Rhode Island § 31-26-16 - Accidents and Accident Reports
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-26-16 — Accidents and Accident Reports, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-26-16. Accidents and Accident Reports
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-16
§ 31-26-16. Uniform statewide motor vehicle accident police report.
(a) There is established a uniform statewide motor vehicle accident police report which shall be used by the Rhode Island state police and all other state or municipal police departments.
(b) This report shall include any information that the superintendent of the Rhode Island state police in consultation with the Municipal Police Chiefs Association shall deem appropriate.
(c) The failure of a police department to use the uniform report form when taking a report shall not be used:
(1) By a defendant in a criminal prosecution or violation hearing as grounds for challenge to, or dismissal of, any charges or citations arising out of the motor vehicle accident; or
(2) As a basis to challenge the admissibility of a police report in any administrative or judicial proceeding, civil or criminal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 183, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 166, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-26-16
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-26-16 cover?
Section 31-26-16 ("Accidents and Accident Reports") 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 § 31-26-16?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-26-16" (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 § 31-26-16 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.