2014 -- S 2596

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LC004251

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SPEED RESTRICTIONS

     Introduced By: Senators Jabour, Nesselbush, Crowley, Lombardi, and Lombardo

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2014

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     (Transportation)

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

Restrictions" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-14-3. Conditions requiring reduced speed. -- (a) The driver of every vehicle shall,

consistent with the requirements of section 31-14-1, drive at an appropriate reduced speed when

approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing, when approaching and going

around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding

roadway, when special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of

weather or highway conditions and in the presence of emergency vehicles displaying flashing

lights as provided in section 31-24-31, tow trucks, transporter trucks, highway maintenance

equipment, and roadside assistance vehicles displaying flashing amber lights while assisting a

disabled motor vehicle. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in section 31-

41.1-4.

      (b) When an authorized vehicle as described in subsection (a) is parked or standing

within twelve feet (12') of a roadway and is giving a warning signal by appropriate light, the

driver of every other approaching vehicle shall, as soon as it is safe, and when not otherwise

directed by an individual lawfully directing traffic, do one of the following:

      (1) Move the vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest the parked or standing

authorized highway maintenance equipment or emergency vehicle and continue traveling in that

lane until safely clear of the authorized highway maintenance equipment or emergency vehicle.

This paragraph applies only if the roadway has at least two (2) lanes for traffic proceeding in the

direction of the approaching vehicle and if the approaching vehicle may change lanes safely and

without interfering with any vehicular traffic.

      (2) Slow the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the

vehicle at a reduced speed until completely past the authorized highway maintenance equipment

or emergency vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has only one lane for traffic

proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle or if the approaching vehicle may not

change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.

      Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in section 31-41.1-4.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SPEED RESTRICTIONS

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     This act would require drivers to move a vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest a

parked or standing piece of highway maintenance equipment and would continue traveling in the

lane until safely clear of the highway maintenance equipment.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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