Title 31
Motor and Other Vehicles

Chapter 51
School Bus Safety Enforcement

R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-51-2

§ 31-51-2. Live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring systems.

(a) All school departments of this state are hereby authorized to install and operate live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring systems. Such systems shall, at a minimum, be systems which monitor and detect school bus traffic violations. For purposes of this chapter a live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring system means a system with one or more camera sensors and computers which produce live digital and recorded video of motor vehicles being operated in violation of school bus traffic laws in violation of § 31-20-12. All systems installed for use under this chapter shall, at a minimum, produce a live visual image viewable remotely, a recorded image of the license plate, and be able to record the time, date, and location of the vehicle, and a signed affidavit by a person who witnessed the violation via live video.

(b) On and after July 1, 2027, all new school buses to be operated pursuant to § 31-20-11(a) shall be equipped with a live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring system that conforms with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.

(c) On and after July 1, 2032, all school buses to be operated pursuant to § 31-20-11(a) shall be equipped with a live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring system that conforms with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.

(d) The school departments with input and approval by the municipal police chief may enter into an agreement with a private corporation or other entity to provide live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring systems and to maintain and operate such systems.

History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 118, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 105, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 107, § 1; P.L. 2025, ch. 253, § 1, effective June 26, 2025; P.L. 2025, ch. 254, § 1, effective June 26, 2025.