2017 -- H 5689

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LC001813

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - USE OF LANES

     Introduced By: Representative Lauren H. Carson

     Date Introduced: March 01, 2017

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 31-15-12 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-15 entitled "Passing,

Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-15-12. Interval between vehicles.

     (a) 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.

     (b) The operator of a motorcycle, motor scooter, or motor driven cycle may, whenever

reasonable and prudent, occupy the space between vehicles on multi-lane highways when

approaching a traffic control signal at a speed of twenty-five miles per hour (25 mph) or less.

     (c) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001813

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - USE OF LANES

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     This act would permit motorcycle operators to operate in the space between lanes while

approaching traffic lights on multi-lane roads.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001813

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