2021 -- S 0794 SUBSTITUTE A

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD LIMITS

     Introduced By: Senator Maryellen Goodwin

     Date Introduced: April 08, 2021

     Referred To: Senate Housing & Municipal Government

     (Department of Transportation)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 31-25-27 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-25 entitled "Size,

Weight, and Load Limits" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-25-27. Weight restrictions on state highways. Weigh restrictions.

     (a) State Highways. The state traffic commission shall likewise have authority, as granted

to local authorities in this chapter, to determine by resolution and to impose restrictions as to the

weight of vehicles operated upon any highway under the jurisdiction of the commission, and the

restrictions shall be effective when signs giving notice of them are erected upon the highway or

portion of any highway affected by the resolution.

     (b) Penalties for posted bridge weight violations shall be based on the fine schedule

imposed within the provisions of § 31-25-16.

     (c) Bridges. the department of transportation, through the state traffic commission, shall

have the authority with respect to any state, local, or privately-owned bridge, excluding those

owned/or controlled by Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority, to impose a weight restriction

or close a bridge, based on deficiencies documented in a bridge inspection or load rating for the

purpose of public safety. Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority shall have the authority for

bridges owned/or controlled by Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority to impose a weight

restriction or close a bridge, based on deficiencies documented in a bridge inspection or load rating

for the purpose of public safety.

     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 -- SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD LIMITS

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     This act would authorize the department of transportation to impose a weight restriction or

close any state, local or privately-owned bridge, in the interest of public safety.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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