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 technology to improve pedestrian safety. Essentially, local governments could set up camera systems or similar devices to detect when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians or commit other violations that put walkers at risk. If a driver is caught violating pedestrian safety rules through one of these automated systems, they would receive a civil fine of $50.

The bill affects drivers, local municipalities, and pedestrians throughout Rhode Island. Cities and towns would have the choice — but not the requirement — to adopt this automated monitoring program, meaning communities could decide for themselves whether this approach fits their needs. Drivers in participating communities would need to be aware that violations could be captured automatically, without a police officer necessarily being present. Pedestrians could potentially benefit from safer street crossings if the program discourages dangerous driving behavior near crosswalks.

It's worth noting that the fine is categorized as civil rather than criminal, meaning it would be treated more like a parking ticket than a moving violation. This also suggests it likely would not count against a driver's license record in the same way a traditional traffic violation might. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.