AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 7 co-sponsors

Creates a new offense penalizing two or more recreational vehicles blocking traffic, with penalties up to 2.5 years, fines, and possible vehicle forfeiture.

05/12/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Bill Summary: SB 3037 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Main purpose

An act to redefine legality and penalties for certain reckless or negligent operations of recreational vehicles (RVs) that obstruct vehicle movement. The bill creates a new provision under Rhode Island’s Disorderly Conduct statutes to address situations where a group of two or more RVs hinders traffic, and it establishes penalties including potential forfeiture of the vehicles used in the offense.

Key provisions and changes

New offense created: Section 11-11-8 established.

** offense trigger:** A person operating a recreational vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner that hinders the movement of other vehicles, when done in a group of two or more RVs, on public ways or places with general public access (including invitee/licensee spaces).
Penalties:
Imprisonment for up to 2.5 years.
Fine up to $2,000.
Masking penalty (enhancement): If individuals involved are found to be wearing masks at the time of violation, an additional penalty applies:
Imprisonment for an additional year, or
A fine of up to $500, or both.

Forfeiture of RVs: Vehicles used in the commission of the offense may be forfeited at the discretion of the court.

Disposition of forfeited property: Court order may direct the state/municipality to dispose of the vehicle by official use, public sale, or bidding.
Proceeds use: Funds from sale cover forfeiture-related expenses (seizure, storage, notice, etc.) and the remaining proceeds go to the general fund of the municipality where the crime occurred. Note: If a creditor has a perfected security interest, the security interest is not extinguished; possession of the forfeited property reverts to the creditor.

Scope of “recreational vehicle” definition: A motor vehicle designed for unpaved terrain and deemed unsuitable for public road operation by the Division of Motor Vehicles (or eligible but unregistered for such use).

Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who and what is affected

Individuals and groups operating two or more RVs that obstruct conventional traffic movements in public or invitee/licensed areas.

Recreational vehicles themselves, which may be subject to forfeiture if used in the offense.

Municipalities and local law enforcement through the forfeiture process and related financial handling (proceeds directed to the municipal general fund after costs).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: Introduced March 5, 2026, referred to Senate Judiciary.

Hearing/consideration: Scheduled for May 12, 2026 (per action history).

Enactment timing: The act states it takes effect upon passage (no delayed operative date).

Potential impacts and considerations

Creates a felony-level penalty (up to 2.5 years) for obstructing traffic with multiple RVs, a higher severity than typical disorderly conduct provisions.

Adds a statewide tool to deter coordinated RV blockages on public rights-of-way.

Introduces an optional forfeiture mechanism for vehicles used in such offenses, with corresponding handling and potential creditor considerations.

Adds an enhanced penalty if violators are masked, raising concerns about enforcement and civil liberties considerations during protests or demonstrations.

Could influence RV-related activity on public lands and at events where RVs are used to impede traffic.