R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-26 / Section 31-26-3
§ 31-26-3. Duty to give information and render aid.
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the striking of, the injury to, or death of any person or damage to any vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall, upon request, give his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving and shall exhibit his or her operators or chauffeurs license to the person struck, or to the driver or occupant, or to the person attending any vehicle collided with. The driver shall render to any person injured or struck in an accident reasonable assistance, and shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication known to the driver or which should have reasonably been known to the driver to be available in the locality, give notice of the accident to a nearby office of local or state police. In the event the office so notified does not have jurisdiction of the locale of the accident, it shall be the duty of the officer receiving the notice to immediately give notice of the accident to the office having jurisdiction.

(b) The officer receiving the notice set forth in subsection (a) of this section shall, if the circumstances reasonably require, immediately dispatch an ambulance or emergency medical service to the scene of the accident. Any police or fire department responding to a call for emergency medical service or assistance to a person injured in an accident shall continue to the locale of the accident even though it is outside the jurisdiction of the department and shall render any emergency service that is reasonably necessary.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-6.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-6.2
§ 31-10-6.2. Out-of-state exceptions.
Status: in_force

A nonresident who is at least seventeen (17) years old but less than eighteen (18) years old, who has an unrestricted drivers license issued by that state, and who becomes a resident of this state may apply for and obtain within thirty (30) days of establishing residency one of the following:

(1) Temporary permit. If the person has not completed a drivers education course that meets the requirements of the department of education but is currently enrolled in a drivers education course that meets these requirements. A temporary permit is valid for the period specified in the permit and authorizes the holder of the permit to drive a specified type or class of motor vehicle when in possession of the permit, subject to any restrictions imposed by the division of motor vehicles concerning time of driving, supervision, and passenger limitations. The period must end within ten (10) days after the expected completion date of the drivers education course in which the applicant is enrolled.

(2) Full operators license. If the person has completed a drivers education course that meets the requirements of the department of elementary and secondary education; has held the license issued by the other state for at least twelve (12) months; and has not been convicted during the preceding six (6) months of a motor vehicle moving violation, a seat belt infraction, or an offense committed in another jurisdiction that would be a motor vehicle moving violation or seat belt infraction if committed in this state.

(3) Limited provisional license. If the person has completed a drivers education course that meets the requirements of the department of elementary and secondary education but either did not hold the license issued by the other state for at least twelve (12) months; or was convicted during the preceding six (6) months of a motor vehicle moving violation, a seat belt infraction or an offense committed in another jurisdiction that would be a motor vehicle moving violation or seat belt infraction if committed in this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-36 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-36
§ 31-10-36. Application for commercial drivers school license.
Status: in_force

An application for a commercial drivers school license shall be made upon the form prescribed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles and shall contain the name and address of the applicant, the location or locations of the proposed school, and any other pertinent information as may be required by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to safeguard the public interest. Every application shall be accompanied by the fee required by law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-97 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-97
§ 31-3-97. Special plate for home and hospice care of Rhode Island.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the not-for-profit entity Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island. The plates shall be designed to reference Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island.

(b) The special plates 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 plate.

(c) The Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates, and shall be designed by the Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, and with final approval from the Rhode Island state police.

(d) The Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island plates shall be subject to a minimum prepaid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of passenger plates per plate type (i.e. passenger, commercial, etc.). The Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order(s) requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by the Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) has been met, and the proper paperwork submitted to the division.

(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 fees, the Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island 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 Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island in furtherance of their mission to provide compassionate and skilled care to those who are seriously ill in the state of Rhode Island.

(h) The Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island will be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.

(i) In consideration of the receipt of funds from the registration of the Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, the organization must use any Rhode Island sourced funds in and for the benefit of the state of Rhode Island.

(j) There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of the Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island plates.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-38 / Section 31-38-5
§ 31-38-5. Inspection of vehicles purchased outside the state.
Status: in_force

When a motor vehicle is purchased out of state by a resident of this state, the owner of the vehicle shall have five (5) business days from the date of registering the vehicle to obtain a certificate of inspection as required by the provisions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-18-11 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-18 / Section 31-18-11
§ 31-18-11. Walking, jogging, or running on left.
Status: in_force

(a) Where sidewalks are not provided any person walking, jogging, or running along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk, jog or run only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction. Under no circumstances shall anyone walk, run, or jog on any interstate highway within this state.

(b) Any person jogging or running during the time from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, shall, in addition, wear reflective material which is visible by low beam headlamps from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500²). In no event, shall the failure to wear reflective clothing be considered as contributing negligence, nor shall the failure to wear reflective clothing be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.

(c) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be fined fifteen dollars ($15.00). If the person has been charged with failure to wear reflective material they shall be issued a citation. If any person issued a citation presents proof of purchase of reflectorized clothing or the minimum amount of reflectorized material to the issuing police department within ten (10) days, the department shall void the violation. Should an individual issued a citation fail to present the proof of purchase within the prescribed time, he or she shall be fined fifteen dollars ($15.00). The fine shall be paid by mail and paid to the traffic tribunal and shall not be recorded on the driving record of the violator.

(d) Any person found to have violated the provisions of this section more than once shall, upon conviction, be fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each subsequent conviction.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-23 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-11 / Section 31-11-23
§ 31-11-23. Inspection of license of person to whom vehicle rented required.
Status: in_force

No person shall rent a motor vehicle to another until he or she has inspected the operators or chauffeurs license of the person to whom the vehicle is to be rented, and compared and verified the signature on it with the signature of the person written in his or her presence.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-29 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-29
§ 31-1-29. Traffic.
Status: in_force

Traffic means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, and other conveyances either singly or together while using any highway for purposes of travel.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-14 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-14
§ 31-10-14. Applications of minors.
Status: in_force

The application of any person under the age of eighteen (18) years for a limited instruction permit, a limited provisional license, or a full operators license shall be signed and verified, before a person authorized to administer oaths, by one or more of the following individuals: the father, mother, guardian, adult husband or wife, or licensed foster parent, who is a resident of this state and qualified to be a supervising driver pursuant to § 31-10-6.1. In the event there is no parent, guardian, or licensed foster parent, who meets these requirements, then by another responsible adult who is willing to assume the obligation imposed under §§ 31-10-1  31-10-33 upon a person signing the application of a minor.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-8
§ 31-1-8. Farm vehicle.
Status: in_force

