Rhode Island General Laws Title 31. Motor and Other Vehicles § 31-41.2-3. Automated traffic violation monitoring systems

(a) The state department of transportation and the municipalities of this state are hereby authorized to install and operate automated traffic violation detection systems. Such systems shall be limited to systems which monitor and detect violations of traffic control signals. For purposes of this chapter an automated traffic violation detection system means a system with one or more motor vehicle sensors which produces images of motor vehicles being operated in violation of traffic signal laws.

(b) No automated traffic violation detection system shall be installed pursuant to this section which has not been approved for use by the director of the state department of transportation. The director of the state department of transportation shall promulgate regulations for the approval and operation of said systems pursuant to the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42. Systems shall be approved if the director is satisfied they meet standards of efficiency and accuracy. All systems installed for use under this chapter must be able to record the image of the vehicle and the license plates of the vehicle.

(c) In the event that the system is to be installed other than by the state department of transportation on state-maintained streets or roads, the director of the department of transportation must approve such installation.

(d) The state department of transportation and/or the municipalities may enter into an agreement with a private corporation or other entity to provide automated traffic violation detection systems or equipment and to maintain such systems.

(e) Compensation to a private entity that provides traffic signal monitoring devices shall be based on the value of such equipment and related support services, and shall not be based on the revenue generated by such systems.