The bill amends Section 31-14-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-14 entitled "Speed Restrictions" to include additional conditions requiring reduced speed. The new legal language inserted specifies that drivers must reduce speed when approaching a stationary nonemergency vehicle located on the shoulder or breakdown lane of a roadway or highway. The bill also expands the existing law to require drivers to either move over to a non-adjacent lane or slow down when passing not only emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and highway maintenance equipment but also transporter trucks, roadside assistance vehicles, and nonemergency vehicles that are stationary and displaying warning lights.

The bill outlines two courses of action for drivers when approaching such vehicles: if safe and possible, move to a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle; if not, maintain a safe speed and pass the vehicle with reduced speed. The bill retains the fines for violations as enumerated in § 31-41.1-4. The explanation by the Legislative Council clarifies that the purpose of the act is to ensure the safety of stationary nonemergency vehicles on roadways or highways by requiring passing vehicles to move over or slow down. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5294  SUB A: 31-14-3
5294: 31-14-3