R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-31.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-31.1
§ 31-3-31.1. Registration of street rods.
Status: in_force

(a) Definition of terms:

(1) A street rod means a motor vehicle that:

(i) Is a 1948 or older vehicle; or the vehicle was manufactured after 1948 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1949; and

(ii) Has been altered from the manufacturers original design; or has a body constructed from nonoriginal materials.

(2) The model year and the year of manufacture that are listed on the registration certificate of a street rod vehicle shall be the model year and year of manufacture that the body of such vehicle resembles.

(b) Registration fee and application for street rods shall be as follows:

(1) For each such street rod, there shall be a one-time pre-registration surcharge of fifty dollars ($50.00) which said sum(s) shall be accumulated by the division of motor vehicles until such time as said sum reaches an aggregate of twenty-three thousand dollars ($23,000) whereupon said division is authorized to proceed with the ordering/manufacturing of plates as required by subsection (b)(3) of this section. In addition thereto, and from hence forth, there shall be paid regular registration fees required for standard passenger vehicles as determined by the division of motor vehicles.

(2)(i) In applying for registration of a street rod under this section, the owner of the street rod shall submit with the application a certification that the vehicle for which the application is made:

(A) Will be maintained for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, and similar uses; and

(B) Will not be used for general daily transportation.

(ii) In addition to the certification required under subsection (b)(2)(i) of this section, when applying for registration of a street rod, the new owner of the street rod shall provide proof acceptable to the administration that the street rod passed a safety inspection that has been approved by the administration in consultation with the street rod community in this state.

(3) On registration of a vehicle under this section, the administration shall issue a special street rod vehicle registration plate of the size and design that the administration determines in consultation with the street rod community in this state.

(4) Unless the presence of the equipment was specifically required by a statute of this state as a condition of sale in the year listed as the year of manufacture on the certificate of title, the presence of any specific equipment is not required for the operation of a vehicle registered under this section.

(5) A vehicle registered under this section is exempt from any statute that requires periodic vehicle inspections and from any statute that requires the use and inspection of emission controls.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-32 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-32
§ 31-1-32. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any part or parts of this title are held to be unconstitutional that unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity of the remaining parts of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19-13 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-19 / Section 31-19-13
§ 31-19-13. Bicycle parking.
Status: in_force

(a) A person may park a bicycle on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by an official traffic control device (sign).

(b) A bicycle parked on a sidewalk shall not unduly impede pedestrian or other traffic.

(c) A bicycle may be parked in the roadway at any angle to the curb or edge of the roadway at any location where parking is allowed.

(d) A bicycle may be parked on the roadway abreast of another bicycle or bicycles near the side of the roadway at any location where parking is allowed.

(e) In all other respects, bicycles parked anywhere on a highway shall conform with the provisions of chapter 21 of this title regulating the parking of vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-8
§ 31-32-8. Courts to report nonpayment of judgments.
Status: in_force

Whenever any person fails within sixty (60) days to satisfy any judgment, then upon the written request of the judgment creditor or his or her attorney, it shall be the duty of the clerk of the court in which the judgment is rendered within this state to immediately upon the request forward to the division of motor vehicles a certified copy of the judgment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-28 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-28
§ 31-3-28. Rules and regulations as to plates.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and empowered to make, alter, or amend, such rules and regulations that he or she may deem necessary, pertaining to the use, size, design, color scheme, and the material to be used in the manufacture of the number plates to be displayed on automobiles, motor trucks, trailers, semi-trailers, or other motor vehicles, except that at the next general issuance and each subsequent issuance. To promote safety and to facilitate the identification of registration plate letters and numerals at night, the department of revenue shall require that all registration plates shall be treated with special materials so as to make the background fully reflective and the letters and numerals on them readable at night for a minimum distance of one hundred feet (100²) with other illumination. An additional fee of one dollar ($1.00) shall be payable upon the initial issuance of the above described illuminated plates.

(b) All rules and regulations made under the provisions of this section shall, after being approved by the governor and published at least once in each county of the state, have the effect of law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-88 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-88
§ 31-3-88. Special plate in support of public education.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available a special motor vehicle registration plate in support of public education. The plate shall bear the designation Support Public Education, and shall bear a design chosen by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and which shall depict a ruler and an apple.

(b) The special plate shall be displayed upon the same registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued, and shall be used in place of, and in the same manner as the registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and the registration certificate for the plates shall be carried in the vehicle, in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for the special plate.

(c) The Support Public Education motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with the design approved by the Rhode Island state police.

(d) The Support Public Education motor vehicle plates shall be subject to a minimum pre-paid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of plates. The Rhode Island Support Public Education plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order requirements are met.

(e) The administrator of motor vehicles shall develop application forms, prepayment procedures and any other procedures deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(f) In addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, Support Public Education motor vehicle plates shall be subject to a forty dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge.

(g) The forty dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge shall be allocated as follows: twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be allocated to the division of motor vehicles for its costs in manufacturing and distributing the special plates and the remaining twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be distributed annually, based upon the vehicle registration, to the local school districts for educational purposes.

(h) There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Support Public Education motor vehicle plates.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-12-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-12 / Section 31-12-8
§ 31-12-8. Warning signals given by emergency vehicles.
Status: in_force

The exemptions granted in this chapter to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of the vehicle while in motion sounds an audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary, and when the vehicle is equipped with at least one lighted lamp displaying a red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet (500²) to the front of the vehicle, except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-52 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-52
§ 31-24-52. Hazard switch for flashing lights.
Status: in_force

(a) All new automobiles and automobiles for hire sold in Rhode Island beginning with the 1969 models shall be provided with a hazard switch so as to produce a constant flashing light when the switch is activated. The switch shall be activated by the operator whenever any vehicle becomes disabled on any street or highway. The switch may be attached to the directional signal apparatus.

(b) Nothing in this section shall affect regulations of the interstate commerce commission.

(c) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-17 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-17
§ 31-44-17. Filing of complaint with department  Notice  Rules of evidence not binding.
Status: in_force

(a) Any resident of a mobile and manufactured housing park or any owner of a mobile and manufactured housing park may petition the director by filing a complaint with the department of business regulation. After review of the claim and a decision by the director that the matter has merit and is not frivolous, the director shall schedule a hearing within sixty (60) days from receipt of the claim. If the director finds the claim to be without merit or to be frivolous, the director shall dismiss the complaint and explain in writing to the complainant his or her reasons for dismissing the complaint.

(b) The director, or his or her agent, shall serve notice, in writing, of the time and place of the hearing upon all appropriate parties at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of the hearing. Both parties to the complaint may be represented by counsel.

(c) The director, or his or her agent, shall not be bound by common law or statutory rules of evidence but may admit all testimony having a reasonable probative value. Complaints filed shall be handled in accordance with the departments rules of practice and the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42. It may exclude evidence which, in the opinion of the director or his or her agent, is immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly repetitious.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-18-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-18 / Section 31-18-6
§ 31-18-6. Crossing where tunnel or overhead is provided.
Status: in_force

Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-26 / Section 31-26-10
§ 31-26-10. Accident report forms  Contents.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles shall prepare and upon request supply to police departments and other suitable agencies or individuals, forms for accident reports required by this chapter, appropriate with respect to the persons required to make those reports and the purposes to be served. The written reports to be made by persons involved in accidents and by investigating officers shall call for sufficiently detailed information to disclose with reference to a traffic accident the cause, conditions then existing, and the persons and vehicle involved.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-7-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-7 / Section 31-7-7
§ 31-7-7. Service on nonresident.
Status: in_force

(a) Service of process on a nonresident shall be made by leaving a copy of the process with a fee of five dollars ($5.00) in the hands of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles or in his or her office with some one acting in his or her stead as the administrator of the division of motor vehicles and the service shall be sufficient service upon the nonresident.

