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Westerly adopts low-speed-vehicle rules allowing LSVs on town roads posted 25 mph or less
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance to allow registered, insured low-speed vehicles (LSVs) on town roads posted 25 mph or less and amended enforcement to be handled by the State Traffic Tribunal rather than a town fine; vote was 6-0.
The Westerly Town Council voted to adopt an ordinance establishing rules for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) in town. Town staff and the police chief told councilors the state statute now permits LSV registration and operation under defined conditions; the manager explained an LSV is a vehicle that travels under 25 miles per hour and must be registered, insured and driven by a licensed operator. The ordinance limits operation to town roads posted at 25 mph or less and excludes state roads.
Council debated enforcement language and accepted a manager-proposed amendment to make violations subject to Rhode Island traffic laws and heard before the State Traffic Tribunal rather than subject to a town-administered $100 fine. The council closed the public hearing and adopted the ordinance as amended on a unanimous vote (6-0). The manager said the change aligns local rules with state law and public-safety concerns raised by police.
