The bill amends Section 46-27-4 of the Personal Watercraft Safety Act to establish specific penalties for violations related to the operation of personal watercraft. It introduces new provisions that classify violations of sections 46-27-2(b) and 46-27-2(h) as misdemeanors, which can result in fines not to exceed $500 and potential suspension of the privilege to operate a personal watercraft for up to six months for each violation. Additionally, the bill specifies that violations of any other provisions of the chapter or related rules from the Department of Environmental Management will be treated as civil violations, incurring fines of up to $250 for each violation.

The Rhode Island traffic tribunal is granted jurisdiction over all civil infractions related to violations of subsection (b) of this section. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
554: 46-27-4