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HB 7437

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- AUTOMATED TRAFFIC VIOLATION MONETARY SYSTEMS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Slater

Extends Don’t Block the Box enforcement to 2030 and establishes a staged ATVMS rollout with RIDOT approvals, accuracy standards, and non-revenue-based private contractor pay.

06/26/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7437

Bill Summary: HB 7437 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Automated Traffic Violation Monetary Systems

Overview

  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES — AUTOMATED TRAFFIC VIOLATION MONETARY SYSTEMS
  • Purpose: Extend the sunset date and clarify the use, approval, and administration of automated traffic violation monitoring systems (ATVMS), including “Don’t Block the Box” (DBTB) intersections.
  • Introduced by: Representative Scott Slater
  • Date Introduced: January 30, 2026
  • Current status: As of action history, referred to House Judiciary and later recommended for hold for further study (April 28, 2026). Takes effect upon passage.

What the bill would do (Key provisions)

1) Sunset extension for DBTB automated enforcement

  • The bill extends the sunset date for the “Don’t Block the Box” automated traffic violation monitoring systems:
    • Original sunset: January 15, 2027
    • Extended sunset: January 15, 2030
  • Scope: Applies to municipalities that deploy automated DBTB monitoring at up to three designated intersections within a municipality.

2) Continued authority for ATVMS (two effective periods)

The bill contains two provisions with different effective dates, reflecting a staged approach:

  • Effective until January 15, 2027 (current law window):

    • Authorized entities: Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and municipalities.
    • System purpose: Monitor violations of traffic control signals.
    • System characteristics: Must capture images of vehicles and license plates.
    • Approval/Regulation: Systems require RIDOT director approval; RIDOT must promulgate regulations under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). Standards include efficiency and accuracy.
    • Installation rules: If installed by entities other than RIDOT on state-maintained streets, RIDOT must approve.
    • Procurement/maintenance: RIDOT and/or municipalities may contract with private entities for equipment and maintenance.
    • Compensation: Payment to private providers must be based on the value of equipment and services, not on revenue generated by the systems.

  • Effective beginning January 15, 2030 (new window):

    • RIDOT and municipalities may install and operate ATVMS, limited to traffic signal violation monitoring.
    • Approval/Regulation: RIDOT director must approve; regulations to be established under APA; systems must record vehicle images and license plates.
    • Installation rules: As above, approval required for installations on state-maintained roads not performed by RIDOT.
    • Procurement/maintenance: As above, possible private entity arrangements.
    • Compensation: As above, based on equipment value and support services, not revenue.

3) General regulatory framework

  • RIDOT Director role: Must approve all ATVMS installations not directly undertaken by RIDOT, and promulgate regulations governing approval and operation.
  • Standards: Systems must be efficient and accurate; must be capable of recording vehicle and license plate images.
  • Public-private arrangements: The state and municipalities may contract with private entities for system provision and maintenance, with compensation tied to equipment/value rather than enforcement revenue.

Who/what would be affected

  • State: Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT)
  • Local governments: Municipalities in Rhode Island operating ATVMS, including DBTB intersections
  • Private entities: Companies contracted to provide, install, maintain, or operate ATVMS equipment and services
  • Vehicle owners: Motorists subject to automated traffic signal violation notices from ATVMS

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Two effective periods create a staged rollout:
    • Phase 1: Immediate (effective until January 15, 2027) with DBTB sunset extension to 2030.
    • Phase 2: Long-term (effective January 15, 2030) enabling broader ATVMS deployment.
  • Regulatory actions: RIDOT must develop and publish regulations for approval and operation under APA standards.
  • Funding/compensation: Private-provider payments must be based on equipment/value and support services, not on revenue from violations.

Practical implications

  • Extends the use window for DBTB systems, allowing municipalities more time to utilize automated enforcement at specific intersections.
  • Sets a framework to regulate and standardize ATVMS, emphasizing accuracy, verifiability (image capture of vehicles and plates), and non-revenue-based compensation for private operators.
  • Creates a clear process for RIDOT approval of non-RIDOT installations and for potential private-sector involvement in system deployment and maintenance.

If you’d like, I can map the timeline to a simple before/after comparison or provide a stakeholder impact matrix.

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

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