Rhode Island § 31-20-11 - Special Stops Required
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-20-11 — Special Stops Required, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-20-11. Special Stops Required
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-11
§ 31-20-11. Marking of school buses — Penalty for violation.
(a) Every bus used for the transportation of school children shall be painted yellow and bear upon the front and rear of it a plainly visible sign containing the words “school bus” in black letters not less than eight inches (8") in height. Every bus shall also bear on the right and left side the name of the school district for which the bus is transporting children in letters not less than four inches (4") in height and shall be painted black. Any bus being used for the transportation of persons, the majority of whom are under the age of eighteen (18) may display such a sign.
(b) Except as provided in this section, when a school bus is operated upon a street or highway for purposes other than the actual transportation of children, all marking indicating “school bus” shall be covered or concealed. Whenever any school bus is sold and/or is no longer used for the purpose of transporting children, its color shall be changed from national school bus chrome or any other shade of yellow to any other color, and the four (4) flashing warning lights shall be removed before the vehicle can be registered or reregistered for any purpose other than the transportation of school children.
(c) The division of motor vehicles shall require proof of the change of color and other modifications prior to registering the vehicle.
(d) Every school bus shall display a sign located below the rear window of the bus which reads “unlawful to pass when red lights are flashing”. The sign shall have black letters not less than four inches (4") nor more than six inches (6") high on a white reflective background.
(e) Any person, firm, or corporation found in violation of this section shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100).
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 31, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-20-11; P.L. 1968, ch. 40, § 1;
P.L. 1969, ch. 236, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 133, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 401, § 1; P.L. 1987,
ch. 457, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 454, § 1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-20-11
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-20-11 cover?
Section 31-20-11 ("Special Stops Required") 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 § 31-20-11?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-20-11" (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 § 31-20-11 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.