Operators of motorcycles, motor scooters, and motor-driven cycles shall use eye protection of a type approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles when operating their vehicles on streets and highways. Every motorcycle, motor scooter, and motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with a rear view mirror. Any operator under the age of twenty-one (21) shall wear a helmet of a type approved by the administrator of motor vehicles. In addition, all new operators, regardless of age, shall be required, for a period of one year from the date of issuance of the first license pursuant to § 31-10.1-1, to wear a helmet of a type approved by said administrator. Any person deemed in violation of this provision shall be subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4, which shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 41.1 of this title. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to set forth rules and regulations governing the use of other equipment on those vehicles. All fines collected under this section shall be deposited in a general restricted receipt account for the use of the Rhode Island governor’s office rning the use of other equipment on those vehicles. All fines collected under this section shall be deposited in a general restricted receipt account for the use of the Rhode Island governor’s office on highway safety in order to promote educational and informational programs encouraging helmet use. History of Section.P.L. 1967, ch. 27, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 364, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 105; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 8; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 6.
Rhode Island Legal Code