The bill amends Section 31-24-31 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-24, which is entitled "Lighting Equipment and Reflectors," to make changes to the regulations regarding the use of flashing lights and forward viewing or rotary beam lights on vehicles. The amendment specifies that flashing lights are generally prohibited except on authorized emergency vehicles, school buses, snow-removal equipment, or as indicators for turns. It also outlines that certain vehicles, when equipped with the appropriate lamps, can display flashing white or amber lights at the front and red lights at the rear, which must be visible from at least 500 feet away.

The bill further details the types of vehicles allowed to have forward viewing or rotating beam lights, including emergency response vehicles, utility trucks, and vehicles associated with the press, among others. A new insertion allows vehicles of election officials designated by the board of canvassers, who are primarily responsible for the supervision of polling locations, to use amber flashing safety lights. The bill also stipulates a $25 fee for the issuance of a flashing lights permit for certain vehicles, with exceptions for state, town, or fire district safety and maintenance vehicles. Violations of this section are subject to fines. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
384: 31-24-31