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SB 2974

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 2 co-sponsors

Converts pedestrian right-of-way violations to fines governed by the standard traffic offense schedule, up to a maximum fine of 75 dollars.

06/24/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2974

Summary of Bill: SB 2974 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Right-of-Way

Purpose and intent

  • The bill amends Rhode Island law relating to the pedestrian right-of-way.
  • It clarifies and aligns penalties for violations of pedestrian right-of-way provisions with the existing traffic offense violation schedule.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends § 31-17-5.1 (Penalties) to state that a conviction for violating any provision of §§ 31-17-1 through 31-17-5 (which pertain to pedestrian right-of-way) carries a fines of up to $75.00.
  • The $75 fine is to be charged “subject to the fines enumerated in § 31.41.1-4,” meaning the standard traffic offense fine schedule applies (potentially including base fines, surcharges, and other assessments as defined in that section).
  • Sets the effective date of the act to be upon passage (immediately once enacted).

Who/what is affected

  • Individuals convicted of violating pedestrian right-of-way provisions (the set of statutes governing pedestrian right-of-way behavior and safety).
  • Enforcement and adjudication under Rhode Island traffic offense schedules, since fines will be drawn from the standard schedule in § 31.41.1-4.
  • Lawmakers and state judicial/appellate processes applying the right-of-way statutes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced in the Senate on March 4, 2026 by Senators LaMountain, Felag, and Burke; referred to the Senate Judiciary committee.
  • Committee actions documented:
    • April 3, 2026: Scheduled for hearing/consideration (April 9, 2026).
    • April 9, 2026: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study.
    • May 30, 2026: Scheduled for consideration (June 2, 2026).
  • Effective date: Upon passage (immediate enactment).

Additional notes

  • The bill’s explanatory text clarifies that the modification is to reference the existing violations and adjudication schedule rather than creating a separate or standalone fine amount for pedestrian right-of-way violations.
  • The bill has three sponsors (Senators LaMountain, Felag, Burke) and one co-sponsor (Felag is listed as a co-sponsor; the text lists Felag, LaMountain, and Burke as primary sponsors with Felag as a co-sponsor in the explanatory section).

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

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