(b) Notice of the service and a copy of the process shall be sent by registered or certified mail prior to service or immediately after service by the plaintiff or his or her attorney of record, to the defendant at the address given upon the defendants registration or operators license. The senders post office receipt of sending and the plaintiffs or his or her attorneys affidavit of compliance are to be returned with the process in accordance with applicable procedural rules.

(c) Notwithstanding the requirements in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, however, once service has been made on the administrator of the division of motor vehicles as provided in this section, the court shall have the authority in the event of the failure to comply with the requirement of notice to the nonresident to order any notice that shall be sufficient to apprise the nonresident of the pendency of the suit against him or her, and in addition may extend the time for answering by the nonresident. It is also sufficient if notice and a copy of the process are served upon the defendant outside the state in accordance with applicable procedural rules.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-25 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-25
§ 31-1-25. Crosswalk.
Status: in_force

Crosswalk means:

(1) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs, or in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway; or

(2) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-94 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-94
§ 31-3-94. Expiration of authorization of issuance of special motor vehicle plates.
Status: in_force

(a) The statutory authorization of the issuance of any special motor vehicle registration plates after January 1, 2022, shall expire if any statutorily mandated minimum number of prepaid orders of such plates has not been satisfied within five (5) years following the enactment of such authorization.

(b) The statutory authorization of the issuance of any special motor vehicle registration plates enacted prior to January 1, 2022, shall expire on June 30, 2023, if any statutorily mandated minimum number of prepaid orders of such plates has not been satisfied prior to that date.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-29 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-22 / Section 31-22-29
§ 31-22-29. Inspection of fire apparatus vehicles.
Status: in_force

Any motor vehicle bearing fire apparatus plates shall be subject to a yearly inspection in accordance with the criteria listed in the national fire protection association (NFPA) standard 1915, 2000 edition.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-22 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-22
§ 31-27-22. Street racing  Justin Nunes Law.
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as Justin Nunes Law.

(a) For the purpose of this section, street racing means the act of two (2) or more individuals competing or racing in a situation in which one of the motor vehicles is beside or to the rear of a motor vehicle operated by a competing driver and one driver attempts to prevent the competing driver from passing or overtaking him or her, or one or more individuals competing in a race against time.

(b) It shall be unlawful to engage in street racing on any public road, street or highway of this state, whether or not there is a formal agreement to race.

(1) Every person convicted of a first violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be subject to imprisonment for not more than one year, a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and be required to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of public community restitution. The persons license to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended for a period of not less than ninety (90) days nor more than six (6) months.

(2) Every person convicted of a second violation within a five (5) year period, shall be guilty of a felony and be subject to imprisonment for not more than two (2) years, a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and be required to perform sixty (60) to one hundred (100) hours of public community restitution. The persons license to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended for no less than six (6) months nor more than two (2) years.

(3) Every person convicted of a third (3rd) or subsequent violation within a five (5) year period, shall be guilty of a felony and be subject to imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, a fine of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) and required to perform not less than one hundred (100) hours of public community restitution. The persons license to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended for no less than one year nor more than five (5) years.

(c) Any person found in violation of subsection 31-27-22(b) while having one or more passengers in their motor vehicle shall be subject to imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, and a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) and be required to perform no more than one hundred (100) hours of public community restitution. The persons license to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended for no less than one year. This enhanced sentence is to be served in addition and consecutively to the sentence provided for the underlying offense.

(d) If a person is found in violation of subsection 31-27-22(b) and the vehicle used in the violation is registered to that person or where the registrant permits the use of the vehicle, the vehicle may be impounded at the registered owners expense for not less than one day or more than thirty (30) days.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-24 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-11 / Section 31-11-24
§ 31-11-24. Records of rentals.
Status: in_force

Every person renting a motor vehicle to another shall keep a record of the registration number of the motor vehicle so rented, the name and address of the person to whom the vehicle is rented, the number of the license of the latter person, and the date and place when and where the license was issued. The record shall be open to inspection by any police officer or employee of the division of motor vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-16-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-16 / Section 31-16-3
§ 31-16-3. Marking of turn-paths at particular intersections.
Status: in_force

(a) Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may place markers, buttons, or signs within or adjacent to intersections, and require and direct that a different course from that specified in § 31-16-2 be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when markers, buttons, or signs are so placed, no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by the markers, buttons, or signs.

(b) In view of the fact that there are many intersections, including T intersections, where large numbers of vehicles turn left, local authorities and traffic officers should permit and direct vehicles to turn left in two (2) lines at those intersections.

(c) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-16 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-16
§ 31-3-16. General assembly plates.
Status: reserved

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is directed to make available to each duly elected member of the senate and of the house of representatives of the general assembly of the state of Rhode Island, so long as the member is serving during the term for which he or she has been elected as a member of the general assembly and no longer, two (2) special motor vehicle registration plates carrying on the first plate as a courtesy the word senate in the case of the senate, and the word house in the case of the house of representatives. On the second set of plates, in addition to the wording above, the letter a denoting auxiliary shall be placed on the plates. The plates are to have special identifying numbers corresponding to the number of the senatorial or representative district from which the member was elected.

(b) The special motor vehicle registration plates shall carry thereon the design and the seal of the state of Rhode Island and shall be designed, sold, and attached to the motor vehicle without cost to the state.

(c) Each member of any general assembly, at the expiration of his or her term as member, unless reelected, may retain the special motor vehicle registration plates in his or her own keeping, provided he or she does not display the plates upon any motor vehicle or any other form of transportation owned or operated by the member.

(d) Any violation of the provisions of subsection (c) of this section shall be deemed a civil violation, and any person displaying a special motor vehicle registration plate upon any vehicle shall, upon conviction, be fined ten dollars ($10.00) for each offense.

(e) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall reserve for the future use of each member of the general assembly the private registration plates which he or she turns into the division of motor vehicles in return for legislators plates. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall annually, during the month of January, submit a written notice to each member of the general assembly notifying him or her of the private registration plates which are being reserved for his or her future use. The notice shall indicate the registration plate designation and the legislator for which it is being reserved.

(f) In a state of emergency, any member of the general assembly driving a vehicle bearing a special motor vehicle registration plate shall be authorized and empowered to travel upon the highways of the state notwithstanding any driving ban imposed by any state or municipal authority.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-12.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-12.1
§ 31-27-12.1. Preparation of summons and related records  Content and form.
Status: in_force

(a) The summonses and related records shall be in a form approved by the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal and subject to the approval of the supreme court. Summonses and related records shall be numbered consecutively with each summons and its related records bearing the same number, and each summons and its related records shall consist of five (5) parts:

(1) The summons to be given the alleged offender;

(2) A copy of the summons to be retained by the issuing police officer;

(3) A request for complaint which shall be a copy of the original and which, when completed and signed shall direct the application for a complaint to the appropriate court or to a justice of the peace authorized to issue complaints;

(4) A division of motor vehicles record which shall be a copy of the request for complaint and which shall also include an abstract of the court record;

(5) The police record which shall also provide space for the recording of the disposition of the charge and which will be retained by the issuing police department or organization.

