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SB 2718

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ADJUDICATION OF TRAFFIC OFFENSES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

The bill expands administrative handling of many traffic violations and raises speeding fines and possible license suspensions for offenses in residential or school zones.

06/05/2026 Referred to House Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2718

Overview

  • Bill: SB 2718
  • Session: 2026, Rhode Island
  • Committee: Senate Judiciary
  • Purpose: Relates to Adjudication of Traffic Offenses; expands administrative handling of certain traffic violations and adjusts speeding penalties in residential/school zones.

Main purpose and intent

  • Streamline adjudication by allowing administrative handling for a broad list of specified traffic violations under the chapter governing adjudication of traffic offenses.
  • Increase fines for speeding in residential or school zones.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Schedule of violations (administrative handling)

    • Section 31-41.1-4 is amended to enumerate violations that may be handled administratively (without traditional court adjudication) under this chapter.
    • Administrative fines listed for each violation (predominantly $100.00 fines, with some exceptions).
    • Violations in the schedule include:
      • DOT/agency violations, parking-related issues, expired registrations, helmet regulations, inspection requirements, local ordinances, various speeding-related offenses, following distances, improper passing, signals, and numerous other routine traffic infractions.
    • Notable nuance:
      • Some offenses are expressly designated as potentially heard by traffic tribunal or municipal court if severity or need for service makes them non-administrative.
      • One category shows per-offense escalating penalties for certain items (e.g., diesel idling, improper parts/equipment, handicapped placard violations, towing-related offenses, etc.).
    • Speed-related provisions (typical fines in the $95–$100 range) are included in the administrative schedule with specific references to penalties and context.

  2. Speeding penalties in residential or school zones

    • The bill adds explicit speeding penalties for violations in residential or school zones:
      • Up to 10 mph over the limit: fine increases to $175 (from the prior baseline of $95 in the schedule).
      • 11 mph or more over the limit: fine increases to $400 (from the prior structure that varied by statute).
    • These speeding penalties apply in addition to any other penalties the judge may impose within the specified framework.
    • The act specifies potential license suspension:
      • Up to 30 days for speeds up to 10 mph over in public highways (as part of the enhanced penalties).
      • Up to 60 days for speeds over 10 mph over in public highways.
    • Residential/school zone speeding violations have heightened consequences intended to deter dangerous speeding in sensitive areas.

  3. Administrative payment and fees

    • For violations charged administratively under this chapter, payment of the fine would not incur additional costs or assessments (aside from any technology surcharge mandated by another statute).

  4. Effective date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/what would be affected

  • Drivers cited for enumerated traffic offenses listed in the administrative schedule could opt for or be subject to administrative adjudication rather than traditional court proceedings.
  • Local and state traffic enforcement agencies implementing administrative penalties for the listed offenses.
  • Individuals accused of speeding in residential or school zones, who would face higher fines and possible license suspensions for offenses within 12 months of prior speeding offenses.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Legislative path: Introduced February 27, 2026; referred to Senate Judiciary; committee actions through April–May 2026 with scheduled consideration for June 2, 2026.
  • If enacted, the act would immediately (upon passage) change how many violations are adjudicated administratively and raise penalties for certain speeding offenses in specific zones.
  • The bill clarifies that the listed offenses may be handled administratively under this chapter, while some offenses with severity variations or requiring service would still be heard by a traffic tribunal or municipal court.

Summary of potential impact

  • Administrative efficiency: Potentially reduces court caseload for a wide range of minor traffic offenses.
  • Deterrence and safety: Higher fines for speeding in residential/school zones and potential license suspensions aim to improve safety in sensitive areas.
  • Revenue and enforcement: Increased penalties could affect enforcement focus and municipal revenue from fines.
  • Compliance: Clear mapping of violations eligible for administrative handling provides consistency for enforcement and violators.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, legal practitioners, or the general public) or compare to current Rhode Island traffic adjudication rules.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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