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4/24/2025
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House approves Noret bill that would add five violations to definition of aggressive driving
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STATE HOUSE — The House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Rep. Thomas E. Noret (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick) that would add five driving violations to the statute that defines aggressive driving.
Under the current statute, aggressive driving means that an individual is operating a motor vehicle in violation of speed restrictions and is also in violation of two or more moving violations as outlined in the law.
The legislation (2025-H 5899), which Representative Noret submitted on behalf of the Rhode Island Judiciary, would add to those additional infractions the laws pertaining to obedience to police officers, overtaking on left, clearance for overtaking, places where overtaking is prohibited and laned roadways.
“As a former police officer, I understand the serious danger that results from aggressive driving,” said Representative Noret, who is retired from the Coventry Police Department. “It's an honor to work with the Judiciary and champion legislation that addresses a real problem. Those who drive aggressively are a significant danger to the public both in terms of personal injury and property damage. This would extend the reach of the law to include irresponsible driving behaviors that all of us witness daily.”
Public safety has been a legislative priority for Representative Noret. In addition to this bill, he has introduced legislation to equip all new school buses with live digital video violation detection monitoring systems (2025-H 5421) and another that would require those convicted of driving under influence or refusal to submit to chemical test to have an ignition interlock system installed (2025-H 6211). Last year, the Rhode Island chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving presented Representative Noret with its Legislator of the Year award to honor his efforts to keep Rhode Islanders safe from impaired drivers.
Kathleen Kelly, general counsel with the Rhode Island Supreme Court, testified in support of the legislation on behalf of the Rhode Island Judiciary and the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.
The measure now moves to the Senate, where similar legislation (2025-S 0556) has been introduced by Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston).
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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