(b) The summons and related record shall include, when completed, the signature of the officer observing the alleged violation, the name and address of the alleged offender, the number of his or her license, if any, to operate a motor vehicle, the registration number of the vehicle involved, the time and place of the alleged violation, and the substance of the offense charged.

(c) The administrative clerk of the judicial department, upon the approval of the content and form of the summonses and related records by the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal and subject to the approval of the supreme court, shall provide for the printing of them in books or pads, each of which shall contain an original and copy of a summary sheet to be used, providing space for a record of the use of the consecutively numbered summonses and related records contained in the book or pad.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-2 / Section 31-2-2
§ 31-2-2. Subordinates and investigators.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall appoint any subordinates that he or she may require for the proper performance of his or her duties. He or she shall appoint investigators who shall be empowered to investigate the application for any motor vehicle license or registration in order to ascertain the truth of the statements made in it, to seize or recover the license or registration certificate and number plates of any person whose license or registration shall have been suspended or revoked, and to perform any other duties not inconsistent with the law as the administrator may direct.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-33-11 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-33 / Section 31-33-11
§ 31-33-11. Proof of responsibility for registration of vehicles owned by minors.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles shall not register any motor vehicle owned by any person under sixteen (16) years of age. The division of motor vehicles shall not register any motor vehicle owned by any person between sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) years of age unless the person shall furnish proof of financial responsibility for the future together with any certificate that the division of motor vehicles may require, signed by either parent, or the guardian of the person, approved or requesting the registration of the vehicle.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-45-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-45 / Section 31-45-2
§ 31-45-2. Establishment of regulations.
Status: in_force

The director of the department of revenue is authorized to adopt rules, regulations, and procedures to be utilized in the enforcement of this chapter. The director is further authorized to lower the noise standards set forth in this chapter consistent with economic and technological feasibility. The procedure shall allow, to the extent feasible, noise measurement and enforcement action to be accomplished in reasonably confined areas such as residential areas. The adoption of those rules, regulations, and limits shall be pursuant to chapter 35 of title 42.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-3.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-47 / Section 31-47-3.1
§ 31-47-3.1. Registration application.
Status: in_force

(a) No motor vehicle shall be registered and no registration renewed in this state unless the application for the registration of a motor vehicle shall contain a statement to be signed by the applicant who does all of the following:

(1) States that the applicant will not operate, or allow to be operated, the registered motor vehicle or any other motor vehicle unless all those motor vehicles shall be covered by financial security;

(2) Contains a brief summary of the purposes and operation of this chapter, the rights and duties of the applicant and the penalties for violation of this chapter;

(3) Warns the applicant that this chapter does not prevent the possibility that the applicant may be involved in an accident with an owner or operator of a motor vehicle who is without financial responsibility.

(b)(1) In the case of a person who purchases any motor vehicle from a licensed motor vehicle dealer, who agrees to make application for registration of the motor vehicle on behalf of the purchaser, the person shall sign a statement that complies with subsection (a) of this section.

(2) In the case of a person who leases any motor vehicle from a dealer engaged in the business of leasing motor vehicles who agrees to make application for registration of the motor vehicle on behalf of the lessee, the person shall sign a statement that complies with subsection (a) of this section, and the dealer shall do either of the following:

(i) Submit the statement signed by the person to the division of motor vehicles;

(ii) Sign and submit a statement that certifies that the statement has been signed and filed with the dealer or incorporated into the lease.

(iii) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall prescribe the form for all statements required under this section and the manner in which these statements shall be presented to the applicant. Statements shall be designed to enable the applicant to retain a copy.

(iv) An application for an operators, chauffeurs, restricted or probationary license, or renewal of those licenses shall contain a statement to be signed by the applicant that does all of the following:

(A) States that the applicant will not operate a motor vehicle in this state, unless he or she maintains, or has maintained on his or her behalf, financial security;

(B) Contains a brief summary of the purposes and operation of this chapter, the rights and duties of the applicant and the penalties for violation of this chapter;

(C) Warns the applicant that the financial responsibility law does not prevent the possibility that the applicant may be involved in an accident with an owner or operator of a motor vehicle who is without financial security.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-19 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-19
§ 31-32-19. Proof required for each registered vehicle.
Status: in_force

No vehicle shall be or continue to be registered in the name of any person required to file proof of financial responsibility for the future unless proof shall be furnished for the vehicle.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-16-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-16 / Section 31-16-2
§ 31-16-2. Manner of turning at intersection.
Status: in_force

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:

(1) Right turns. (i) Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. (ii) Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign or other traffic control device shall be granted the right-of-way.

(2) Left turns on two-way roadways. (i) At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersections, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line of it and by passing to the right of the center line where it enters the intersection, and, after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection. (ii) Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign or other traffic control device shall be granted the right of way.

(3) Left turns on other than two way roadways. (i) At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one direction on one or more of the roadways, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at an intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and, after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection, as nearly as practicable, in the left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction upon the roadway being entered. (ii) Pedestrians intending to cross a lane of traffic which is required to stop or yield by a red traffic light, stop or yield sign, or other traffic control device, shall be granted the right-of-way.

(4) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-2.2
§ 31-27-2.2. Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, resulting in death.
Status: in_force

(a) When the death of any person other than the operator ensues as a proximate result of an injury received by the operation of any vehicle, the operator of which is under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination of these, the person so operating the vehicle shall be guilty of driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, resulting in death.

(b) Any person charged with the commission of the offense set forth in subsection (a) of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished as follows:

(1)(i) Every person convicted of a first violation shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than five (5) years and for not more than fifteen (15) years, in any unit of the adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge, by a fine of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and his or her license to operate a motor vehicle shall be revoked for a period of five (5) years. The license privilege shall not be reinstated until evidence satisfactory to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles establishes that no grounds exist which would authorize the refusal to issue a license, and until the person gives proof of financial responsibility pursuant to chapter 32 of this title.

(ii) In addition, the person convicted may be required to successfully complete alcohol or drug treatment in a program of their choice, at their own expense, as authorized by a judge of the superior court, and may successfully complete the program before any license to operate a motor vehicle is renewed.

