The text
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY#
Sec. 36-134. - Privileges of emergency vehicles.#
(a)
The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(1)
Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of any law;
(2)
Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(3)
Exceed the prima facie speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property;
(4)
Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(b)
The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an alleged violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in G.L. 1956, § 31-12-7, but subject to the conditions stated in this section and in G.L. 1956, §§ 31-12-8 and 31-12-9.
(Code 1973, § 16-2-4; Code 1994, § 38-5)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, §§ 31-12-7, 31-12-6(a).
Sec. 36-135. - Operation on roadways laned for traffic.#
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others consistent with them shall apply: (1)
A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.
(2)
Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is sign-posted to give notice of the allocation.
(3)
If official signs are erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway, drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of the signs.
(Code 1973, § 16-4-10; Code 1994, § 38-51(b))
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-15-11.
Sec. 36-136. - Driving through safety zone.#
No vehicle shall, at any time, be driven through or within a safety zone.
(Code 1973, § 16-9-10; Code 1994, § 38-90)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-22-5.
Sec. 36-137. - Operation on play streets.#
No person shall drive a vehicle upon any play street, or portion thereof, except drivers of vehicles having business, or whose residences are within such closed areas, and then any such driver shall exercise the greatest care in driving upon any such street or portion thereof.
(Code 1973, § 16-4-7; Code 1994, § 38-48)
Sec. 36-138. - Driving on limited access roadway.#
No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any limited-access roadway, street or highway, except at such entrances and exits as are established by the public authority.
(Code 1973, § 16-9-11; Code 1994, § 38-91)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-15-14.
Sec. 36-139. - Restrictions upon use of streets by certain vehicles.#
(a)
The city traffic division and public safety director are hereby authorized to determine and designate those heavily traveled streets, or parts thereof, upon which shall be prohibited the use of the roadway by motor-driven cycles, bicycles, horse-drawn vehicles, or other nonmotorized traffic, and shall erect appropriate signs giving notice thereof.
(b)
When signs are so erected giving notice thereof, no person shall disobey the restrictions stated in such signs and so stated in this article.
(Code 1973, § 16-17-4; Code 1994, § 38-113)
Sec. 36-140. - One-way streets.#
(a)
Upon those streets, roadways and highways, or parts thereof, and in those alleys designated as being one-way, vehicular traffic shall move only in the indicated direction, when signs indicating the direction of traffic are erected and maintained at every intersection where movement in the opposite direction is prohibited.
(b)
No person shall park a vehicle on any one-way streets or highways, except in the places designated.
(Code 1973, §§ 16-3-24, 16-7-2; Code 1994, §§ 38-123, 38-182)
State Law reference— Similar provisions (as to subsection (a)), G.L. 1956, §31-15-9; authority to establish one-way streets, G.L. 1956, § 31-12-12(a)(4).
Sec. 36-141. - Intervals between vehicles.#
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard of the speed of such vehicles and traffic, and conditions of the roadway, street or highway, and shall, whenever traveling within a business or residential district, and whenever traffic permits, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to a caravan under escort, or to a funeral procession.
(Code 1973, § 16-3-15; Code 1994, § 38-119)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-15-12.
Secs. 36-142—36-165. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 2. - OPERATION ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD; OVERTAKING AND PASSING#
Sec. 36-166. - Passing of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.#
Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for more than one line of traffic in each direction. Each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway, as nearly as possible.
(Code 1973, § 16-3-10; Code 1994, § 38-114)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-15-3.
Sec. 36-167. - Overtaking on the left.#
The following rules shall govern overtaking of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to the limitations, exceptions and special rules stated in this section: (1)
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall give a timely audible signal, and shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
(2)
Except when overtaking and passing to the right is permitted, the driver of the overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right, in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal, and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
(Code 1973, § 16-3-12; Code 1994, § 38-116
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-15-4.
Sec. 36-168. - Overtaking on the right.#
(a)
The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass on the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(1)
When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn.