Farm vehicle means every vehicle which is designed for and used for agricultural purposes and used by the owner of the vehicle or family member(s) or employee(s) or designees of the owner, in the conduct of the owners agricultural operations, which use shall include the delivery of agricultural products produced by the farmer but shall not include commercial hire for nonagricultural uses, including, but not limited to, hauling of sand and gravel, snow plowing, land clearing for other than agricultural purposes or directly on the vehicle owners farm, and landscaping. For an owner to qualify as having agricultural purposes, the owner shall provide evidence that he or she meets the requirements of § 44-18-30.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-46-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-46 / Section 31-46-6
§ 31-46-6. Removal of vehicle identification number prohibited.
Status: in_force

Under no circumstances shall any person intentionally remove any vehicle identification number, or other distinguishing number, from any part of a salvage motor vehicle, new or used, or any part of it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-9-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-9 / Section 31-9-9
§ 31-9-9. Filing and indexing of theft and embezzlement reports.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles, upon receiving a report of a stolen or embezzled vehicle as previously provided for in this chapter, shall file and appropriately index the report.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-15-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-15 / Section 31-15-9
§ 31-15-9. One way highways.
Status: in_force

(a) The state traffic commission may designate any highway or any separate roadway under its jurisdiction for one-way traffic and shall erect appropriate signs giving notice of one-way traffic.

(b) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.

(c) If a motorist violates this section on an interstate highway or on an entrance or exit ramp connected to an interstate highway, the motorist may be subject to a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500) or license suspension of up to six (6) months, or both.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-20 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-2 / Section 31-2-20
§ 31-2-20. Registration and license information  Fee.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles, department of revenue shall, upon request, furnish registration and license information to the public. The division shall collect ten dollars ($10.00) for each request. However, if the request is made by any governmental agency, bureau or department, the division shall collect no fee. All nongovernmental inquiries must be accompanied by a written statement of purpose.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-130 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-130
§ 31-3-130. Special plate for the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. The plates shall be designed to reference the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.

(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 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 plate.

(c) The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with the design approved by the Rhode Island state police.

(d) The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association plates shall be subject to compliance with § 31-3-117 relating to the number of minimum prepaid orders of plates per plate type (i.e., passenger, commercial, etc.) and any required payment. The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met and the proper paper work submitted to the division.

(e) The administrator 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, American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association 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 American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association to promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family, and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.

(h) A ten dollar ($10.00) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.

(i) In consideration of the receipt of funds from the registration of American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association plates, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association must use any Rhode Island-sourced funds in and for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.

(j) American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association will be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.

(k) There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association plates.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-18-15 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-18 / Section 31-18-15
§ 31-18-15. Pedestrians who are blind or deaf not guided by dog or carrying white cane.
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in §§ 31-18-13  31-18-16 shall be construed to deprive any person who is blind, visually impaired, or deaf, but not carrying a cane or walking stick, or not being guided by a dog, of the rights and privileges conferred by law upon pedestrians crossing streets or highways. In no case shall the failure of the person who is blind, visually impaired or deaf to carry a cane or walking stick, or to be guided by a guide or signal dog upon the streets, highways, or sidewalks of this state, be held to constitute nor be evidence of contributory negligence.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-2
§ 31-1-2. Applicability of definitions.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided, the following definitions of the words and phrases in this chapter apply throughout this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-48.2_31-3-48.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-48.2_31-3-48.2
§ 31-3-48.2. Plates for recipients of the Bronze Star Medal. [Effective until January 1, 2026.]31-3-48.2. Plates for recipients of the Bronze Star Medal. [Effective January 1, 2026.]
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available to recipients of the United States Bronze Star Medal a special motor vehicle registration plate for any motor vehicle eligible for registration as an automobile or commercial vehicle having a gross weight of twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.) or less, indicating the owner as a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. The applicant shall be required to pay a registration fee and a transfer charge of five dollars ($5.00) for the plate.

(b) The plate shall contain the words Bronze Star Medal across the top of the plate, shall bear an insignia for the Bronze Star Medal, and then a numeral or numerals.

(c) Upon the death of the holder of any Bronze Star Medal plate, the plate shall be transferred to the surviving spouse for the spouses lifetime or until remarriage.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-70 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-70
§ 31-3-70. Police Lieutenant Emeritus  John J. Sinotte.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of Jeanna Sinotte, the widow of deceased Police Lieutenant John J. Sinotte of the town of Johnston. The plate is to bear the identification Police Lt. Emeritus with the designation number 20 and the seal of the state imprinted on it. The plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for as long as Jeanna Sinotte desires.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-14.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-22 / Section 31-22-14.1
§ 31-22-14.1. Towing  Accident scene.
Status: in_force

Every licensed wrecker who shall render towing services at the scene of an accident shall also have the responsibility to remove all glass and debris at the accident scene from the roadway at the time of rendering the services. A police officer shall remain on the scene of the accident until the licensed wrecker has cleared the roadway from auto debris in accordance with this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-11 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-2 / Section 31-2-11
§ 31-2-11. Records open for inspection  Admissibility of certified copies of records as evidence.
Status: in_force

(a) All records of the division of motor vehicles, other than those declared by law to be confidential for the use of the division of motor vehicles, shall be open to public inspection during office hours. Any copies or photostatic copies of any records, books, papers, documents, and rulings of the division of motor vehicles when certified to be correct by an employee of the division of motor vehicles who is designated for this purpose by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall be acceptable as evidence in the courts of this state with the same force and effect as the originals, in all cases where such original records, books, papers, documents, and rulings would be admitted in evidence.

