2019 -- H 5471

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LC000583

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS

     Introduced By: Representatives Serodio, Amore, Noret, McLaughlin, and Donovan

     Date Introduced: February 14, 2019

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 31 of the General Laws entitled "MOTOR AND OTHER

VEHICLES" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 13.1

CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS

     31-13.1-1. Description of changeable message signs.

     (a) A changeable message sign (CMS) is a traffic control device that is capable of

displaying one or more alternative messages. Some changeable message signs have a blank mode

when no message is displayed, while others display multiple messages with only one of the

messages displayed at a time such as OPEN/CLOSED signs at weigh stations.

     (b) The provisions in this chapter apply to both permanent and portable changeable

message signs with electronic displays. The provisions in this chapter do not apply to changeable

message signs with non-electronic displays that are changed either manually or

electromechanically, such as a hinged-panel, rotating-drum, or back-lit curtain or scroll CMS.

     (c) Except as provided in § 31-13.1-2(b), changeable message signs shall display only the

information set forth in § 31-13.1-2 of this chapter and other messages shall be displayed on

changeable message signs or its supports or other equipment.

     31-13.1-2. Applications of changeable message signs.

     (a) Changeable message signs have a large number of applications including, but not

limited to, the following:

     (1) Incident management and route diversion;

     (2) Warning of adverse weather conditions;

     (3) Special event applications associated with traffic control or conditions;

     (4) Control at crossing situations;

     (5) Lane, ramp, and roadway control;

     (6) Priced or other types of managed lanes;

     (7) Travel times;

     (8) Warning situations;

     (9) Traffic regulations;

     (10) Speed control; and

     (11) Destination guidance.

     (b) Changeable message signs may be used to display America's Missing: Broadcast

Emergency Response (AMBER) alert messages and Silver Alert messages.

     31-13.1-3. Design characteristics of changeable message signs.

     Changeable message signs shall not include advertising, animation, rapid flashing,

dissolving, exploding, scrolling, or other dynamic elements.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS

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     This act would regulate the use of electronic changeable highway message signs (CMS)

and require the signs to display traffic operational, regulatory, warning, guidance, accident, and

road information.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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