(2)
Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width to allow for two or more lines of moving vehicles.
(b)
The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or traveled portion of the roadway.
(Code 1973, § 16-3-11; Code 1994, § 38-115)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-15-5.
Sec. 36-169. - Clearance for overtaking.#
No vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left-hand portion of the roadway is completely visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, or any vehicle overtaken. In every event, the overtaking vehicle must return to the right side of the roadway before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
(Code 1973, § 16-3-22; Code 1994, § 38-122)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-15-6.
Sec. 36-170. - Places where overtaking prohibited.#
(a)
No vehicle shall, at any time, be driven to the left of the roadway, street or highway under the following conditions:
(1)
When approaching the crest of a grade, or upon a curve in the highway, where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach in the opposite direction.
(2)
When approaching within 100 feet of, or traversing, any intersection or railroad crossing.
(3)
When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge.
(b)
The limitations in subsection (a) of this section shall not apply upon a one-way street, roadway or highway.
(Code 1973, § 16-3-14; Code 1994, § 38-118)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-15-7.
Secs. 36-171—36-193. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 3. - SPEED#
Footnotes:
--- (3) --- State Law reference— Speed restrictions, G.L. 1956, § 31-14-1 et seq.
Sec. 36-194. - State speed laws applicable; posted speed limits.#
The state laws regulating the speeding of vehicles shall be applicable upon all roadways, streets and highways within the city, except as provided under G.L. 1956, § 31-14-5, in which event it shall be unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of any speed so declared by this division, when signs are in place giving notice thereof. Those roadways, streets and highways, or parts thereof so designated by the city traffic division are hereby regulated by posted speeds.
(Code 1973, § 16-5-1; Code 1994, § 38-141)
Sec. 36-195. - Regulation of speed by traffic signals; obedience to posted speed signs.#
(a)
The city traffic division is hereby authorized to regulate the timing of traffic signals so as to permit the movement of traffic in an orderly and safe manner, at speeds slightly at variance from the speeds otherwise applicable within the district, or at intersections, and erect appropriate signs or signals giving notice thereof.
(b)
The city traffic division shall hereby have the authority to regulate speed conditions on streets deemed hazardous and unsafe by traffic, pedestrians, or other investigations, so that certain speed regulations shall be applicable upon specified streets, or in certain areas, in which event it shall be unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle or other conveyance at a speed in excess of any speed so declared in this division when signs are in place giving notice thereof.
(Code 1973, § 16-5-2; Code 1994, § 38-142)
Sec. 36-196. - Reasonable and prudent speeds; penalty for violation.#
(a)
No person shall drive a vehicle or conveyance upon a roadway, street or highway of the city at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions, and having regard to the actual and potential hazards thereof. In any event, speed shall be controlled as may be deemed necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, or other conveyance, on, or entering, the roadway, street or highway, in compliance with all legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.
(b)
Violation of this section shall carry the following penalties:
(1)
One to ten miles per hour over the speed limit: $50.00.
(2)
Eleven or more miles per hour over the speed limit will require a municipal court appearance. Upon a plea or finding of guilty, such violator may be fined, but not limited to, $10.00 per mile for each and every mile per hour over the speed limit.
(Code 1973, § 16-5-3; Code 1994, § 38-143)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-14-1.
Sec. 36-197. - Slow traffic.#
Upon all roadways, streets and highways of the city, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane, if available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, street or highway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection, or a turn into a private road or driveway.
(Code 1973, § 16-5-4; Code 1994, § 38-144)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-15-2.
Secs. 36-198—36-217. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 4. - RIGHT-OF-WAY; STOP SIGNS; YIELD SIGNS#
Sec. 36-218. - Yielding to emergency vehicle.#
(a)
Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped with at least one lighted lamp exhibiting any one or combination of red, blue, or white light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle, and producing an audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle, or bell, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
(b)
This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.
(Code 1973, § 16-2-4; Code 1994, § 38-5)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-17-6.