(2) Every person convicted of a second or subsequent violation within a five (5) year period in this state or any other state, provided the out-of-state conviction was based on the same blood-alcohol concentration as set forth in § 31-27-2 shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than ten (10) years and for not more than twenty (20) years, in any unit of the adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge, by a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) nor more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) and his or her license to operate a motor vehicle shall be revoked for a period of five (5) years. In addition, the person convicted may be required to successfully complete alcohol or drug treatment, at their own expense, in a program established by the director of the department of corrections. The license privilege shall not be reinstated whether the convictions occurred in this or any other state until evidence satisfactory to the superior court, following a hearing establishes that no grounds exist which would authorize the refusal to issue a license, and until the person gives proof of financial responsibility pursuant to chapter 32 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-29 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-29
§ 31-10-29. Duplicate certificates.
Status: in_force

In the event that an instruction permit or operators or chauffeurs license issued under the provisions of this chapter is lost or destroyed, the person to whom the permit or license was issued may apply for the permit or license, and upon payment of the required fee of ten dollars ($10.00) obtain a duplicate certificate. The applicant shall furnish proof satisfactory to the division of motor vehicles that the permit or license has been lost or destroyed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-15 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-20 / Section 31-20-15
§ 31-20-15. Posting of bridle path signs.
Status: in_force

The department of revenue shall in all parks and reservations, and the traffic safety commission shall on all state highways, erect and maintain adequate signs requiring operators of motor vehicles to come to a complete stop because of the existence of a bridle path where saddle horses may cross the roads in the parks and reservation and/or state highways.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-11.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-20 / Section 31-20-11.1
§ 31-20-11.1. Signaling of stops for school buses.
Status: in_force

No school bus driver while transporting school children shall stop the school bus without first having actuated the flashing lights at least one hundred feet (100²) prior to the scheduled school bus stop.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-23 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-23
§ 31-24-23. Use of multiple beam lamps.
Status: in_force

Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or on its shoulder during the times specified in § 31-24-1, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations:

(1) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within five hundred feet (500²), the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver. The lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, specified in subdivision (2) of § 31-24-22, shall be deemed to avoid glare at all times, regardless of road contour and loading.

(2) Whenever the driver of a vehicle follows another vehicle within two hundred feet (200²) to the rear, except when engaged in the act of overtaking and passing, the driver shall use a distribution of light permissible under this chapter other than the upper most distribution of light specified in subdivision (1) of § 31-24-22.

(3) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-47 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-47
§ 31-3-47. Judiciary plates.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available to each justice of the supreme, superior, family, and district courts, to each judge of the workers compensation court, the general magistrate of the family court, and to each judge or magistrate of the traffic tribunal of the state of Rhode Island, so long as that member is serving, a special motor vehicle registration plate.

(b) Each special motor vehicle registration plate shall carry thereon the design and the seal of the state of Rhode Island and the word, judiciary.

(c) The special motor vehicle registration plate shall have consecutive numbers starting with one through the combined number of people entitled to said plates. Numbers one through five (5) shall be assigned to the supreme court; numbers six (6) through eight (8) shall be assigned to the presiding justice of superior court, chief judge of family court, and chief judge of district court, number nine (9) shall be assigned to the chief judge of the workers compensation court; number ten (10) shall be assigned to the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal. Each remaining member of the judiciary, and the remaining members of the workers compensation court, and the remaining judges and magistrates of the traffic tribunal and the general magistrate of the family court will then be awarded a number according to seniority. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall reassign numbers no more than every four (4) years after the initial distribution.

(d) Each member of the judiciary, workers compensation court, the general magistrate of the family court and traffic tribunal, as provided in this section, shall have the option of displaying at any time that plate or the private registration plate assigned to his or her vehicle.

(e) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue the judiciary plate upon payment, in addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, of a service charge of ten dollars ($10.00) for each issue and for each registration renewal.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-32 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-32
§ 31-24-32. Vehicles parked on lighted highways.
Status: in_force

Whenever a vehicle is lawfully parked upon a street or highway during the hours between one-half (Â½) hour after sunset and one-half (Â½) hour before sunrise, and in the event there is sufficient light to reveal any person or object within a distance of five hundred feet (500²) upon the street or highway no lights need be displayed upon the parked vehicle. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-20 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-20
§ 31-3-20. Operation with manufacturers or dealers plates.
Status: in_force

(a) A manufacturer or dealer owning any vehicle of a type otherwise required to be registered under this chapter, or any bona fide employee of a manufacturer or dealer, or any other appropriate persons as defined by this chapter, or by regulations issued pursuant to this chapter, may operate or move the vehicle upon the highways for any purpose without registering the vehicle upon condition that the vehicle has displayed on it, in the manner prescribed in § 31-3-18, a special plate issued to the owner as provided in §§ 31-3-23  31-3-25.

(b) Any manufacturer or dealer may loan a motor vehicle, the special plates, or both to any person for the purpose of demonstration of a motor vehicle, when a motor vehicle owned by the person is undergoing repairs, or when the person has purchased a motor vehicle the registration of which by him or her is pending, and in any case for not more than twenty (20) days in any year, provided the person operating the loaned motor vehicle or a motor vehicle bearing such loaned number plate shall furnish proof to the dealer or manufacturer that he or she has liability and property damage insurance which will cover any damage to any person or property caused by the operation of the loaned vehicle for which the operator would have been liable if he or she had also been the owner. This proof of insurance shall be set forth on a form to be obtained from the division of motor vehicles and the form shall be subject to any conditions that the division of motor vehicles may impose; provided that, in the event the person loaned the vehicle does not have an insurance policy in effect, then any liability or property damage shall be covered by the dealers insurance policy.

(c) Any manufacturer or dealer may also loan a motor vehicle, under the circumstances outlined in this section, and the vehicle may be affixed plates belonging to the person operating the loaned motor vehicle when the number plates would be of the same classification. The dealer may issue a temporary certificate of registration of the vehicle and the vehicle may be operated upon the public highways under this certificate for a period of twenty (20) days from the date of issuance. The certificate shall be issued on a form obtained from the division of motor vehicles and shall be issued under any conditions that the division of motor vehicles may impose. The certificate shall be carried in the vehicle for which it is issued and the operator or person in control of the vehicle shall display the certificate for examination upon demand of any proper officer. Any damage to any person or property caused by the operation of the loaned vehicle shall be the responsibility of the operator or person in control of the vehicle and the dealer or manufacturer shall be in no way liable for it.

(d) Every manufacturer or dealer shall keep a record of each loaned vehicle or number plate showing the date loaned, date returned, and the name and operators license number of the person operating any loaned vehicle or vehicle with the loaned number plates. This record shall be available during business hours for examination by any police officer or inspector designated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. Any licensed dealer or manufacturer may operate or cause to be operated by a bona fide employee a motor vehicle for his or her personal use and for use in connection with his or her business as a dealer or repairer for any length of time, provided that the dealers insurance policy shall at all times cover the motor vehicle while in use by the employee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-28-7.10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-28 / Section 31-28-7.10
§ 31-28-7.10. Special legislative commission to study the disability parking placard system.
Status: in_force

(a) A special legislative commission is hereby created consisting of seven (7) members: two (2) of whom shall be from the house of representatives, not more than one from the same political party to be appointed by the speaker; two (2) of whom shall be from the senate, not more than one from the same political party to be appointed by the senate majority leader; one of whom shall be a representative of the division of motor vehicles, to be appointed by the registrar; two (2) of whom shall be representatives of the governors commission on disabilities, appointed by the chairperson of the governors commission on disabilities. In lieu of any appointment of a member of the legislation to a permanent advisory commission, a legislative study commission, or any commission created by a general assembly resolution, the appointing authority may appoint a member of the general public to serve in lieu of a legislator, provided that the majority leader or the minority leader of the political party which is entitled to the appointment consents to the appointment of the member of the general public.

(b) The purpose of the commission shall be to study the disability parking placard system and recommend possible changes to the system and thereby improve service. The members of the commission shall meet at the call of the speaker of the house and organize and shall select from among the legislators a chairperson. Vacancies in the commission shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment.

