Title 31
Motor and Other Vehicles

Chapter 3.2
Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles

R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3.2-9

§ 31-3.2-9. Crossing of highways by youthful operators — Prohibitions.

(a) No person under sixteen (16) years of age shall make a direct crossing of a state highway as the operator of a snowmobile or recreational vehicle. A person sixteen (16) years of age or older, but less than eighteen (18) years of age, may make a direct crossing of a highway only if he or she has in his or her immediate possession a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

(b) No one shall carry a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in or on a snow vehicle, a recreational vehicle, or on a trailer or sled attached to one unless such firearm, rifle, or shotgun is unloaded and in an enclosed case, unless he or she is a law enforcement officer or other person authorized to carry arms.

(c) It is unlawful for the owner of a snowmobile or recreational vehicle to permit the snowmobile or recreational vehicle to be operated contrary to the provisions of this section. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to supersede the powers of any department of the state, nor of any city, town, commission, or body having authority to regulate the use of lands, waters, or ways within their respective control, or jurisdiction from adopting rules, regulations, ordinances, or by-laws not repugnant to law as to the operation of snow vehicles or recreational vehicles on such lands, waters, or ways, including the prohibition of such operation. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to constitute a license to operate snow vehicles or recreational vehicles on private land. Any person who operates a snowmobile upon the land of another shall stop and identify himself or herself upon the request of the landowner or his or her duly authorized representative, and if requested to do so by the owner or representative, shall promptly remove the snowmobile from the premises.

History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 117, § 1.