(b) Whenever any subpoena duces tecum is issued to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles for the production in court of the records, books, papers, documents, or rulings of the division of motor vehicles it shall not be necessary for the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to whom the subpoena is issued to appear personally, and a copy or photostat duly certified under the seal of the department by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles of the records, books, papers, documents, or rulings of the division of motor vehicles submitted as described in this section shall be full compliance with the subpoena. Under the application to the court and for good cause shown, the court may compel the attendance of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles or the supervisor or an assistant who is charged with the care and custody of the official records or any investigator of the division of motor vehicles to answer the subpoena duces tecum.

(c) For the purposes outlined in this section, the person designated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall be the official keeper of records for the division.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-2.6
§ 31-27-2.6. Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, resulting in serious bodily injury.
Status: in_force

(a) When serious bodily injury of any person other than the operator is caused by the operation of any motor 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 serious bodily injury.

(b) As used in this section, serious bodily injury means physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious physical disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.

(c) Any person charged with the commission of the offense set forth in subsection (a) of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year and for not more than ten (10) years and by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). The sentencing judge shall have the discretion to sentence the person to any unit of the adult correctional institutions. The license of the person may be revoked for a period of up to two (2) 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 refusal to issue a license and until the person gives proof of financial responsibility pursuant to chapter 32 of this title. 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.

(d) For a second or subsequent conviction under this section within a five (5) year period, a person shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than two (2) years nor more than fifteen (15) years and by a fine of not less than three thousand dollars ($3,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The sentencing judge shall have the discretion to sentence the person to any unit of the adult correctional institutions. 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 of the person may be revoked for a period of up to four (4) years. The license privilege shall not thereafter be reinstated until evidence satisfactory to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles establishes that no grounds exist which would authorize 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 § 31-5-2.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-5 / Section 31-5-2.1
§ 31-5-2.1. Motor vehicle dealers license and hearing board.
Status: in_force

(a) A board composed of a total of five (5) members, two (2) of which shall be licensed automobile dealers, one new car Rhode Island licensed automobile dealer, and one used car Rhode Island licensed automobile dealer, each to serve a three (3) year term; one active Rhode Island state police officer appointed by the superintendent of Rhode Island state police and shall serve a five (5) year term; one active employee of the Rhode Island department of revenue appointed by the director of revenue shall serve a five (5) year term, and one licensed Rhode Island attorney in good standing shall serve a seven (7) year term. The two (2) automobile dealers and attorney shall be appointed by the governor. The board shall be known as the motor vehicle dealers license and hearing board.

(b) The board shall issue the license provided for in §§ 31-5-5  31-5-9 and § 31-5-34. The board shall have supervision over the license with respect to all of the provisions of §§ 31-5-1  31-5-39 and shall have the power to promulgate rules and regulations to fulfill the purposes of this chapter and to protect the public interest. The board shall have the power to set, from time to time, the maximum number of plates to be issued to each dealer after due investigation and after considering the number of plates reasonably required for the operation of the dealers business, and shall have the power to declare and define what constitutes a licensee. The provisions of §§ 31-5-1  31-5-20, and §§ 31-5-33  31-5-39 shall be administered by the board or by any of its duly authorized representatives.

(c) The board shall have all of the same powers, duties, and responsibilities of the previous Rhode Island dealers hearing board established by the director of the department of revenue.

(d) The board shall constitute an agency and shall follow the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 35 of title 42, and its decisions are appealable to the superior court.

(e) A member of the board may be removed for cause by the director of revenue after a hearing conducted by the director determining that cause exists and a written decision explaining the reason for the removal. The directors decision of removal shall be appealable to the superior court.

(f) The members of the Rhode Island dealers hearing board serving as of August 31, 1993 shall serve out their respective terms of office and will remain on the motor vehicle dealers license and hearing board until their respective terms expire and a subsequent appointment is made by the governor, or respective appointing authority. If a vacancy occurs on the board for any reason, an individual shall be appointed according to the procedures set forth in subsection (a) of this section and this individual will serve out the remainder of the unexpired term of the vacancy.

(g) The director of revenue shall provide suitable office space for the board and its personnel to suit the public convenience in all proper way to facilitate the work of the board in carrying out the provisions of §§ 31-5-1  31-5-20 and §§ 31-5-33  31-5-39.

(h) Members of the board shall serve without salary, nor shall they be compensated for attendance at board meetings, however, members of the board shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties. The department of revenue shall provide funds to pay said expenses. Also, the department shall provide legal counsel to the board to defend and enforce the boards decision and provide legal advice on any matters that may come before the board.

(i) If any section, phrase, clause, sentence or part of this section is declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, that invalidity will not affect remaining portions of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-6-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-6 / Section 31-6-6
§ 31-6-6. Vehicles exempt from fees.
Status: in_force

(a) No registration fee is required for the registration of motor-driven equipment owned by the following:

(1) American Legion bloodmobile;

(2) American National Red Cross or any of its chapters within this state;

(3) American Red Cross, Jamestown chapter ambulance;

(4) American Red Cross, Tiverton chapter ambulance;

(5) American Red Cross, Warwick chapter ambulances;

(6) Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island truck used for rescue work;

(7) Burrillville Ambulance Corps ambulance;

(8) Burrillville American Legion Post No. 17 ambulances;

(9) Civil Air Patrol, Rhode Island wing motor vehicle equipment;

(10) East Greenwich Ambulance Association ambulances;

(11) East Greenwich American Legion Post No. 15 (incorporated February 20, 1933) ambulances;

(12) East Tiverton Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad of Tiverton (a non-business corporation, incorporated February 16, 1955) equipment, that motor vehicle being a rescue truck equipped with resuscitators, underwater equipment, emergency lighting units with generators, and various other devices needed to effect rescue and save lives and property under any emergency and used for this purpose only;

(13) Foster Ambulance Association ambulances;

(14) Georgiaville Volunteer Fire Company, Smithfield town ambulance;

(15) Glocester Ambulance Corps, Inc. ambulance;

(16) Hianloland Farms Fire Engine Company of West Greenwich RI, (a non-business corporation, incorporated November 15, 1940) equipment;

(17) Hope Valley Ambulance Squad, Inc., ambulances and rescue trucks;

(18) Hope Valley volunteer fire company ambulances;

