 |
|
6/20/2025
|
Assembly passes bill increasing penalties for driving the wrong way on a highway
|
STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today passed legislation sponsored by Deputy Speaker Raymond A. Hull and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Matthew L. LaMountain that would increase penalties for driving the wrong way on a highway or an entrance/exit ramp.
The bill now heads to the governor for consideration.
“We have all seen the tragic news stories about horrible accidents occurring because people were driving the wrong way on the highway. Such actions are beyond dangerous for the driver and anyone else unlucky enough to be using the road at the same time. Hopefully, these increased penalties will deter such unsafe behavior,” said Deputy Speaker Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence).
“Driving the wrong way on the highway puts everyone at considerable risk and this danger is only increased if it takes place during the night. This legislation will hold people accountable for such hazardous conduct and hopefully, it will protect innocent people on our state’s highways from becoming victims in catastrophic accidents,” said Chairman LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston).
The legislation (2025-H 5640, 2025-S 0529) would increase the penalty when a motorist travels the wrong way on an interstate highway or an entrance/exit ramp connected to an interstate highway. The penalty if convicted would be a fine of up to $500 and license suspension of up to six months.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
|
|