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HB 7638

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- RIGHT-OF-WAY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Brien and 4 co-sponsors

HB 7638 standardizes penalties for pedestrian right-of-way violations by tying fines to the existing traffic offenses schedule, with a max of $75.

06/24/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7638

Summary of HB 7638 (Rhode Island, 2026 Session)

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- RIGHT-OF-WAY

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill amends Rhode Island’s right-of-way provisions for pedestrians.
  • It aligns the penalties for violations of pedestrian right-of-way with the traffic offense schedule referenced in § 31.41.1-4.
  • The change clarifies that fines for violations are to be determined according to the established schedule of traffic offenses.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. Penalty Clarification (Section 1)

    • Rewrites Rhode Island General Laws § 31-17-5.1 (Penalties) to state:
      • Any person who violates any provision of §§ 31-17-1 through 31-17-5 (the right-of-way rules for pedestrians) upon conviction shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $75.00, subject to the fines enumerated in § 31.41.1-4.
    • In effect, penalties are capped at $75 but must be interpreted in the context of the existing traffic offense fine schedule.

  2. Effective Date (Section 2)

    • The act takes effect upon passage (no delay or future date specified).

Who/What is Affected

  • Pedestrians and Drivers in Rhode Island:
    • Those cited for violations of pedestrian right-of-way provisions (31-17-1 through 31-17-5) would face penalties consistent with the state’s traffic offense fine schedule.
  • Law Enforcement and Courts:
    • Juries/ Judges and the court system will apply the existing § 31.41.1-4 fines when adjudicating pedestrian right-of-way violations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 11, 2026
  • Committee: Referred to House Judiciary
  • Actions:
    • February 11, 2026: Introduced and referred to Judiciary
    • April 24–28, 2026: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
    • April 28, 2026: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study
  • Effective Date: Upon passage (immediate effect after enactment)

Impact Considerations

  • The bill does not increase the maximum fine beyond $75, but it requires that penalties be determined in accordance with the established traffic offense fines schedule (§ 31.41.1-4). This could influence how fines are assessed for pedestrian right-of-way violations by tying them to the broader traffic offense penalty framework.
  • By referencing the traffic offense schedule, the bill may standardize penalties and potentially create greater consistency with other traffic-related offenses.

Summary

HB 7638 seeks to clarify and standardize penalties for pedestrian right-of-way violations by tying them to the existing traffic offense fines schedule, with a maximum fine of $75. It takes effect upon passage and follows the normal legislative process, having been recommended for further study by the committee.

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

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