Rhode Island § 37-15-7 - Litter Control and Recycling

§ 37-15-7. Penalties.

(a) Any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter shall, except where a penalty is specifically set forth, be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). In addition to, or in lieu of, the fine imposed hereunder, the person so convicted may be ordered to pick up litter for not less than two (2), nor more than twenty-five (25), hours.

(b) Any person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this chapter shall, except where a penalty is specifically set forth, be subject to a fine of not less than three hundred dollars ($300), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). In addition to, or in lieu of, the fine imposed upon a second or subsequent violation of this chapter, the person so convicted may be ordered to pick up litter for not less than four (4), nor more than fifty (50) hours.

(c) Jurisdiction to punish violators of the provisions of this chapter is conferred on the traffic tribunal.

(d) Any person convicted of a violation of this chapter shall, in addition to all other penalties, be liable for the removal of all litter or ordered to pay restitution for the cost of removal of all litter illegally disposed of by that person. The traffic tribunal may hold the registration of any vehicle owned by the violator and used in the act of littering until the aforementioned liability is satisfied.

(e) The funds received by a state law enforcement agency shall be deposited as general revenues; provided, however, that thirty percent (30%) of any fine collected pursuant to a complaint filed by a local law enforcement agency shall inure to the benefit of that agency, with remittances to be made not less often than once every three (3) months.

(f) Penalties of one hundred dollars ($100) for violations of this section may be disposed of without the necessity of personally appearing before the traffic tribunal. Said penalty may be handled administratively by mailing a check or money order, together with the properly executed form provided, to the appropriate address as set forth in the summons issued by the enforcing agent.