Sec. 36-219. - Right-of-way in absence of signs or signals.#
(a)
The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different roadway, street or highway.
(b)
When two vehicles enter an intersection from different roadways, streets or highways at approximately the same time, the driver on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.
(c)
The right-of-way rules declared in subsections (a) and (b) of this section are modified at through roadways, and as otherwise stated in this chapter.
(Code 1973, § 16-8-9; Code 1994, § 38-209)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, O.C.G.A. § 31-17-1.
Sec. 36-220. - Obedience to stop and yield signs.#
(a)
The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign is required to stop before entering the crosswalk, on the near side of the intersection, or, if there is no crosswalk, at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway.
(b)
Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if there is no crosswalk, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway, before entering the intersection.
(Code 1973, § 16-8-3; Code 1994, § 38-203)
State Law reference— Similar provisions (as to subsection (b)), G.L. 1956, § 31-20-9.
Sec. 36-221. - Vehicles entering stop intersection.#
Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian intending to cross the lane of traffic in a crosswalk or any vehicle which has entered the intersection from another highway or which is approaching so closely on the highway as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when the driver is moving across or within the intersection.
(Code 1973, § 16-8-4; Code 1994, § 38-204)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-7-4(b).
Sec. 36-222. - Vehicles entering yield intersection.#
The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall, in obedience to the sign, slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and, if required for safety to stop, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. After slowing or stopping, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian intending to cross the lane of traffic in a crosswalk or any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection.
(Code 1973, § 16-8-5; Code 1994, § 38-205)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-7-4(c).
Sec. 36-223. - Signs required at through streets.#
Whenever any ordinance of the city designates and describes a through street, it shall be the duty of the traffic division to place and maintain a stop or, on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation at any intersection, a yield sign, on each and every street and roadway intersecting such through street, unless traffic at any such intersection is controlled at all times by traffic control signals; provided, however, that at the intersection of two such through streets or at the intersection of a through street and a heavy traffic street not so designated, stop signs shall be erected at the approaches of either of such streets, as may be determined by the city traffic division upon the basis of an engineering and traffic study.
(Code 1973, § 16-8-1; Code 1994, § 38-201)
Sec. 36-224. - Through streets designated.#
The following streets are hereby designated as through streets: (1)
Broad Street, from the Pawtucket city line north to the Cumberland town line.
(2)
Dexter Street, from the Pawtucket city line north to Lonsdale Avenue.
(3)
Lonsdale Avenue, from the Pawtucket city line north to the Lincoln town line.
(4)
Roosevelt Avenue, from the Pawtucket city line north to the Pawtucket city line.
(Code 1973, § 16-8-10; Code 1994, § 38-210)
State Law reference— Authority to designate through streets, G.L. 1956, § 31-12-12(a)(6).
Secs. 36-225—36-241. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 5. - TURNING AND SIGNALING#
Sec. 36-242. - Required position and method of turning at intersections.#
(a)
Right turns are as follows:
(1)
Both the approach for the right turn, and a right turn, shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, street or highway.
(2)
Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign or other traffic control device shall be granted the right-of-way.
(b)
Left turns onto two-way streets are as follows:
(1)
At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the centerline thereof, and bypassing to the right of such centerline where it enters the intersection, and after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the centerline of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable, the left turn shall be made within that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.
(2)
Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign or other traffic control device shall be granted the right-of-way.
(c)
Left turns onto other than two-way roadways:
(1)
At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one direction on one or more of the roadways, the driver of the vehicle intending to turn left at any such intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle, and after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection, as nearly as practicable, in the left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered.
(2)
Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign, or other traffic control device, shall be granted the right-of-way.
(Code 1973, § 16-6-1; Code 1994, § 38-161)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-16-2.
Sec. 36-243. - Obedience to turning markers, authority to place.#
When authorized markers, buttons or other indications are placed within an intersection indicating the course to be traveled by vehicles turning thereat, no driver of a vehicle shall disobey the direction of such indications.
