Chapter 426

2005 -- H 6572

Enacted 07/19/05

A N A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES -- SCHOOL BUSES

Introduced By: Representative Arthur J. Corvese

Date Introduced: June 07, 2005

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 31-24-54 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-24 entitled "Lighting

Equipment and Reflectors" is hereby amended to read as follows:

31-24-54. Strobe lights on school buses. -- All new school buses, as defined in section

31-1-3(v), shall at all times be equipped with a rear-viewing, rear-mounted white flashing strobe

light, meeting the following requirements:

      (1) A white flashing strobe light will be installed on the roof of a school bus; at a point

not to exceed one-third (1/3) the body length forward from the rear of the roof edge;

      (2) The strobe light will have a single clear lens emitting light three hundred sixty (360)

degrees around its vertical axis and may not extend above the roof more than maximum legal

height;

      (3) The light will not exceed nine inches (9") in height or nine inches (9") in diameter;

      (4) A manual switch and a pilot light will be included to indicate when light is in

operation; and

      (5) The strobe light will be wired to activate with the amber alternately flashing signal

lamps, continuing through the full loading or unloading cycle, with an override switch to allow

activation of the strobe at any time for use in inclement weather. The strobe light shall not be

activated while the bus is moving; and

      (6) 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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LC03340

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