(19) Hope Valley volunteer fire company crash-truck;

(20) Hospital ambulances;

(21) Johnston Hose Company No. 1 ambulance;

(22) Johnston Hose Company No. 3 ambulance;

(23) Lake Mishnock Volunteer Fire Company Rescue Squad, West Greenwich, Rhode Island;

(24) Le Baron C. Colt Memorial Ambulance, Inc. (with plates designated car 5, providing ambulance service to any resident of the town of Bristol, incorporated October 17, 1923, as a charitable corporation) ambulance;

(25) Narragansett Rescue Corps, Inc., ambulance;

(26) North Kingstown Ambulance Association, Inc. (incorporated July 23, 1943, as a charitable corporation) ambulance;

(27) North Providence Chamber of Commerce Ambulance Service, Inc. (incorporated March 15, 1947, as a charitable corporation) ambulance;

(28) North Smithfield Ambulance Association ambulances;

(29) North Smithfield Ambulance and Rescue Association rescue wagon and rescue boat trailer;

(30) Northern Lincoln Volunteer Ambulance Corps ambulance;

(31) Northern Rhode Island Radio Emergency Associated Citizens Teams (REACT) rescue truck and other emergency vehicles;

(32) Public health league or district nursing association in any city or town in this state;

(33) Rhode Island American Legion, (incorporated January 29, 1941) first district ambulance committee of the department ambulances;

(34) Seven Hills Rhode Island;

(35) Perspectives Corporation;

(36) Frank Olean Center;

(37) Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals motor vehicles;

(38) Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation, Inc., vehicle;

(39) Rhode Island state departments or agencies motor vehicles, trailers, or semi-trailers;

(40) Roy Carpenters beach volunteer fire department, Matunuck ambulance;

(41) Salvation Army of Providence emergency canteen vehicle;

(42) Scituate Ambulance and Rescue Corps ambulances;

(43) South County Ambulance Corps, Inc. (incorporated October 28, 1939, as a charitable corporation) ambulance;

(44) South Foster Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 ambulances;

(45) United States government motor vehicles;

(46) United States government-accredited motor vehicles owned by a representative of a foreign country;

(47) United States mail rural free delivery driver-owned vehicles. This exemption applies to the particular motor vehicle used in carrying that mail, and not to persons or concerns contracting to carry the United States mail. The words United States mail must be plainly printed on two (2) sides of that vehicle;

(48) Veterans of Foreign Wars bloodmobile;

(49) Veterans of Foreign Wars, Harold F. Flynn Post No. 263, Woonsocket ambulance;

(50) Volunteer ambulance or rescue corps ambulance or rescue vehicle of a city or town used in transporting sick or injured patients;

(51) Westerly Ambulance Corps boat-trailer;

(52) Westerly Ambulance Corps crash-truck;

(53) Westerly Ambulance Corps ambulances; and

(54) Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Inc. (incorporated on January 24, 2002, as a domestic nonprofit corporation) motor vehicles and trailers.

(b) Each owner may be required to pay the cost price of the number plates or markers required to be displayed on its vehicle.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-17.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-20 / Section 31-20-17.1
§ 31-20-17.1. Private complaint  Stopping for crossing guard/bus monitor required.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon receipt of a private complaint, in writing and signed by the complainant, the traffic tribunal shall by letter notify the violator to respond in writing within twenty (20) days to the allegations of the complaint. Failure to respond to the letter will result in the person being notified to appear before a judge of the traffic tribunal and show cause why his or her license should not be suspended. Failure to appear at the hearing will result in the suspension of the persons license until such time as the person does appear.

(b) On any second or subsequent violation within one year, the person shall be issued a summons to appear for a hearing, and failure to appear will result in the suspension of the persons license until such time as the person does appear.

(c) At any hearing resulting from any violation, the complainant shall also appear at the hearing. A person convicted of a violation of this section shall be punished in accordance with the penalties set forth in § 31-20-12.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-12-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-12 / Section 31-12-5
§ 31-12-5. Exemption of highway workers.
Status: in_force

Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of chapters 12  27 of this title shall not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles, and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a highway but shall apply to the persons and vehicles when traveling to or from this work.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-31 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-31
§ 31-32-31. Application of deposit.
Status: in_force

The deposit shall be held by the general treasurer to satisfy, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, any execution on a judgment issued against the person making the deposit, for damages, including damages for care and loss of services, because of bodily injury to or death of any person, or for damages because of injury to or destruction of property, including the loss of use of it, resulting from the ownership, maintenance, use, or operation of a vehicle of a type subject to registration under the laws of this state after the deposit was made. Money or securities so deposited shall not be subject to attachment or execution unless the attachment or execution shall arise out of a suit for damages.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-17.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-20 / Section 31-20-17.2
§ 31-20-17.2. Private complaint  Stopping for crossing guard/bus monitor required  Central Falls.
Status: in_force

(a) The following procedure shall apply to first offenses in Central Falls reported by private complaint:

(1) Upon receipt of a private complaint, in writing and signed by the complainant, the Central Falls municipal court shall by certified mail, return receipt requested, notify the violator to respond in writing within twenty (20) days to the allegations of the complaint.

(2) Failure to respond to the letter will result in the person being notified to appear before a judge of the Central Falls municipal court to show cause why he or she should not be fined one hundred dollars ($100) for his or her failure to respond.

(3) Failure to appear at the hearing at that time will result in the person being fined one hundred dollars ($100).

