No. Rhode Island prohibits the use, sale, or possession of laser jammers on public roads under § 31-26-1.1, classifying them as illegal interference with traffic control devices. Violations may result in fines up to $500 or license suspension. Local enforcement aligns with 2023 Rhode Island State Police directives targeting radar/LIDAR countermeasures.
Key Regulations for Laser Jammers in Rhode Island
- Statutory Ban: § 31-26-1.1 explicitly criminalizes devices designed to disrupt law enforcement’s LIDAR/RADAR detection, including laser jammers.
- Penalties: First offenses incur fines up to $500; repeat violations may trigger license suspension under § 31-11-18.
- Enforcement Context: Rhode Island State Police’s 2023-2026 traffic safety initiative prioritizes interdiction of such devices, with citations issued during routine traffic stops or checkpoint operations.
Local municipalities, including Providence and Warwick, defer to state statutes, though municipal ordinances may impose additional civil penalties. The Rhode Department of Transportation’s 2024 compliance bulletin underscores alignment with federal NHTSA guidelines, which classify laser jammers as Class A misdemeanors in most jurisdictions. Importation or distribution violates § 11-47-20, risking felony charges if quantities exceed thresholds.