(c) The membership of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

(d) All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish any advice and information, documentary and otherwise, to the commission and its agents that is deemed necessary or desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this section.

(e) The speaker of the house is hereby authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters for the commission. The commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the general assembly on or before January 24, 2003 and the commission shall expire on March 24, 2003.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-45 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-45
§ 31-3-45. Police motorcycle plates.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue to all police departments police motorcycle registration plates. These plates shall be imprinted with the words police motorcycle and shall be a distinctive color to distinguish them from standard motorcycle plates.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-40-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-40 / Section 31-40-9
§ 31-40-9. Restoration of privilege of operating motor vehicle.
Status: in_force

At the expiration of the time of suspension set by the court under § 31-40-7 after the date of any final order of a court entered under the provisions of this chapter, finding a person to be an habitual offender and directing him or her not to operate a motor vehicle in this state, the person may petition that court, or any district court having criminal jurisdiction in the political subdivision in which the person then resides, for restoration of his or her privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state. Upon the petition, and for good cause shown, the court may, in its discretion, restore to the person the privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state upon any terms and conditions that the court may prescribe, subject to other provisions of law relating to the issuance of operators or chauffeurs licenses.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-50-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-50 / Section 31-50-2
§ 31-50-2. Board created.
Status: in_force

There is created the automobile theft and insurance fraud investigations board, referred to in this chapter as the board. The board shall consist of five (5) members one of whom shall be appointed to represent the interests of consumers by the governor; one of whom shall be appointed by the attorney general; one of whom shall be appointed by the governor to represent the insurance industry; one of whom shall be appointed by the president of the Rhode Island Chiefs of Police Association; and one of whom shall be the superintendent of the state police, ex-officio, or his or her designee. The initial appointments to the positions created in this section for appointed members shall be for a term of four (4) years, three (3) years, two (2) years, and one year respectively, to be determined by the governor, and subsequently to a term of four (4) years, or until a successor is appointed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-23 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-23
§ 31-3-23. Application for dealers plates.
Status: in_force

Any manufacturer, bailee, transporter, or dealer may apply to the division of motor vehicles on the appropriate form to obtain a certificate containing a general distinguishing number and for one or more special plates as appropriate to various types of vehicles subject to registration pursuant to this chapter. The applicant shall also submit proof of his or her status as a bona fide manufacturer, bailee, transporter, or dealer as may reasonably be required by the division of motor vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-105 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-105
§ 31-3-105. Special plate for Rhode Island private colleges and universities.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for passenger vehicles based upon the various independent, nonprofit institutions of higher education (Brown University, Bryant University, Johnson & Wales University, New England Institute of Technology, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Williams University, and/or Salve Regina University).

(b) The special plate(s) shall be displayed upon the same registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued and shall be used in place of, and in the same manner as, the registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and returned to the division of motor vehicles. The registration certificate for the plates shall be carried in the vehicle, in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for the special plates.

(c) The respective independent higher-education institutions motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with design approval by the Rhode Island state police.

(d) Each independent higher-education institution plate shall be subject to a minimum prepaid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of plates per institution per plate type (i.e. passenger, commercial, etc.). The respective independent higher-education institution plate shall not be issued unless the minimum-order requirements are met by the requesting institution. The initial order will be handled by the president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island (AICU RI), or his or her designee, and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order has been met and the proper paperwork submitted to the division. The AICU RI president, or his or her designee, will act as program coordinator and point of contact for the division of motor vehicles. Subsequent independent higher-education institution plate orders will be handled by the division of motor vehicles.

(e) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall develop prepayment procedures and any other procedures deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(f) In addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, independent higher-education institution plates shall be subject to a forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge.

(g) The forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge shall be allocated as follows: twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be allocated to the general fund and the remaining twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be distributed annually to the respective independent higher-education institution as a nonprofit educational institution based in Rhode Island.

(h) A ten-dollar ($10.00) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals will go to the respective independent higher-education institution.

(i) There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of independent higher-education institution plates.

(j) Any respective independent higher-education institution not pursuing or not reaching the minimum prepaid order of plates, as outlined in subsection (d), within thirty-six (36) months after this section is enacted, will not be eligible to obtain special motor vehicle registration plates as outlined above, absent further action of the general assembly.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-2.9
§ 31-27-2.9. Administration of chemical test.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of § 31-27-2.1, if an individual refuses to consent to a chemical test as provided in § 31-27-2.1, and a peace officer, as defined in § 12-7-21, has probable cause to believe that the individual has violated one or more of the following sections: 31-27-1, 31-27-1.1, 31-27-2.2, or 31-27-2.6 and that the individual was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, toluene or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 21-28, or any combination thereof, a chemical test may be administered without the consent of that individual provided that the peace officer first obtains a search warrant authorizing administration of the chemical test. The chemical test shall determine the amount of the alcohol or the presence of a controlled substance in that persons blood, saliva or breath.

(b) The chemical test shall be administered in accordance with the methods approved by the director of the department of health as provided for in subdivision 31-27-2(c)(4). The individual shall be afforded the opportunity to have an additional chemical test as established in subdivision 31-27-2(c)(6).

(c) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, including, but not limited to, chapter 5-37.3, any health care provider who, as authorized by the search warrant in subsection (a):

(i) Takes a blood, saliva or breath sample from an individual; or

(ii) Performs the chemical test; or

(iii) Provides information to a peace officer pursuant to subsection (a) above and who uses reasonable care and accepted medical practices shall not be liable in any civil or criminal proceeding arising from the taking of the sample, from the performance of the chemical test or from the disclosure or release of the test results.

(d) The results of a chemical test performed pursuant to this section shall be admissible as competent evidence in any civil or criminal prosecution provided that evidence is presented in compliance with the conditions set forth in subdivisions 31-27-2(c)(3), 31-27-2(c)(4) and 31-27-2(c)(6).

(e) All chemical tests administered pursuant to this section shall be audio and video recorded by the law enforcement agency which applied for and was granted the search warrant authorizing the administration of the chemical test.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-40-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-40 / Section 31-40-10
§ 31-40-10. Appeals.
Status: in_force

An appeal may be had from any final action or order of a court entered under the provisions of this chapter in the same manner and form as such an appeal would be claimed and adjudicated in any criminal case.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-24 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-24
§ 31-10-24. Applicants excused from road test.
Status: in_force

The provisions of § 31-10-22 shall not apply in the case of an applicant who already has been granted a valid operators license issued by a state or federal agency which has a reciprocal agreement with the state of Rhode Island in the matter of requirements for operators licenses. Also, § 31-10-22 shall not apply when an examiner of the division of motor vehicles is examining any student of a public or parochial educational institution which offers a course in driver training education acceptable to the division of motor vehicles, provided that the motor vehicle used by the educational institution for driver training education in which the student has received his or her driver training has been equipped with a dual control.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-34.5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-34.5
§ 31-10-34.5. Transfer of functions to administrator of division of motor vehicles.
Status: in_force

On May 4, 2005 all functions, services performed, responsibilities and duties formerly of the drivers training school licensing board are hereby transferred to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-30 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-30
§ 31-32-30. Money or securities as proof.
Status: in_force