(b) All moneys collected pursuant to this section shall be forwarded by the Central Falls municipal court to the city of Central Falls.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-10
§ 31-27-10. Offenses by persons directing drivers.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for the owner, or any other person, employing or otherwise directing the driver of any vehicle to require or knowingly to permit the operation of a vehicle upon a highway in any manner contrary to law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-13-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-13 / Section 31-13-5
§ 31-13-5. Signs prerequisite to enforcement of provisions.
Status: in_force

No provision of chapters 12  27 of this title for which signs are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if, at the time and place of the alleged violation, an official sign is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section does not state that signs are required, the section shall be effective even though no signs are erected or in place.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-2
§ 31-25-2. Vehicles exempt from limitations.
Status: in_force

(a) The provisions of this chapter governing size, weight, and load shall not apply to:

(1) Road machinery;

(2) Farm vehicles, including farm tractors, temporarily moved upon a highway;

(3) Any vehicle owned and operated by the Rhode Island public transit authority that is designed for carrying passengers and is comprised of two (2) sections permanently joined by a hinge mechanism or an articulated joint that allows vertical and horizontal movement and a passage for riders moving from one section to the other;

(4) A vehicle operated under the terms of a special permit issued as provided in this chapter;

(5) Covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicles;

(6) Emergency vehicles with a weight limit of up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of eighty-six thousand pounds (86,000 lbs.) or less than twenty-four thousand pounds (24,000 lbs.) on a single steering axle; thirty-three thousand five hundred pounds (33,500 lbs.) on a single-drive axle; sixty-two thousand pounds (62,000 lbs.) on a tandem axle; or fifty-two thousand pounds (52,000 lbs.) on a tandem rear drive steer axle; or

(7) Natural gas vehicles up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of eighty-two thousand pounds (82,000 lbs.) by an amount that is equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable to the natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle; and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system.

(b) The provisions of this chapter governing size, weight, and load shall not apply to fire apparatus acquired by a city or town within this state prior to July 1, 1999.

(c) Nothing in this section shall permit these vehicles to travel over any structure, highway, or portion of highway that is weight restricted for the vehicle load.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-2 / Section 31-2-6
§ 31-2-6. Offices.
Status: in_force

The administrator shall maintain offices in those places in the state that he or she may deem necessary to properly carry out the powers and duties vested in the division of motor vehicles. The administrator shall provide direct, in-person services in the towns of Warren and Westerly and keep the services in Warren available for business at least three (3) days per week and keep the services in Westerly available at least one day per week.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-4.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-4.1
§ 31-27-4.1. Eluding a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle in a high speed pursuit.
Status: in_force

Any person who in an attempt to elude or flee from a police officer in an emergency police vehicle in a high speed pursuit of the person, operates a motor vehicle at speeds greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour over the speed limit, or who causes property damage only in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000):

(1) For the first conviction, may be subject to the following sanctions:

(i) Up to one year incarceration at the adult correction institutions (A.C.I.) and a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) but not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000);

(ii) License suspension of not less than ninety (90) days but not more than six (6) months and forfeiture of the motor vehicle.

(2) For a second or subsequent conviction, the person shall:

(i) Be sentenced to two (2) years at the A.C.I., but not more than five (5) years;

(ii) Be fined a fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000) but not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000);

(iii) Receive a license suspension of not less than one year but not more than five (5) years; and

(iv) Forfeit the motor vehicle.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-8-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-8 / Section 31-8-3
§ 31-8-3. Improper use of evidences of registration or certificate of title.
Status: in_force

No person shall lend to another any certificate of title, registration card, registration plate, special plate, or permit issued to him or her if the person desiring to borrow it would not be entitled to its use. Nor shall any person knowingly permit its use by one not so entitled. Nor shall any person display upon a vehicle any registration plate or permit not issued for that vehicle or not otherwise lawfully used on it under chapters 3  9 of this title. Any violation of this section is a civil violation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-12 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-12
§ 31-23-12. Salvation Army vehicle.
Status: in_force

The motor vehicle equipment (station wagon) of the Salvation Army, with headquarters located in Providence, Rhode Island, is declared to be an authorized emergency vehicle and may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell as provided in § 31-23-11.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-47 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-47
§ 31-24-47. Regulation and certification of lighting devices.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to approve or disapprove lighting devices and to issue and enforce regulations establishing standards and specifications for the approval of such lighting devices, their installation, and aiming. The regulations shall correlate with and, so far as possible, conform to the current standards and specifications of the society of automotive engineers applicable to the equipment.

(b) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is required to approve or disapprove any lighting device, of a type on which approval is specifically required in this chapter, within a reasonable time after the device has been submitted.

(c) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to set up the procedure which shall be followed when any device is submitted for approval.

(d) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles upon approving a lamp or device, shall issue to the applicant a certificate of approval together with any instructions determined by him or her.

(e) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall publish lists of all lamps and devices by name and type which have been approved by him or her.

(f) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19-22 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-19 / Section 31-19-22
§ 31-19-22. Use of pedal carriages and rickshaws in the town of New Shoreham.
Status: in_force

(a) The town of New Shoreham may adopt ordinances to regulate, control, or prohibit the use of pedal carriages (also known as quadricycles) and rickshaws (also known as pedi cabs) in the town of New Shoreham.

(b) The provisions of such ordinances shall be reasonably related to promotion and protection of the health, safety and welfare of operators, passengers, pedestrians, motorists and others residing, visiting or working within the town of New Shoreham.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-31 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-31
§ 31-1-31. Types of stops.
Status: in_force

(a) Park means, when prohibited, the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading.

(b) Stop means, when required, a complete cessation from movement.

(c) Stop, stopping or standing means, when prohibited, any stopping or standing of a vehicle whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic control sign or signal.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-11.3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-22 / Section 31-22-11.3
§ 31-22-11.3. Random inspection of school buses.
Status: in_force

(a) The division of motor vehicles, and state and local law enforcement officers, are authorized to stop and conduct a visual inspection of any school bus as defined in 31-1-3, on public roads and highways and in public and private parking areas. The random inspections shall be conducted at a time when no school children are on the school bus. Nothing in this section shall preclude a law enforcement officer from stopping a school bus which is transporting children for any visible violation of applicable safety standards. Whenever a law enforcement officer stops a school bus, he or she shall verify that the vehicle identification number (VIN) listed on the registration card is the same as the VIN listed on the body of the bus.

(b) Any federal or state employee authorized to stop and inspect trucks on the highways or roads of this state is authorized to conduct inspections of any school bus.

