§ 31-3.2-7 - Operation.
SECTION 31-3.2-7
§ 31-3.2-7 Operation. – Operation on streets and highways. (a)
(1) No person shall operate a snowmobile or recreationalvehicle upon the roadway shoulder, on the inside bank or slope on any highwayin this state, or elsewhere within the right of way, except as provided in thischapter. No snowmobile or recreational vehicle shall be operated at any timewithin the right of way of any interstate highway or freeway within this state.
(2) A snowmobile or recreational vehicle may make a directcrossing of a street or highway at any hour of the day provided:
(i) The crossing is made at an angle of approximately ninetydegrees (90°) to the direction of the highway and at a place where noobstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;
(ii) The snowmobile or recreational vehicle is brought to acomplete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the highway;
(iii) The driver yields the right of way to all oncomingtraffic which constitutes an immediate hazard;
(iv) In crossing a divided highway the crossing is made onlyat an intersection of the highway, with another public street or highway; and
(v) If the crossing is made between the hours of one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half ( 1/2) hour before sunrise or in conditionsof reduced visibility, only if both front and rear lights are on.
(3) No snowmobile or recreational vehicle shall be operatedupon a public street or highway unless it is equipped with at least one headlamp and one tail lamp, each of minimum candlepower as prescribed byregulations of the director; reflector material of a minimum area of sixteen(16) square inches mounted on each side forward of the handlebars; and withbrakes. All of these shall conform to standards prescribed by rule of thedirector.
(4) A snowmobile or recreational vehicle may be operated upona public street or highway other than as provided by subsection (a)(2) in anemergency during the period of time when and at locations where snow upon theroadway renders travel by automobile impractical.
(i) International contests, use of highways, etc.Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of snowmobiles or recreationalvehicles within the right of way of any highway or upon public lands or watersunder the jurisdiction of the director of environmental management in anyinternational contest, subject to the consent of the official or board havingjurisdiction over the highway or public lands or waters.
(ii) Operation generally. It shall be unlawful for anyperson to drive or operate any snowmobile or recreational vehicles in thefollowing unsafe or harassing ways:
(A) At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or properunder all the surrounding circumstances;
(B) In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as toendanger the person or property of another or to cause injury or damage to it;
(C) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor ornarcotics, or habit-forming drugs;
(D) Without a lighted head light and tail light when requiredfor safety;
(E) In any tree nursery or planting in a manner which damagesor destroys growing stock; or
(F) Without the operator and passengers wearing a helmetequipped with a face guard of a type approved by the administrator of thedivision of motor vehicles.
(b) The provisions of §§ 31-27-2 and 31-27-2.1relating to weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood and its admission asevidence shall apply to subparagraph (C) of this paragraph.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operateany snowmobile or other motorized recreational vehicle upon any above-groundreservoir property of the Woonsocket reservoir in the towns of NorthSmithfield, Lincoln, and Smithfield, and in the city of Woonsocket. Any personwho shall violate the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a civilviolation and be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) forthe first offense and by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100) for anysubsequent offense.