ROAD Act

HR 4846, the ROAD Act, creates a new legal defense for drivers involved in vehicle-related injuries or property damage during riots. It allows defendants to claim this defense if they were convicted of rioting under 18 U.S.C. § 2101 or if the court finds rioting occurred by a preponderance of evidence. The bill requires courts to pause civil cases during related criminal trials unless a conviction wouldn't support the defense. This applies specifically to cases involving motor vehicle incidents stemming from riots, directly affecting defendants with prior riot convictions. The law amends Title 18 to add Section 40B as a procedural change.