The bill amends Section 24-12-37 of the Rhode Island General Laws, which pertains to penalties for nonpayment of tolls by users of tolled projects. The bill extends the time period for toll violators to pay the required toll from fourteen days to thirty days after the issuance of a violation. Additionally, if a toll violator fails to pay the toll amount due within this thirty-day period, they will incur a $40 administrative fee on top of the unpaid toll amount. The bill further extends the time for payment of unpaid tolls and administrative fees from forty-five days to sixty days from the issuance of the original violation. Toll evaders, who are defined as those who deliberately avoid paying tolls or are habitual violators, are subject to additional penalties, including potential suspension of their driver's license and fines.

The bill also introduces a requirement for the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority to send an electronic notice to violators when their prepaid toll account balance falls below the minimum required amount or reflects a negative balance. The bill specifies the definitions of "toll violator" and "toll evader," outlines the authority's ability to promulgate rules and regulations, and addresses the retroactive application of the section to toll evaders as of October 1, 2016. It also makes it unlawful for unauthorized entities to sell or offer toll payment evidences. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2453: 24-12-37