2017 -- H 6006

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LC002224

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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 -- LOW SPEED VEHICLES

     Introduced By: Representatives Donovan, Canario, Mendonca, and Edwards

     Date Introduced: March 24, 2017

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 31-19.4-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-19.4 entitled

"Prudence Island Low Speed Vehicles" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-19.4-1. Prudence Island low speed vehicles Operation of low speed vehicles.

     (a) For the purposes of this chapter, a low speed vehicle means a self-propelled,

electrically or gas powered motor vehicle which: is designed to carry four (4) or fewer persons; is

designed to be, and is, operated at speeds of twenty-five (25) miles per hour or less; and conforms

to the maximum safety equipment requirements as adopted in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standard No. 500, Low Speed vehicles (49 C.F.R. 571.500). Notwithstanding anything to the

contrary, a low speed vehicle may be operated upon the certain roadways of Prudence Island the

state if it meets the requirements of this section.

     (b) Each person operating a low speed vehicle on a roadway of Prudence Island the state

shall possess a valid driver's license issued pursuant to § 31-10-1.

     (c) Every operator of a low speed vehicle shall maintain financial responsibility on such

low speed vehicle if the low speed vehicle is to be operated upon the roadways of Prudence

Island the state.

     (d) Every person operating a low speed vehicle shall be granted all the rights and shall be

subject to all duties applicable to the driver of any motor vehicle except as to the special

regulations in this section and except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no

application.

     (e) The operator of a low speed vehicle shall observe all traffic laws and local ordinances

regarding the rules of the road. A low speed vehicle shall not be operated on a street or a highway

with a posted speed limit greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour. The provisions of this

subsection shall not prohibit a low speed vehicle from crossing a street or highway with a posted

speed limit greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour.

     (f) No person shall operate a low speed vehicle: (1) in any careless way as to endanger

the person or property of another; or (2) while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled

substance. Low speed vehicles shall be manufactured and comply with the standards of the

National Traffic Safety Administration Standards for low speed vehicles as set out in 49 C.F.R.

571.500, as amended.

     (g) A low speed vehicle shall only be operated during the hours of 6:00 am through 6:00

pm.

     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 -- LOW SPEED VEHICLES

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     This act would permit the operation of low speed vehicles on certain Rhode Island roads

under specific conditions.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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