(Code 1973, § 16-6-2; Code 1994, § 38-162)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-16-3.
Sec. 36-244. - Obedience to no-turn signs.#
Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right, left, or U-turns are permitted, no driver of a vehicle or conveyance shall disobey the directions of such signs.
(Code 1973, § 16-6-4; Code 1994, § 38-164)
State Law reference— Obedience to traffic control devices, G.L. 1956, § 31-13-4.
Sec. 36-245. - Limitations on turning around.#
The driver of any vehicle or conveyance shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any roadway, street or highway in a business district, and shall not, upon any other street, so turn a vehicle unless such movement can be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic.
(Code 1973, § 16-6-5; Code 1994, § 38-165)
State Law reference— U-turns generally, G.L. 1956, § 31-16-4; authority to regulate turns, G.L. 1956, § 31-12-12(a)(9).
Sec. 36-246. - Prohibited turning movements.#
Restricted turning movements are hereby established within the city and made a part of this division, in which case the turning of vehicles and/or conveyances upon the roadways, streets or highways of the city are prohibited.
(Code 1973, § 16-6-6; Code 1994, § 38-166)
Sec. 36-247. - Method of turning; use of turn signals.#
(a)
No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway, as required in the general laws of the state, or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course, or move right or left upon a roadway, unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
(b)
No person shall turn any vehicle or conveyance without giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this division, if any other traffic may be affected by such movement.
(Code 1973, § 16-6-7; Code 1994, § 38-167)
State Law reference— Similar provisions (as to subsection (a)), G.L. 1956, § 31-16-5.
Sec. 36-248. - Time of signaling turn.#
A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.
(Code 1973, § 16-6-7; Code 1994, § 38-167)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-16-6.
Sec. 36-249. - Method of giving signals.#
Any stop or turn signal when required in this division shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by a signal lamp or mechanical signal device, except as otherwise provided.
(Code 1973, § 16-6-7; Code 1994, § 38-167)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-16-8.
Sec. 36-250. - Vehicles on which mechanical signal devices required.#
Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signal shall be given by, a signal lamp or mechanical signal device when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab, or load of the motor vehicle exceeds 24 inches, or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load of it exceeds 14 feet. The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, and/or to any combination of vehicles.
(Code 1973, § 16-6-7; Code 1994, § 38-167)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-16-9.
Sec. 36-251. - Manner of giving arm signals.#
All signals required in this division when given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and the signals shall indicate as follows: (1)
Left turn: Hand and arm extended horizontally;
(2)
Right turn: Hand and arm extended upward;
(3)
Stop or decrease speed: Hand and arm extended downward.
(Code 1973, § 16-6-7; Code 1994, § 38-167)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-16-9.
Secs. 36-252—36-280. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 6. - SPECIAL STOPS#
Sec. 36-281. - Emerging from alley, driveway or building.#
The driver of a vehicle within a business or residential district, emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk, or onto a sidewalk area extending across any alley or driveway, and shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian as may be necessary to avoid collision; and upon entering the roadway, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on such roadway, street or highway.
(Code 1973, § 16-8-6; Code 1994, § 38-206)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-20-10.
Sec. 36-282. - Entering intersection or crosswalk when traffic obstructed.#
No driver shall enter an intersection or marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection or crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic control signal indication to proceed.
(Code 1973, § 16-8-7; Code 1994, § 38-207)
Sec. 36-283. - Obedience to signal indicating approach of train.#
(a)
Whenever a person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver of such vehicle shall stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail of such railroad, and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. The foregoing requirements shall apply when:
(1)
A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train.
(2)
A crossing gate is lowered, or when a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train.
(3)
A railroad train approaching within approximately 1,500 feet of the roadway, street or highway crossing emits a signal audible from a distance and such railroad train, by reason of its speed or nearness to such crossing, is an immediate hazard.
(4)
An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing.