Proof of financial responsibility may be evidenced by the certificate of the general treasurer that the person named in it has deposited with him or her sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) in cash, or securities, that may be legally purchased by savings banks or for trust funds of a market value of sixty thousand dollars ($60,000). The general treasurer shall not accept any deposit and issue a certificate for it and the division of motor vehicles shall not accept the certificate unless accompanied by evidence that there are no unsatisfied judgments of any character against the depositor in the county where the depositor resides.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-47 / Section 31-47-3
§ 31-47-3. Regulations authorized  Access to court and agency records.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to promulgate reasonable regulations to provide effective administration and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

(b) Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of this or any other law of this state, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, shall have access to the records of the family court and all other courts and agencies concerning motor vehicle violations of any person who has applied for motor vehicle liability insurance. Upon request of the insurance company to which application has been made, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall make available to the insurance company any information concerning motor vehicle violations of the applicant.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-13 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-13
§ 31-1-13. Gross weight.
Status: in_force

Gross weight means the weight of a vehicle without load plus the maximum weight of any load allowed to be carried on the vehicle. Maximum weight shall be determined by the manufacturers allowed gross weight, or as determined by the division.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-55 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-55
§ 31-23-55. Speedometer and odometer.
Status: in_force

Every school bus is required to be equipped with a speedometer and odometer in good working order at all times. The odometer may be installed separate and apart from the odometer normally included in the speedometer head.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-37-17 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-37 / Section 31-37-17
§ 31-37-17. Penalties for violations.
Status: in_force

Whoever, himself or herself or by his or her agent or servant, violates any provision of this chapter, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000). Upon the second finding against any licensee of a violation, whether by himself or herself or by his or her agent or servant, the director may suspend the right of the licensee to engage in the business of selling motor fuel at retail for a period not exceeding three (3) months. Upon the third or subsequent finding against any licensee of a violation, whether by himself or herself or by his or her agent or servant, the director may suspend the right for a period not exceeding one year.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-4
§ 31-1-4. Trucks and tractors.
Status: in_force

(a) Covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle means a vehicle that is transporting a disabled vehicle from the place where the vehicle became disabled to the nearest appropriate repair facility; and, provided the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight that is equal to or exceeds the gross vehicle weight of the disabled vehicle being transported.

(b) Farm tractor means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement, for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry or farm vehicles.

(c) Tow cars and tow trucks means every motor vehicle ordinarily used for the purpose of towing or removing motor vehicles or assisting disabled motor vehicles.

(d)(1) Trailer transporter towing unit means a power unit that is not used to carry property when operating in a towaway trailer transporter combination.

(2) Towaway trailer transporter combination means a combination of vehicles consisting of a trailer transporter towing unit and two (2) trailers or semitrailers:

(i) With a total weight that does not exceed twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.); and

(ii) In which the trailers or semitrailers carry no property and constitute inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of the trailers or semitrailers.

(e) Truck means every motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall determine, in case of doubt, if a motor vehicle is subject to registration as a truck.

(f) Truck tractor means a non-cargo-carrying power unit that operates in combination with a semi-trailer or trailer, except that a truck tractor and a semi-trailer or trailer engaged in the transportation of automobiles may transport motor vehicles on part of the power unit.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-33 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-33
§ 31-24-33. Vehicles stopped on unlighted highways.
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever a vehicle is parked or stopped upon a roadway or shoulder adjacent to it, whether attended or unattended, during the hours between one-half (Â½) hour after sunset and one-half (Â½) hour before sunrise, and there is not sufficient light to reveal any person or object within a distance of five hundred feet (500²) upon the highway, the vehicle so parked or stopped shall be equipped with one or more lamps meeting the following requirements:

(1) At least one lamp shall display a white or amber light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500²) to the front of the vehicle;

(2) The same lamp or at least one (1) other lamp shall display a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500²) to the rear of the vehicle; and

(3) The location of the lamp or lamps shall always be such that at least one lamp or combination of lamps meeting the requirements of this section is installed as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle which is closest to passing traffic.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to a motor-driven cycle.

(c) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-14 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-38 / Section 31-38-14
§ 31-38-14. Vehicles exempt from inspections.
Status: in_force

(a) The following vehicles shall be exempt from inspections:

(1) All trailers or semi-trailers having a gross weight of one thousand pounds (1,000 lbs.) or less;

(2) Any special mobile equipment which is not required to be registered; and

(3) Vehicles that are limited in their scope of operation as determined by the director of the department of revenue.

(b) The exemption in this section does not relieve the owner of the vehicle from the obligation of having a safe vehicle on the public highways.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-20 / Section 31-20-6
§ 31-20-6. Designation of through highways  Erection of stop and yield signs.
Status: in_force

The state traffic commission with reference to state highways, and local authorities with reference to other highways under their jurisdiction, may designate through highways and erect stop and yield signs at special entrances to them, or may designate any intersection as a stop and yield intersection and erect like signs at one or more entrances to the intersection.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-37-18 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-37 / Section 31-37-18
§ 31-37-18. Costs on prosecution of violations.
Status: in_force

Whenever a complaint is made by the tax administrator or by any of the administrators agents of any violations of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 36 of this title, the administrator shall not be required to furnish surety for costs or be liable for costs on the complaint.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-26 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-26
§ 31-24-26. Head lamps of slow vehicles.
Status: in_force

Any motor vehicle may be operated under the conditions specified in § 31-24-1 when equipped with two (2) lighted lamps upon the front of it capable of revealing persons and objects seventy-five feet (75²) ahead in lieu of lamps required in §§ 31-24-22 or 31-24-24; provided, that at no time shall it be operated at a speed in excess of twenty miles per hour (20 m.p.h.). Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-37-16.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-37 / Section 31-37-16.1
§ 31-37-16.1. No smoking signs to be displayed.
Status: in_force

Every retail dealer shall display and maintain on each island upon which is located a device from which motor fuel is dispensed and sold, at least one sign containing the words no smoking. The sign or signs shall be of a size not smaller than six inches (6") in height by eighteen inches (18") in length.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19-2.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-19 / Section 31-19-2.1
§ 31-19-2.1. Helmets required on bicycle operators, bicycle passengers, skateboarders, rollerskaters, inline skaters, and scooter riders ages fifteen (15) and younger.
Status: in_force

Any person fifteen (15) years of age or younger who is operating or who is a passenger on a bicycle or who is using or operating a skateboard, rollerskates, scooter or inline skates on a public highway, bicycle trail or path, shared use path, park and/or recreational area, school property or on any other public right of way shall wear a helmet. The helmet shall fit the persons head and shall be secured to the persons head by straps while the person is operating the bicycle, skateboard, scooter, rollerskates or inline skates. The helmet shall meet the standards for helmets established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or subsequent standards. In no event shall failure to wear a helmet be considered as contributory or comparative negligence, nor shall the failure to wear a helmet be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-6
§ 31-23-6. Maintenance of brakes.
Status: in_force

All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. The brake fluid in hydraulic brakes shall conform to minimum S.A.E. (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-18-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-18 / Section 31-18-3
§ 31-18-3. Right-of-way in crosswalk.
Status: in_force

(a) When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger, but no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. This provision shall not apply under the conditions stated in § 31-18-6.

