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 classifies violations of sections 46-27-2(b) and 46-27-2(h) as misdemeanors, which can result in fines not to exceed $500 and the 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 any rules or regulations set by the Department of Environmental Management related to the operation of personal watercraft 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 these violations. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
554: 46-27-4