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TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING TRAFFIC TICKET

Marin and Barrett, Inc. is a Rhode Island Criminal Defense Law Firm dedicated to defending and protecting the rights of Rhode Island residents who have been charged with traffic offenses, including the newly enacted RI Law Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving. As we just recently discussed on our Blog, the Rhode Island Legislature passed a law banning all forms of text messaging and emailing while in a moving motor vehicle. This new law raises serious questions of enforcement for both law enforcement and the courts.

If you have received a Text-Messaging Ticket give me a call for a free consultation to see if there are any legal defenses to your traffic violation. Given how new these tickets are, it is yet to be determined the effect that such a ticket will have on your insurance premiums. Given the possible cost in future insurance payments, it is worth a call to see if we can get your ticket dismissed. Our office is conveniently located in Downtown Providence. If you or a loved has received a Rhode Island Text Messaging While Driving Traffic Ticket or Violation, call me today. I am available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The call is free and the initial consultation is free.

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Rhode Island Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer – (401) 228-8271


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RI TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING LAW

31-22-30. Text messaging while operating a motor vehicle.
(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) “Hands Free” means the manner in which a wireless handset is operated for the purpose of composing, reading or sending text messages, by using an internal feature or function, or through an attachment or addition, including but not limited to, an earpiece, headset, remote microphone or short range wireless connection, thereby allowing the user to operate said device without the use of hands.
(2) “Inoperability” means a motor vehicle that is incapable of being operated or being operated in a safe and prudent manner due to mechanical failure, including but not limited to, engine overheating or tire failure.
(3) “Motor Vehicle” means any vehicle that is self-propelled by a motor, including but not limited to, automobiles, trucks, vans, construction vehicles, etc.
(4) “Person” means any natural person, corporation, unincorporated association, firm, partnership, joint venture, joint stock association or other entity or business organization of any kind.
(5) “Stopped” means not in motion.
(6) “Text Message”, also referred to as short messaging service (SMS) means the process by which users send, read, or receive messages on a wireless handset, including but not limited to, text messages, instant messages, electronic messages or e-mails, in order to communicate with any person or device.
(7) “Use” means to hold a wireless handset in one's hands.
(8) “Wireless Handset” means a portable electronic or computing device, including cellular telephones and digital personal assistants (PDAs), capable of transmitting data in the form of a text message.

(b) No person shall use a wireless handset to compose, read or send text messages while operating a motor vehicle on any public street or public highway within the state of Rhode Island.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b), this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any wireless handset by:
(1) Any law enforcement, public safety or police officers, emergency services officials, first aid, emergency medical technicians and personnel, and fire safety officials in the performance of duties arising out of and in the course of their employment as such;
(2) A person using a wireless handset to contact an individual listed in subsection (c)(1); or
(3) A person using a wireless handset inside a motor vehicle while such motor vehicle is parked, standing or stopped and is removed from the flow of traffic, in accordance with applicable laws, rules or ordinances, or is stopped due to the inoperability of such motor vehicle.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person operating a motor vehicle from utilizing a hands-free wireless handset.

(e) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of eighty-five dollars ($85.00); for a second conviction shall be subject to a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00); and for a third or subsequent conviction a person shall be subject to a fine of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125). All violations arising out of this section shall be heard in the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.

Attorney Marin Named A SuperLawyer for Ten Consecutive Years 2014-2023

Attorney Matthew Marin has been named a Rhode Island SuperLawyer for 10 consecutive years from 2014 thru 2023. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Rhode Island are selected by the Research Team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers selects lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in their practice area.


Rhode Island Members of the National College for DUI Defense

Attorneys Marin and Barrett are both Rhode Island General Members of the National College for DUI Defense. Members represent some of the most experienced and cutting edge DUI defense attorney's throughout the Country. Nationwide, DUI laws are extremely complex and constantly changing and the College facilitates the exchange of innovative defenses throughout the Country.