(c) Any school bus found to be in violation of applicable laws and/or regulations may be immediately impounded, and notification shall be sent to the registered owner, the school superintendent and the school committee for which the bus transports children. The bus shall not be used to transport children until the violation is cured and the bus is inspected by a state employed or state certified inspector.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-9
§ 31-44-9. Enforceability.
Status: in_force

(a) Any provision of this chapter and any provision of a license issued pursuant to this chapter may be enforced by the department of business regulation. In addition to and notwithstanding any action taken by or pending at the department of business regulation, any resident of a mobile home park may seek to enforce any provision of a license or this chapter by civil action in the court exercising jurisdiction over the subject matter. However, failure to comply with tax laws and violations of land use regulations and water supply and sewage disposal requirements shall be subject to the jurisdiction of and shall be enforceable by, the municipality in which the park is located and/or the state agency having regulatory authority over the matter. (b) Any park owner or operator who violates any of the provisions of §§ 31-44-3, 31-44-3.1, 31-44-3.2, 31-44-4, 31-44-5, 31-44-7, 31-44-7.1, 31-44-7.2, 31-44-8 and 31-44-13 shall be deemed to have engaged in an unfair and deceptive trade practice under § 6-13.1-2 and, in addition to other remedies, shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of that chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-24 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-24
§ 31-1-24. Intersection.
Status: in_force

(a) Intersection means the area embraced within the prelongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two (2) highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.

(b) Where a highway includes two (2) roadways thirty feet (30²) or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of that divided highway by an intersecting highway is to be regarded as a separate intersection. When the intersecting highway also includes two (2) roadways thirty feet (30²) or more apart, then every crossing of the two (2) roadways of that highway is to be regarded as a separate intersection.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-54 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-54
§ 31-24-54. Strobe lights on school buses.
Status: in_force

All new school buses, as defined in § 31-1-3, shall at all times be equipped with a rear-viewing, rear-mounted white flashing strobe light, meeting the following requirements:

(1) A white flashing strobe light will be installed on the roof of a school bus; at a point not to exceed one-third ( ) the body length forward from the rear of the roof edge;

(2) The strobe light will have a single clear lens emitting light three hundred sixty (360) degrees around its vertical axis and may not extend above the roof more than maximum legal height;

(3) The light will not exceed nine inches (9") in height or nine inches (9") in diameter;

(4) A manual switch and a pilot light will be included to indicate when light is in operation;

(5) The strobe light will be wired to activate with the amber alternately flashing signal lamps, continuing through the full loading or unloading cycle, with an override switch. The strobe light shall not be activated while the bus is moving; and

(6) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-22 / Section 31-22-9
§ 31-22-9. Throwing debris on highway  Snow removal.
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall throw or deposit upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon the highway, or likely to deface the beauty or cleanliness of the highway, nor shall any person in removing snow from any driveway, public or private, leave the snow in any condition so as to constitute a hazard on the highway.

(b) The director of transportation shall post signs advising the public of penalties for throwing debris on the highways.

(c) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-22 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-22 / Section 31-22-22
§ 31-22-22. Safety belt use  Child restraint.
Status: in_force

(a)(1) Any person transporting a child under the age of eight (8), less than fifty-seven inches (57³) in height and less than eighty pounds (80 lbs.), in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of this state, shall transport the child in any rear seating position of the motor vehicle properly restrained in a child restraint system approved by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 C.F.R. §571.213. All infants and toddlers under the age of two (2) years or weighing less than thirty pounds (30 lbs.) shall be restrained in a rear-facing car seat. All children two (2) years of age or older or who have outgrown their rear-facing car seat by height or weight should use a forward-facing car seat with a harness up to the maximum allowed by the child restraint manufacturer. If the child is under eight (8) years old but at least fifty-seven inches (57³) in height, or at least eighty pounds (80 lbs.), the child shall be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness approved by the Department of Transportation pursuant to 49 C.F.R. §571.208 in any rear seating position of the motor vehicle. For the purpose of this section, applying to all parts of this section, rear seating position means any seating positions located behind the driver and front seat passenger. Under this subsection, a child must be properly restrained in the front seat if:

(i) The vehicle is not equipped with a back seat; or

(ii) All rear seating positions are being utilized by other children.

(2) In no event shall failure to wear a child restraint system or safety belt be considered as contributory or comparative negligence, nor the failure to wear the child restraint system, seat belt and/or shoulder harness be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.

(b)(1) Any operator of a motor vehicle transporting a child, who has attained the age of eight (8) years but is under eighteen (18) years of age, in any seating position within a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of the state shall ensure that the passenger is properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system, as defined by 49 C.F.R. §571.208.

(2) Any operator of a motor vehicle under eighteen (18) years old shall properly wear a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system.

(3) This subsection applies only to those motor vehicles required by federal law to have safety belts.

(c)(1) Any person deemed in violation of subsection (a) of this section shall be issued a citation. If the cited person presents proof of purchase of a federally approved child restraint system under 49 C.F.R. §571.213 to the issuing police department within seven (7) days of issuance, the department shall void the violation. If the individual fails to present proof of purchase, he or she shall be required to appear for a hearing before the traffic tribunal, and shall be fined as provided in §31-41.1-4 for each offense, and it shall not be recorded on the persons driving record within the rules and regulations governing chapter 41.1 of this title.

(2) Any person violating subsection (b) of this section shall be fined as provided in §31-41.1-4 for each offense. The conviction shall not be recorded on that persons driving record within the rules and regulations governing chapter 41.1 of this title.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, any person transporting a child properly restrained in a federally approved child restraint system under 49 C.F.R. §571.213, but transporting the child in a place other than a rear seating position, in violation of subsection (a) of this section, shall be subject only to the fine contained in subdivision (c)(2) of this section.

(e) All fines collected for violations of this section shall be payable to the state of Rhode Island. Fifty percent (50%) of the proceeds shall be shared with the municipality whose law enforcement department issued the citation for the violations.

(f)(1) Any operator of a motor vehicle transporting a person eighteen (18) years of age and older in any seating position of a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of this state shall ensure that the person be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system, as defined by 49 C.F.R. §571.208.

(2) The provisions of this subsection shall apply only to those motor vehicles required by federal law to have safety belts.