(b) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4 and in addition to any other penalty provided by law, a judge or magistrate shall impose a mandatory fine of one hundred dollars ($100) for a second or any subsequent violation of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-1
§ 31-32-1. Applicability.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter requiring the deposit of proof of financial responsibility for the future, subject to certain exemptions, shall apply with respect to persons who have been convicted of or forfeited bail for certain offenses under motor vehicle laws, or who have failed to pay judgments upon causes of action arising out of ownership, maintenance, or use of vehicles of a type subject to registration under the laws of this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-52-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-52 / Section 31-52-3
§ 31-52-3. Driving in funeral procession.
Status: in_force

(a) Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession must exercise due care when participating in a funeral procession.

(b) A vehicle in a funeral procession shall follow the preceding vehicle in the funeral procession as closely as is practicable and safe. Any ordinance, law, or regulation requiring that motor vehicles be operated to allow sufficient space between them to enable another vehicle to enter and occupy that space without danger shall not be applicable to vehicles in a funeral procession.

(c) The operator of a motor vehicle in a funeral procession may not drive the vehicle at a speed greater than:

(1) Fifty-five (55) miles per hour on a highway where the posted speed limit is fifty-five (55) miles per hour or more; or

(2) Five (5) miles per hour below the posted speed limit on other streets or roads.

(d) A vehicle being operated in any funeral procession must have its headlights and tail lights illuminated.

(e) The turn signals must be flashing simultaneously as warning lights on a vehicle that is the first vehicle in a funeral procession and which the operator has reason to believe is the last vehicle in the funeral procession.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-7
§ 31-25-7. Front and rear extensions of load.
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to the provisions of this chapter limiting the length of vehicles and loads, the load upon any vehicle, operated alone or the load upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than three feet (3²) beyond the foremost part of the vehicle, and the load upon any vehicle, operated alone or the load upon the rear vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than six feet (6²) beyond the rear of the bed or body of the vehicle.

(b) Any carrier or persons operating a vehicle that exceeds the maximum extensions of load, as permitted or as defined in this section, shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200) per foot over length or portion of it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-6-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-6 / Section 31-6-5
§ 31-6-5. Reduced fees for portion of year.
Status: in_force

(a) If an application for registration of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer shall be made in the first quarter of the year appropriate to the individuals registration expiration, or in the second quarter or the third quarter in any year, the fee for registration shall be three-fourths (Â¾), two-fourths (2/4), or one-fourth (Â¼) respectively of the fee required for a full year.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply in the case of the registration of motor vehicles used for racing, or for motor vehicles, trailers, or semi-trailers owned by any department or agency of the state of Rhode Island, or by any city, town, or district of this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-8-1.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-8 / Section 31-8-1.1
§ 31-8-1.1. Operation of beach vehicle without permit.
Status: in_force

No person shall operate, nor shall an owner knowingly permit to be operated, upon a beach as defined by the coastal resources management council, any vehicle required to be registered by the coastal resources management council unless there has been issued a valid beach registration permit and unless there is attached on it and displayed on it a valid registration sticker issued by the coastal resources management council for the current registration year. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not less that twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than seventy-five dollars ($75.00).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-51-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-51 / Section 31-51-6
§ 31-51-6. Use of evidence in criminal and civil cases.
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the use of evidence produced by a live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring system in a criminal or private civil proceeding provided that the admissibility of such evidence shall not follow the applicable laws and rules of procedure and rules of evidence which apply in criminal and civil cases.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-11.8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-22 / Section 31-22-11.8
§ 31-22-11.8. Unauthorized use of personal wireless communication devices on a school bus.
Status: in_force

(a) The use of a personal wireless communications device by a school bus driver shall be prohibited, while the bus is transporting children, except in the case of an emergency.

(b) Any person who violates any of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).

(c) For a subsequent conviction under this section, a person shall be punished by a fine of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

(d) For a third or subsequent conviction under this section a person shall be punished by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200).

(e) If any civil action is brought as a result of a violation of this section, the violation shall be evidence of negligence.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-20 / Section 31-20-10
§ 31-20-10. Vehicles emerging from alleys, driveways, and buildings.
Status: in_force

The driver of a vehicle within a business or residence district emerging from an alley, driveway, or building shall stop the vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or private driveway, and shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian as may be necessary to avoid collision. Upon entering the roadway the driver shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-3.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-3.2
§ 31-44-3.2. Mobile home parks  Discontinuance.
Status: in_force

(a)(1) In any instance in which a mobile home park is to be sold or leased for any purpose which would result in a discontinuance of the mobile home park, the mobile home park owner shall give at least one year written notice by certified mail return receipt requested to each mobile home resident of the proposed sale or lease.

(2) The mobile home park owner shall pay to any resident who is entitled to receive notice pursuant to this section, relocation benefits of up to four thousand dollars ($4,000) or the actual relocation expenses incurred, whichever is less. The relocation benefits shall be payable within ten (10) days of the departure of the resident and the removal of the mobile home unit from the park. In the event that the resident fails to remove the unit from the park and the park owner is required to remove the unit, the relocation benefits shall be reduced by an amount equal to the documented out of pocket moving costs incurred by the park owner for the physical removal of the unit.

(3) Any mobile home park owner shall provide to each resident who is entitled to receive relocation benefits pursuant to this section, a rental agreement. The agreement shall begin on the date of the issuance of the notice of discontinuance. The provisions of the rental agreement shall not alter in any manner the tenancy arrangement existing between the park owner and resident prior to issuance of the notice of discontinuance, except with respect to the amount of annual rent, which may be increased by an amount not to exceed the increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers, published by the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, from the calendar year immediately preceding the date upon which the rental agreement is commenced plus the proportionate amount of any documented increase in real estate taxes or other municipal fee or charge; provided, that the total amount of the increase shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the annual rent charged in the immediately preceding year. Once a resident has received a notice of discontinuance, his or her rent, and fees, shall not be increased unless a year has passed from the date of the last increase imposed upon the resident.

(b) Any new resident taking up residence at the park, after the initial notice of discontinuance has been mailed, shall be given a copy of the notice in hand prior to his or her signing a lease and/or placing his or her unit in the park. The new resident shall be provided a form upon which he or she shall acknowledge in writing having received a copy of the notice.

(c) Any new resident taking up residence at the park after the initial notice of discontinuance has been mailed and who receives a copy of the notice of discontinuance provided for in the preceding paragraph shall not be entitled to any relocation benefits as provided for in this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-29-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-29 / Section 31-29-6
§ 31-29-6. Driver License Compact Reciprocity Agreement.
Status: in_force

The governor is authorized to enter the Driver License Compact Reciprocity Agreement in order to improve standardization and compatibility in driver licensing operations throughout the United States.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-36-15 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-36 / Section 31-36-15
§ 31-36-15. Refunds of motor fuel tax.
Status: in_force

(a)(1) Commercial fishing operators who shall use fuels for propelling boats used principally in the business of commercial fishing for which certificates of registration have been issued by the department of environmental management for use in the commercial catching of marine fish, shellfish, or lobsters; (2) persons, firms, or corporations who or which shall use fuel for marine purposes, including in it fuel used in boats operated commercially for carrying passengers or freight but excluding from it fuels used in the operation or propulsion of pleasure craft, and further including persons, firms or corporations who purchase fuel for pumping, intaking, or discharging sea or bay waters for maintaining fish, shellfish, or lobsters; (3) lumber harvesters who shall use fuel for the operation of stationary engines, tractors, and other motor vehicles used in the course of lumbering in the forest or woods and which are not registered for use or used on public highways; (4) water well drillers who shall use fuel for the operation of stationary engines or drilling apparatus in the course of boring or drilling wells and not registered for use on the public highways; (5) farmers who shall use fuel for the operation of stationary engines, tractors, and other motor vehicles which are used in agricultural work on the farm of the claimant and which are not registered for use or used on public highways; (6) manufacturers who use fuels, except gasoline and diesel engine fuel, as industrial raw material and who use diesel engine fuel for the manufacture of power; and (7) municipalities and sewer commissions or their agencies which use fuel in the operation of stationary engines and motor vehicles which are not registered for use on public highways in the operation of sewer treatment plants; may file the claim for reimbursement of tax in the same manner as prescribed in §31-36-13, and shall be reimbursed by the state upon proof satisfactory to the tax administrator that the fuel was used as prescribed in this section.

