Rhode Island General Laws Title 31. Motor and Other Vehicles § 31-25-27. Weight restrictions

(a) State Highways. The state traffic commission shall likewise have authority, as granted to local authorities in this chapter, to determine by resolution and to impose restrictions as to the weight of vehicles operated upon any highway under the jurisdiction of the commission, and the restrictions shall be effective when signs giving notice of them are erected upon the highway or portion of any highway affected by the resolution.

(b) Penalties for posted bridge weight violations shall be based on the fine schedule imposed within the provisions of § 31-25-16.

(c) Bridges. The department of transportation, through the state traffic commission, shall have the authority with respect to any state, local, or privately-owned bridge, excluding those owned or controlled by the Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority, to impose a weight restriction or close a bridge, based on deficiencies documented in a bridge inspection or load rating for the purpose of public safety. Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority shall have the authority for bridges owned or controlled by Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority to impose a weight restriction or close a bridge, based on deficiencies documented in a bridge inspection or load rating for the purpose of public safety.