(g)(1) Any person who is an operator of a motor vehicle shall be properly wearing a safety belt and/or shoulder harness system as defined by 49 C.F.R. §571.208 while the vehicle is in operation on any of the roadways, streets, or highways of this state.

(2) The provisions of this subsection shall apply only to those motor vehicles required by federal law to have safety belts.

(h) In no event shall failure to be properly restrained by a child restraint system or safety belt be considered as negligence, nor the failure to be properly restrained by the child restraint system or safety belt be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.

(i) The provisions of subsections (b), (f) and (g) of this section shall not apply to a driver or passenger of:

(1) A passenger motor vehicle manufactured before July 1, 1966;

(2) A passenger motor vehicle in which the driver or passenger possesses a written verification from a licensed physician that the driver or passenger is unable to wear a safety seat belt system for physical or medical reasons. The verification time period shall not exceed twelve (12) months at which time a new verification may be issued;

(3) A passenger motor vehicle which is not required to be equipped with a safety seat belt system under federal laws; or

(4) A passenger motor vehicle operated by a letter carrier of the United States Postal Service while performing the duties of a letter carrier.

(j) A program of public information and education designed to educate the motoring public to the benefits of wearing safety belt systems, shall be developed by the department of transportations governors office on highway safety. The department of transportations office on highway safety, in cooperation with the department of health, shall study the effectiveness of the implementation of this section and shall submit to the general assembly a report containing its findings by July 1, 1999.

(k) Any person violating subsection (f) or (g) of this section shall be fined as provided in §31-41.1-4. Any conviction for violating subsection (f) or (g) of this section shall not be recorded on that persons driving record within the rules and regulations governing chapter 41.1 of this title.

(l) No motor vehicle shall be stopped, inspected or detained to determine compliance with subsection (f) or (g) of this section without reasonable suspicion that the operator or passenger(s) of the motor vehicle is in violation of this section.

(m) A law enforcement officer may not search a motor vehicle, its contents, the driver, or a passenger solely because of a violation of subsection (f) or (g) of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-48 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-48
§ 31-24-48. Revocation of certification of lighting equipment.
Status: in_force

(a) When the administrator of the division of motor vehicles has reason to believe that an approved device as being sold commercially does not comply with the requirements of this chapter, he or she may, after giving thirty (30) days previous notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for the device in this state, conduct a hearing upon the question of compliance of the approved device. After the hearing the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall determine whether the approved device meets the requirements of this chapter. If the device does not meet the requirements of this chapter, the administrator shall give notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for the device in this state.

(b) If, at the expiration of ninety (90) days after the notice, the person holding the certificate of approval for the device has failed to satisfy the administrator of the division of motor vehicles that the approved device as thereafter to be sold meets the requirements of this chapter, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall suspend or revoke the approval issued for it until or unless the device is resubmitted to and retested by an authorized testing agency and is found to meet the requirements of this chapter, and may require that all the devices sold since the notification following the hearing be replaced with devices that do comply with the requirements of this chapter. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles may at the time of the retest purchase in the open market and submit to the testing agency one or more sets of the approved devices, and if the device upon a retest fails to meet the requirements of this chapter, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles may refuse to renew the certificate of approval of the device.

(c) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-27 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-27
§ 31-32-27. Bond as proof.
Status: in_force

Proof of financial responsibility may be evidenced by the bond of a surety company duly authorized to transact business within this state, or a bond with at least two (2) individual sureties each owning real estate within this state, and together having equities equal in value to at least twice the amount of the bond, which real estate shall be scheduled in the bond approved by a judge of a court of record, which bond shall be conditioned for payment of the amounts specified in § 31-32-2. The bond shall be filed with the division of motor vehicles and shall not be cancelable except after ten (10) days written notice to the division of motor vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-26 / Section 31-26-7
§ 31-26-7. Supplemental reports.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles may require any driver of a vehicle involved in an accident of which a report must be made as provided in § 31-26-6 to file supplemental reports whenever the original report is insufficient in the opinion of the division of motor vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-25 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-2 / Section 31-2-25
§ 31-2-25. Surrender of suspended license.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a licensee whose license has been suspended shall not be required to surrender the license to the division of motor vehicles for the period of suspension. In the event a licensee is found to be operating a motor vehicle while under suspension, the license shall be seized by the proper officer and returned to the division of motor vehicles for the remainder of the suspension period.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-38 / Section 31-38-10
§ 31-38-10. Grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of permit.
Status: in_force

The director may deny an application for a permit or suspend or revoke a permit after it has been granted for any of the following reasons:

(1) On proof of unfitness of the applicant to do business as a motor vehicle inspection station;

(2) For any misstatement by the applicant in the application for the permit;

(3) For any failure to comply with the provisions of this section or with any rule or regulation promulgated by the director of the department of revenue;

(4) For defrauding any customer;

(5) For dismantling any vehicle for repair without the authorization of the owner;

(6) For refusal to surrender any vehicle to its owner upon tender of payment of the proper charges for towing and/or work done on the vehicle;

(7) For having indulged in any unconscionable practice relating to the business as a motor vehicle inspection station;

(8) For willful failure to perform work as contracted for;

(9) For failure to comply with the safety standards of the industry;

(10) For failure to properly equip and/or conduct the inspection station;

(11) For failure to pay the required fees as provided in this chapter;

(12) For providing an inspection sticker to a motor vehicle which is equipped with a sunscreening device which does not comply with the provisions of chapter 23.3 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-3
§ 31-44-3. Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

The following requirements and restrictions shall apply to all mobile- and manufactured-home parks:

(1) A mobile- and manufactured-home park licensee shall promulgate reasonable rules and regulations that shall specify standards for mobile and manufactured homes in the park, entry requirements, and rules governing the rental or occupancy of a mobile- and manufactured-home lot and mobile- and manufactured-home park;

(2) Current rules and regulations promulgated by a mobile- and manufactured-home park licensee shall be delivered by the licensee to a prospective resident prior to entering into a rental agreement, and to the resident(s) as soon as promulgated and whenever revised. A copy of the rules and regulations shall be filed with the director and posted in a conspicuous place in the mobile- and manufactured-home park;

