD
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This act would permit the practice of lane-splitting by motorcycles. 1
This act would take effect upon passage and shall sunset on January 28, 2024. 2
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LC000889
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