AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PASSING, USE OF LANES, AND RULES OF THE ROAD (Makes a violation using the passing lane on limited access highways when not passing another vehicle.)

S2615

2026 -- S 2615
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LC004399
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PASSING, USE OF LANES, AND
RULES OF THE ROAD

Introduced By:
Senators Paolino, Lauria, de la Cruz, Acosta, and Bissaillon

Date Introduced:
February 13, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Section 31-15-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-15 entitled "Passing, Use
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of Lanes, and Rules of the Road" is hereby amended to read as follows:
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31-15-2. Slow traffic to right.
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(a)
Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the
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time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then
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available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except
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when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing
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for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. Violations of this section are
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subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
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(b) On any multi-lane, limited access highway, the extreme left-hand lane shall be reserved
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for passing slower vehicles only, and occupation of that lane when not passing shall be a violation
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of this section and subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC004399
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PASSING, USE OF LANES, AND
RULES OF THE ROAD
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This act would make a violation using the passing lane on limited access highways when
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not passing another vehicle.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC004399
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