§ 31-14-12. Speed limits on bridges and structures.
(a) No person shall drive a vehicle over any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway at a speed which is greater than the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to the bridge or structure, when the structure is signposted as provided in this section.
(b) The state traffic commission upon request from any local authority shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an investigation of any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a highway. If it shall find that the structure cannot with safety to itself withstand vehicles traveling at the speed otherwise permissible under this chapter, the commission shall determine and declare the maximum speed of vehicles which the structure can withstand, and shall cause or permit suitable signs stating the maximum speed to be erected and maintained at a distance of one hundred feet (100′) before each end of the structure.
(c) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this section, proof of the determination of the maximum speed by the commission and the existence of the signs shall constitute conclusive evidence of the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to the bridge or structure.
(d) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 25, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-14-12; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 109.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles
Chapter 31-14 - Speed Restrictions
Section 31-14-1. - Reasonable and prudent speeds.
Section 31-14-2. - Prima facie limits.
Section 31-14-3. - Conditions requiring reduced speed.
Section 31-14-4. - Alteration of prima facie limits by traffic commission.
Section 31-14-7. - Reduction by local authorities of speed limits in open areas.
Section 31-14-8. - Local alteration of limits on state highways.
Section 31-14-9. - Minimum speed.
Section 31-14-10. - Nighttime limits for motor-driven cycles.
Section 31-14-11. - Vehicles with solid rubber or cushion tires.
Section 31-14-12. - Speed limits on bridges and structures.
Section 31-14-12.1. - Special speed limits in highway construction and maintenance operations.