Prohibits individual who operates a recreational vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner which hinders the movement of other vehicles with a group of 2 more vehicles be guilty of felony, punishable by imprisonment up to 2.5 years and fine up to $2,000.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would make it a felony crime in Rhode Island for a person to recklessly or carelessly operate a recreational vehicle in a way that blocks or disrupts the flow of traffic when they are part of a group of two or more vehicles doing the same thing. In other words, if someone riding an ATV, dirt bike, or similar recreational vehicle joins others in swarming or obstructing roads in a dangerous manner, they could face serious criminal charges.

Anyone convicted under this law could be sentenced to up to two and a half years in prison and fined up to $2,000. Because this would be classified as a felony — rather than a lesser misdemeanor — a conviction could have long-lasting consequences for a person beyond just the immediate punishment, such as affecting their ability to vote, own firearms, or find employment.

This bill would primarily affect people who participate in large group recreational vehicle rides on public roads that interfere with normal traffic. It is likely a response to incidents involving groups of ATV or dirt bike riders taking over streets in ways that create safety hazards for other drivers. Law enforcement officers would be responsible for identifying and charging individuals who meet the criteria described in the bill.

The bill has been introduced and sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will decide whether to move it forward for a full vote. It has not yet become law.