Chapter
131
2008 -- H 7083
Enacted 07/01/08
A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AND
OTHER VEHICLES -- EMERGENCY VEHICLES
Introduced By: Representatives McNamara, Kilmartin, Petrarca, Shanley, and Lewiss
Date Introduced: January 09, 2008
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, 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
emergency vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear of the
authorized
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 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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LC00309
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