Creates the RI Pedestrian Safety Act allows cities and town to use automated safety monitoring which a civil fine of $50 for violations.

Rhode Island Pedestrian Safety Act – Plain English Summary

This bill would create the Rhode Island Pedestrian Safety Act, which gives cities and towns across the state the option to use automated monitoring systems to catch drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians. These systems would use technology — similar to traffic cameras — to detect when drivers break pedestrian safety laws. If a violation is caught, the driver would receive a civil fine of $50. Importantly, this would be a civil penalty, meaning it would not result in a criminal record or points on a driver's license.

The bill primarily affects drivers who travel through areas where local governments choose to install these monitoring systems, as well as pedestrians who would benefit from increased safety enforcement. Cities and towns themselves would have the choice of whether to participate — it is not a statewide mandate. Local governments that do opt in would be responsible for setting up and managing the monitoring program.

Currently, this bill is in its early stages in the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It was referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study, meaning lawmakers want more time to review and discuss it before moving forward. A hearing is scheduled for March 24, 2026.