(b) No claim shall be filed if the reimbursement sought to be obtained amounts to less than one dollar ($1.00).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-9.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-9.1
§ 31-44-9.1. Remedies.
Status: in_force

In addition to any other remedy authorized by law, equity or regulation, the director of the department may order, following notice and opportunity to be heard, the owner and residents of any mobile and manufactured home park to pay monthly rents directly to an interest bearing escrow account established by and under the control of, the director and may make the payment of those amounts to the owner of the mobile and manufactured home park contingent on the owners submission of satisfactory evidence of compliance with all orders of the director. Upon submission of evidence of compliance, the director shall promptly cause any escrowed rents to be paid to the owner.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-6-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-6 / Section 31-6-7
§ 31-6-7. Motorized wheel chairs.
Status: in_force

Any nonprofit charitable organization shall be forever exempt from the payment of any fee for the annual registration of a certain type of motor vehicle commonly known and described as a motorized wheel chair. Any person designated, in writing, by a nonprofit charitable organization who shall operate a motorized wheel chair shall be exempt from any license requirements and fee for the operation of it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-5 / Section 31-5-9
§ 31-5-9. Location specified  Display of license.
Status: in_force

The licenses of dealers shall specify the location of the office or branch and must be conspicuously displayed there, and in case the location is changed, an application shall be filed with the licensor requesting the change in location and the permission of the licensor shall be necessary for the change in location.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-46-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-46 / Section 31-46-1
§ 31-46-1. Duty of insurance company and salvage motor vehicle dealer.
Status: in_force

(a) Any insurance company taking possession of a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued in this state, that has been declared a total loss because of damage to that vehicle, in settlement of a claim for damage or theft shall within ten (10) days deliver to the division of motor vehicles the certificate of title of that vehicle and obtain a salvage certificate of title for that vehicle as prescribed for by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. If the insurance company is unable to obtain the certificate of title of the vehicle for more than thirty (30) days after payment of the total loss claim on the vehicle, the insurance company or its agent may apply for and obtain, free and clear of all liens and claims of ownership, a salvage certificate of title in the insurance companys name without delivering the certificate of title to the division of motor vehicles. The application shall be accompanied by evidence that the insurance company has paid a total loss claim on the vehicle and has attempted to obtain the certificate of title by sending at least two (2) written attempts, sent by certified mail or by another commercially available delivery service providing proof of delivery and addressed to the last known owner of the vehicle and any known lienholders, at the address shown on the records of the appropriate registry, in the state in which the vehicle is registered.

(b) If:

(1) A motor vehicle dealer, the primary business of which is the sale of salvage motor vehicles on behalf of insurance companies, is asked by an insurance company to take possession of a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued in this state;

(2) The motor vehicle is the subject of an insurance claim; and

(3) Subsequently a total loss claim is not paid by the insurance company with respect to the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle dealer may, if the motor vehicle has been abandoned at the facility of the motor vehicle dealer for more than thirty (30) days, apply for and obtain, free and clear of all liens and claims of ownership, a salvage certificate of title in the dealers name without surrendering the certificate of title to the division of motor vehicles. The application shall be accompanied by evidence that the motor vehicle dealer made at least two (2) written attempts, sent by certified mail or by another commercially available delivery service providing proof of delivery and addressed to the last known owner of the vehicle and any known lienholders, at the address shown on the records of the appropriate registry, in the state in which the vehicle is registered, to have the vehicle removed from the motor vehicle dealers facility. In such application, the motor vehicle dealer shall also classify the vehicle as Classification A or Classification B, as the classifications are described in § 31-46-1.1.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-34 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-5 / Section 31-5-34
§ 31-5-34. Application for license  Fee  Expiration.
Status: in_force

(a)(1) Any person, firm, or corporation requiring a license pursuant to this chapter shall apply to the department upon a form specifying any information that the department shall require. The department may require with an application, or otherwise, information relating to the applicants solvency, his or her or its financial standing, or any other matter that the department may deem pertinent to safeguard the public interest, all of which may be considered by the department in determining the fitness of the applicant to be licensed pursuant to this chapter. Each application shall be accompanied by a fee of one hundred dollars ($100). All licenses shall be granted or refused within thirty (30) days after the application, and shall expire, unless sooner revoked or suspended, on December 31 of the calendar year for which they are granted.

(2) Commencing January 1, 2015, licenses shall be valid, unless sooner revoked or suspended, until December 31, 2017, and shall be renewable thereafter every three (3) years. Commencing January 1, 2015, the license fee for the three-year (3) license duration shall be three hundred dollars ($300) and shall be payable in installments of one hundred dollars ($100) per year.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or public law to the contrary, the authority to issue licenses for the rental or leasing of motorized bicycles and/or motorized tricycles in the town of New Shoreham shall be vested exclusively in the town council of the town of New Shoreham pursuant to the provisions of chapter 19.3 of title 31.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-28-7.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-28 / Section 31-28-7.1
§ 31-28-7.1. Motor vehicle placards for group care facilities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or companies serving people with disabilities.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon application to the division of motor vehicles, any group care facility, government agency, non-profit organizations, or company that provides services to persons with disabilities shall be issued one or more portable motor vehicle placards as described in § 31-28-7(a) and (b).

(b) The applicant shall provide to the division of motor vehicles proof that the applicant is a bona fide group care facility, government agency, non-profit organization or company providing services to persons with disabilities as defined in § 31-28-7(h).

(c) The division of motor vehicles shall not issue more than ten (10) placards to any one facility. The number of placards to be issued shall be determined by the division of motor vehicles based upon the number of persons served by the facility and the frequency with which the staff of the facility must transport the clients or patients of the facility.

(d) The placards shall be used only by agents or employees of the facility and only when transporting persons with disabilities who are clients or patients of the facility. The placard is to be hung from the rear view mirror as to be seen through the front and rear windshield of the motor vehicle.

(e) A person other than an agent or employee of the facility to which the placard was issued, or an agent or employee of the facility not engaged in transporting clients or patients of the facility, who uses the parking privilege placards for his or her own purposes, shall be fined one hundred and twenty-five dollars ($125) for each violation. A facility that allows the unauthorized use of the placards may be subject to revocation of the use of the placard by the division of motor vehicles.