§ 46-22-9.6. False distress or hoax calls.
(a) Whoever, knowing it to be false, transmits or causes to be transmitted by radio, telephone, use of emergency flares or other means of communication, the alleged occurrence or impending occurrence of an emergency situation which threatens the life, or safety of a person and/or the loss of property, to any state, federal or local law enforcement or other public safety agency shall be guilty of transmitting a false distress or hoax call.
(b) Any person charged with the commission of the foregoing shall, upon conviction, be subject to imprisonment not to exceed one year and a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). In addition to any other fines or penalties imposed under this section, the person or persons convicted shall pay restitution for any cost related to the emergency response to the false or hoax call.
History of Section.P.L. 2001, ch. 32, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 33, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 46 - Waters and Navigation
Chapter 46-22 - Regulation of Boats
Section 46-22-1. - Declaration of policy.
Section 46-22-2. - Definitions.
Section 46-22-3. - Operation of unnumbered motorboats prohibited.
Section 46-22-4. - Identification number and registration fee.
Section 46-22-5. - Classification and required equipment.
Section 46-22-6. - Exemption from numbering provisions of this chapter.
Section 46-22-7. - Boat liveries.
Section 46-22-8. - Muffling devices.
Section 46-22-9. - Prohibited operation.
Section 46-22-9.1. - Houseboats — Exclusion from coastal ponds.
Section 46-22-9.2. - Flotation devices — Children.
Section 46-22-9.3. - Operating so as to endanger, resulting in death.
Section 46-22-9.4. - Operating so as to endanger, resulting in personal injury.
Section 46-22-9.5. - Speeding.
Section 46-22-9.6. - False distress or hoax calls.
Section 46-22-9.7. - Marine safety zones.
Section 46-22-9.8. - Certificate of boating safety education.
Section 46-22-10. - Collisions, accidents, and casualties.
Section 46-22-11. - Transmittal of information.
Section 46-22-12. - Water skis and surfboards.
Section 46-22-13. - Regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions.
Section 46-22-13.1. - Marine safety zones.
Section 46-22-13.2. - Bridge safety.
Section 46-22-14. - Local regulation.
Section 46-22-15. - Owner’s civil liability.
Section 46-22-15.2. - Service on nonresident.
Section 46-22-15.3. - Process fees as costs — Record of process.
Section 46-22-16. - Boat manufacturers and dealers.
Section 46-22-17. - Enforcement.
Section 46-22-17.1. - Enforcement power of employees of the department of environmental management.
Section 46-22-17.2. - Prosecution of violations.
Section 46-22-17.3. - Refusal to stop on order or command.
Section 46-22-19. - Penalties.
Section 46-22-20. - Severability.
Section 46-22-21. - Reporting of accidents, casualty, vandalism, and thefts.
Section 46-22-22. - Owner required to make written reports.
Section 46-22-23. - Maximum speed within the city of Warwick.
Section 46-22-24. - Scuba divers, skin diving, or snorkeling — Warning flags.