§ 31-19-2.1. Helmets required on bicycle operators, bicycle passengers, skateboarders, rollerskaters, inline skaters, and scooter riders ages fifteen (15) and younger.
Any person fifteen (15) years of age or younger who is operating or who is a passenger on a bicycle or who is using or operating a skateboard, rollerskates, scooter or inline skates on a public highway, bicycle trail or path, shared use path, park and/or recreational area, school property or on any other public right of way shall wear a helmet. The helmet shall fit the person’s head and shall be secured to the person’s head by straps while the person is operating the bicycle, skateboard, scooter, rollerskates or inline skates. The helmet shall meet the standards for helmets established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or subsequent standards. In no event shall failure to wear a helmet be considered as contributory or comparative negligence, nor shall the failure to wear a helmet be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.
History of Section.P.L. 1995, ch. 192, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 202, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 249, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles
Chapter 31-19 - Operation of Bicycles
Section 31-19-1. - Violations.
Section 31-19-1.1, 31-19-1.2. - Repealed.
Section 31-19-2. - Responsibility of parent or guardian.
Section 31-19-3. - Applicability of traffic laws.
Section 31-19-4. - Excessive number of persons on bicycle.
Section 31-19-5. - Clinging to vehicles.
Section 31-19-6. - Bicycles to right of road.
Section 31-19-7. - Number of bicycles abreast.
Section 31-19-9. - Carrying articles.
Section 31-19-10. - Lamps and other equipment on bicycles.
Section 31-19-11. - Bicycles and motorized wheelchairs on sidewalks and crosswalks.
Section 31-19-12. - Bicycles on sidewalks and crosswalks — Rights and duties.
Section 31-19-13. - Bicycle parking.
Section 31-19-14. - Turn and stop signals.
Section 31-19-15. - Left turns.
Section 31-19-16. - Bicycle identifying number.
Section 31-19-17. - Inspecting bicycles.
Section 31-19-18. - Bicycle racing.
Section 31-19-19. - Use of coasters, roller skates, and similar devices restricted.
Section 31-19-20. - Sale of new bicycles.
Section 31-19-21. - Sale of used bicycles.
Section 31-19-22. - Use of pedal carriages and rickshaws in the town of New Shoreham.