Rhode Island § 24-5-4 - Maintenance of Town Highways

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 24-5-4 — Maintenance of Town Highways, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 24-5-4. Maintenance of Town Highways

R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-5-4

§ 24-5-4. Appropriations expended under department of transportation — State aid.

Whenever any town shall make an annual appropriation equal to or in addition to the sum of twenty cents ($.20) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of the ratable property of such town, and whenever the electors at the meeting shall direct that the appropriation be expended under the care and direction of the department of transportation, the town shall be entitled to state aid in the care and maintenance of its public highways, causeways, and bridges, other than state highways, in the following amount: A sum of money not exceeding one-fifth (⅕) of the money appropriated as aforesaid by any town, out of any money specifically appropriated by the general assembly to be used and expended by the department of transportation for the repair, care, and maintenance of public highways, causeways, and bridges in the respective towns; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her order upon the general treasurer for the money so appropriated, upon proper vouchers signed by the director of transportation. Whenever the electors at the meeting shall direct the appropriation as aforesaid to be expended under the direction of the department of transportation, the town treasurer of the town shall pay such highway bills for highway expenditures in the town as are properly audited by the director of transportation, not exceeding the amount of the town’s appropriation.

History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 3, as enacted by P.L. 1910, ch. 594, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, §§ 65, 100; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-4.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 24-5-4

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 24-5-4 cover?

Section 24-5-4 ("Maintenance of Town Highways") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 24-5-4?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 24-5-4" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 24-5-4 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.