Chapter 194

2008 -- S 2084

Enacted 07/02/08

A N A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Introduced By: Senators Tassoni, Sosnowski, P Fogarty, and Issa

Date Introduced: January 15, 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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LC00708

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