§ 31-13-10.1. Traffic control signal preemption devices.
(a) As used in this section, “traffic control signal preemption device” means any device, either mechanical or electrical, that emits a pulse of light or other signal that, when received by a detector attached to a traffic control signal, changes that traffic control signal to a green light or, if the traffic control signal is already green, extends the duration of the green light.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (d), no retailer or manufacturer shall sell or install any traffic control signal preemption device on a motor vehicle, nor may any such device be transported in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, nor be operated by the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle.
(c) Any person who shall violate the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500), which fine shall be deposited into the state general fund.
(d) Installation of a traffic control signal preemption device is permitted on the following vehicles, and operation of the device is permitted as follows:
(1) Police department vehicles, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red or blue oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights;
(2) Law enforcement vehicles of state or local authorities, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights; and
(3) Vehicles of local fire departments and state or federal firefighting vehicles, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights.
(4) Buses under the operation and/or control of the Rhode Island public transit authority, only when used to prolong a green light signal.
History of Section.P.L. 2004, ch. 384, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 450, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 35, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 263, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles
Chapter 31-13 - Traffic Control Devices
Section 31-13-1. - State traffic commission — Manual of traffic control devices.
Section 31-13-2. - Devices on state highways.
Section 31-13-3. - Devices on local highways.
Section 31-13-4. - Obedience to devices.
Section 31-13-5. - Signs prerequisite to enforcement of provisions.
Section 31-13-6. - Meaning of traffic control signals.
Section 31-13-7. - Signals at places other than intersections.
Section 31-13-8. - Pedestrian control signals.
Section 31-13-9. - Flashing signals.
Section 31-13-10. - Unauthorized signs and devices prohibited.
Section 31-13-10.1. - Traffic control signal preemption devices.
Section 31-13-11. - Injury to signs and devices.
Section 31-13-12. - Traffic control near road construction and maintenance operation.
Section 31-13-13. - Hospital sign indicating emergency treatment facility.