(b)
No person shall drive any vehicle or conveyance through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier that is closed or is being opened or closed.
(Code 1973, § 16-8-8; Code 1994, § 38-208)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, §§ 31-20-1, 31-20-2.
Secs. 36-284—36-314. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 7. - PROCESSIONS#
Footnotes:
--- (4) --- State Law reference— Authority to regulate or prohibit processions or assemblages on highways, G.L. 1956, § 31-12-12(a)(3).
Sec. 36-315. - Driving through a funeral or other procession.#
No driver of a vehicle shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral or other authorized procession while such procession is in motion, and when such vehicles are conspicuously designated as required by this division. This provision shall not apply at intersections where traffic is controlled by traffic control signs or police officers.
(Code 1973, § 16-9-3; Code 1994, § 38-83)
State Law reference— Driving between vehicles in funeral processions, G.L. 1956, § 31-27-16.
Sec. 36-316. - Driving in a procession.#
Each driver of a vehicle in a funeral or other procession shall drive as near to the right-hand edge of the roadway, street or highway as practicable, and shall follow the vehicle ahead as close as is practicable and safe.
(Code 1973, § 16-9-4; Code 1994, § 38-84)
Sec. 36-317. - Funeral processions to be identified.#
A funeral composed of a procession of vehicles shall be identified as such by the display upon the outside of each vehicle of a pennant or other identifying insignia, or by the display of the vehicles' headlights and taillights in operation, or by such other method as may be determined and designated by the traffic division.
(Code 1973, § 16-9-5; Code 1994, § 38-85)
Secs. 36-318—36-337. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 8. - MISCELLANEOUS#
Sec. 36-338. - Starting parked vehicle.#
No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing or parked unless or until such movement can be done with reasonable safety.
(Code 1973, § 16-3-20; Code 1994, § 38-121)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-16-1.
Sec. 36-339. - Following fire apparatus.#
The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet, or drive into or park such vehicle within the block area where such fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.
(Code 1973, § 16-9-1; Code 1994, § 38-81)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-22-7.
Sec. 36-340. - Crossing fire hose.#
No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of the fire department, when laid down on any roadway, street or highway, or private driveway, to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department officer in command.
(Code 1973, § 16-9-2; Code 1994, § 38-82)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-22-7.
Sec. 36-341. - Vehicles not to be operated over streets closed for repairs.#
No person shall drive, or cause to be driven, any vehicle over that roadway, street or highway, or part thereof, which is being mended, repaired or paved, if such street, roadway or highway is wholly closed to travel.
(Code 1973, § 16-3-26; Code 1994, § 38-125)
Sec. 36-342. - Driving on sidewalks.#
The driver of a vehicle shall not drive upon or within any sidewalk area except at a permanent or temporary driveway.
(Code 1973, § 16-9-6; Code 1994, § 38-86)
State Law reference— Right-of-way on sidewalks, G.L. 1956, § 31-18-18; stop when crossing sidewalk, G.L. 1956, § 31-20-10.
Sec. 36-343. - Restrictions on backing.#
The driver of a vehicle shall not back such vehicle unless such movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic.
(Code 1973, § 16-9-7; Code 1994, § 38-87)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-22-2.
Sec. 36-344. - Turning and backing prohibited on certain streets.#
No person shall turn around or back up, or cause to be turned around or backed up, any vehicle into any of the following specified streets, except in an emergency: Broad Street, Dexter Street, Lonsdale Avenue, Roosevelt Avenue.
(Code 1973, § 16-3-25; Code 1994, § 38-124)
Sec. 36-345. - Coasting prohibited.#
The driver of a motor vehicle, when traveling upon a downgrade, shall not coast with the gears of such vehicle in neutral. The driver of a commercial vehicle, when traveling upon a downgrade, shall not coast with the clutch disengaged.
(Code 1973, § 16-3-18; Code 1994, § 38-120)
State Law reference— Similar provisions, G.L. 1956, § 31-22-6.