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6/4/2026
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Senate approves Famiglietti bill that would increase speeding fines in school zones
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STATE HOUSE — The Senate today passed legislation introduced by Sen. Stefano Famiglietti that would increase fines for speeding in school zones. The increased fines would apply only to traffic stops — not existing speed cameras.
The bill (2026-S 2719Aaa) would increase the fine for speeding, one to 10 miles per hour in excess of posted speed limits in a school zone to $125 and would increase the fine to $250 for speed in excess of 11 miles per hour in a residential or school zone.
“Coming from and representing a densely populated community with routine traffic on the main roads, we find people speeding through school zones to cut through and bypass traffic,” said Senator Famiglietti (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence). “Our neighborhoods are filled with children who deserve to play in a safe environment and people who should be able to walk their pets without concern. While I am generally averse to increasing penalties and fines that add monetary hardships to the public, the hazards posed by this reckless conduct renders this a necessity.”
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation, from 2014 to 2023 there were 971 fatal school-transportation-related traffic crashes, and 1,079 people of all ages were killed in those crashes— an average of 108 fatalities per year.
“Unreasonable speeds through these areas are inexcusable and extremely dangerous,” said Senator Famiglietti. “It is my hope that increases in the penalties will deter such action and protect the public safety.”
As of Jan. 23, 2024, crashes on Rhode Island highways resulted in 70 fatalities and 243 serious injuries. Although the number of roadway fatalities had trended down in previous years, the state realized an increase starting in 2023 with road fatalities up by 35%, according to the Rhode Island Highway Safety Plan annual report.
The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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