Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 550 - State Traffic Commission
1. What Title 550 Is
Title 550 of the Rhode Island Code of Regulations contains the rules and regulations created and enforced by the Rhode Island State Traffic Commission (STC).
Its purpose is to:
Promote safe and efficient movement of traffic
Regulate how roads, highways, intersections, and traffic-control devices are used
Establish procedures for traffic-related decisions and appeals
Support uniform traffic standards across the state
These regulations carry the force of law and apply statewide unless a specific rule says otherwise.
2. The State Traffic Commission (STC)
Authority
The State Traffic Commission is authorized by Rhode Island law to:
Regulate traffic control devices
Approve changes to traffic patterns
Set standards for road use and safety
Hear and decide traffic-related appeals
The Commission’s authority applies to:
State highways
Municipal roads (in coordination with cities and towns)
Public roads and certain private roads open to public travel
3. Scope of Title 550
Title 550 governs how traffic is controlled and managed, not criminal penalties. It focuses on rules, procedures, and standards, including:
Traffic signs and signals
Speed limits and restrictions
Parking regulations
Road closures and designations
Traffic studies and safety evaluations
Appeals and hearings
Police enforce traffic laws, but the STC sets many of the rules those laws rely on.
4. Traffic Control Devices
Types Covered
Title 550 regulates:
Stop signs
Yield signs
Traffic signals
Speed limit signs
Lane markings
Temporary construction signs
Standards
Devices must follow uniform design, placement, and visibility standards
Signs and signals must be placed where they are clearly visible and understandable
Unauthorized or non-approved signs are prohibited
5. Speed Regulations
Establishing Speed Limits
The STC:
Reviews traffic studies
Considers road design, traffic volume, and accident history
Approves or denies speed limit changes
Temporary Speed Limits
May be set for construction zones or special conditions
Must be properly posted
Are legally enforceable once approved
6. Parking Regulations
Title 550 authorizes:
No-parking zones
Time-limited parking
Loading zones
Handicap parking designations
Emergency and fire lane restrictions
Parking rules must:
Be clearly posted
Serve safety, traffic flow, or public access purposes
7. Traffic Flow and Road Use
One-Way Streets and Lane Control
The STC may:
Designate one-way streets
Approve turn restrictions
Assign lanes for specific uses (e.g., turning lanes)
Road Closures
Temporary or permanent closures require approval
Often used for construction, safety hazards, or special events
8. Traffic Studies and Safety Measures
Before major changes, the STC may require:
Traffic volume studies
Accident history analysis
Pedestrian and bicycle safety evaluations
Engineering assessments
These studies help ensure decisions are evidence-based and safety-focused.
9. Appeals and Hearings
Who Can Appeal
Municipalities
State agencies
Property owners
Members of the public affected by a traffic decision
Hearing Process
Requests must be submitted formally
Evidence and testimony may be presented
The Commission votes on the outcome
Decisions are recorded and enforceable
10. Relationship With Local Governments
Cities and towns:
Propose traffic changes
Enforce approved regulations
Must follow STC rules and procedures
Local governments cannot override STC decisions unless permitted by law.
11. Enforcement and Compliance
Once approved:
Traffic regulations become legally binding
Law enforcement may issue citations
Noncompliance with posted rules can result in fines or penalties
Improper signage or unapproved changes may invalidate enforcement.
12. Why Title 550 Matters
Title 550:
Creates consistent traffic rules statewide
Reduces accidents through standardized controls
Balances local needs with state oversight
Protects drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists
It forms the administrative backbone behind many everyday traffic laws people experience.
RELATED Blog
comments