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HB 5640

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PASSING, USE OF LANES, AND RULES OF THE ROAD

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dick Fascia and 4 co-sponsors

HB 5640 imposes enhanced penalties for wrong-way driving on interstates or connected ramps: up to $500 fine and/or up to 6-month license suspension.

06/26/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 5640

Bill Summary — HB 5640

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PASSING, USE OF LANES, AND RULES OF THE ROAD
Bill Number: HB 5640 (2025) — Signed by Governor 06/26/2025
Sponsors: Representatives Hull, Slater, Fogarty, Fascia, and Sanchez

Purpose

To increase the penalty for motorists who travel the wrong way on interstates or on entrance/exit ramps connected to interstates by adding an enhanced sanction to the statute governing one‑way highways and rules of the road.

Key provisions

  • Amends R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-15-9 (one-way highways).
  • Confirms existing authority: the state traffic commission may designate one-way roadways and must post signs (existing text retained).
  • Adds an enhanced penalty for wrong‑way travel on interstate highways and interstate entrance/exit ramps:
    • A motorist who violates the one-way requirement on an interstate or on an entrance/exit ramp connected to an interstate may be subject to a fine of up to $500, a license suspension of up to six (6) months, or both.
  • Maintains that other violations of § 31-15-9 remain subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.

Who is affected

  • Motorists who drive the wrong way on interstate highways or on ramps connected to interstates — they may face higher financial penalties and possible temporary license suspension.
  • Law enforcement agencies and courts enforcing traffic laws; the Division of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) for license suspensions and administrative processing.
  • Road‑safety stakeholders: the change is intended to deter high‑risk wrong‑way incidents on high‑speed roadways.

Procedural / timeline highlights

  • Introduced in the House (late Feb/Mar 2025); filed March 14, 2025.
  • House read and passed April 3, 2025; committee and floor actions followed.
  • Senate passed as amended June 20, 2025; transmitted to Governor June 23, 2025.
  • Signed by the Governor on June 26, 2025.
  • Effective date: upon passage (effective 06/26/2025).

Notes / context

  • The statute continues to rely on § 31-41.1-4 for standard penalties; this bill creates a specific, elevated penalty for wrong‑way driving on interstates and connected ramps, reflecting a public‑safety focus on high‑risk locations. The bill does not specify procedural details for suspension implementation beyond the authority to suspend for up to six months.

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

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