(3) Any rule or change in rent that does not apply uniformly to all mobile- and manufactured-home residents of a similar class shall create a rebuttable presumption that the rule or change in rent is unreasonable;

(4)(i) A mobile- and manufactured-home park licensee shall not impose any conditions of rental or occupancy that restricts the mobile- and manufactured-home owner in his or her choice of a seller of fuel, furnishings, goods, services, accessories, or other utilities connected with the rental or occupancy of a mobile- and manufactured-home lot;

(ii) The licensee who purchases electricity or gas (natural, manufactured, or similar gaseous substance) from any public utility or municipally owned utility or who purchases water from a water system for the purpose of supplying or reselling the electricity or gas to any other person to whom he leases, lets, rents, subleases, sublets, or subrents the premises upon which the electricity, gas, or water is to be used, shall not charge, demand, or receive directly or indirectly, any amount for the resale of any electricity, gas, or water greater than that amount charged by the public utility or municipally owned utility from which the electricity, gas, or water was purchased or by the public water system from which the water was purchased;

(iii) However, if the licensee incurs costs in bringing the utility service to individual units, or in utilizing individual meters, or in some similar cost, the licensee will be entitled to a return for the investment;

(iv) The park operator shall post in a conspicuous place the prevailing utility rate schedule as published by the serving utility;

(5) If any mobile- and manufactured-home park licensee adds, changes, deletes, or amends any rule governing the rental or occupancy of a mobile- and manufactured-home lot in a mobile- and manufactured-home park, a new copy of all those rules shall be furnished to all mobile- and manufactured-home residents in the park, and filed with the department for its review, recommendations, and recording for future reference at least forty-five (45) days prior to the effective date of the addition, change, deletion, or amendment. The new copy furnished to the resident shall be signed by both the mobile- and manufactured-home park owner and the mobile- and manufactured-home park resident. Any mobile park resident who believes the rule change is in violation of the chapter, may file a complaint with the director in accordance with § 31-44-17. The complaint shall be filed within twenty (20) days of receipt of written notice of the change. The complaint shall specify the rule in dispute and contain the basis by which the change violates this chapter;

(6) If any mobile- and manufactured-home park licensee changes the rent or fees associated with a mobile- and manufactured-home lot, notice of the change shall be given to the mobile- and manufactured-home resident at least sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the change. Any mobile park resident who believes that the rule change is in violation of this chapter, may file a complaint with the director in accordance with § 31-44-17. The complaint shall be filed within twenty (20) days after receipt of written notice of the change. The complaint shall specify the basis by which the change violates this chapter;

(7) The owners of individual mobile and manufactured homes shall be entitled to have as many occupants in their homes as is consistent with the number of bedrooms and/or bed spaces certified by the manufacturer; provided that the occupancy does not violate any provision of the general laws or other municipal regulations. All bedrooms shall consist of a minimum of fifty square feet (50 sq. ft.) of floor area and bedrooms designed and certified for two (2) or more people shall consist of seventy square feet (70 sq. ft.) of floor area plus fifty square feet (50 sq. ft.) for each person in excess of two (2). If there is sufficient bed space, according to the criteria set forth in this subdivision, additional rent or charges may not be imposed by a park owner or manager for any person or persons moving in with current resident owners of a mobile and manufactured home;

(8) A prospective resident shall not be charged an entrance fee for the privilege of leasing or occupying a mobile- and manufactured-home lot, except as provided in § 31-44-4; provided, that when a mobile and manufactured home is transported onto the mobile- and manufactured-home park, an entrance fee may be charged. However, if the park owner received a commission for the sale of the mobile and manufactured home, no entrance fee shall be charged. A reasonable charge for the fair value of the owners cost in obtaining, preparing, and maintaining a lot, or for the fair value of services performed in placing a mobile and manufactured home on a lot, shall not be considered an entrance fee, but shall be deemed a hook-up fee or maintenance fee and shall be detailed in the fee schedule. No tenant, or person seeking space in a mobile- and manufactured-housing park, shall be required to purchase manufactured housing from any particular person unless the person designated is the park owner or operator and the requirement is imposed only in connection with the initial leasing or renting of a newly-constructed lot or space not previously leased or rented to any other person. A resident may remove and replace a mobile and manufactured home; provided, that the resident shall install the mobile and manufactured home in accordance with present park standards regarding structural requirements and aesthetic maintenance in the mobile- and manufactured-home park where the replacement occurs, and in accordance with minimum standards for mobile and manufactured homes established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. No fee shall be charged by the licensee to residents as a result of the residents installation of cable television;

(9) Prior to signing a lease, a licensee shall disclose, in writing, to the prospective resident:

(i) The rental for the space or lot; and

(ii) Any charges, including service charges, imposed by the licensee. The licensee shall disclose the rent and charges that were in effect during the three (3) preceding years, or the period during which the licensee has operated the mobile home park, whichever is shorter;

(10) A copy of the fee schedule shall be filed with the commission and posted in a conspicuous place in the mobile- and manufactured-home park; and

(11)(i) A resident shall not be charged a fee for keeping a pet in a mobile- and manufactured-home park unless the park owner or management actually provides special facilities or services for pets. If special pet facilities are maintained by the park owner or management, the fee charged shall reasonably relate to the cost of maintenance of the facilities or services and the number of pets kept in the park;

(ii) If the park owner or management of a mobile- and manufactured-home park implements a rule or regulation prohibiting residents from keeping pets in the park, the new rule or regulation shall not apply to prohibit the residents from continuing to keep the pets currently in the park if the pet otherwise conforms with the previous park rules or regulations relating to pets. However, if the pet dies, the resident shall have the right to replace the pet;

(iii) Any rule or regulation prohibiting residents from keeping pets in a mobile- and manufactured-home park shall not apply to guide, signal, or service animals;

(12) Any board or commission vested with governing powers over a mobile- or manufactured-home community, including resident-owned and nonresident-owned mobile home park resident associations, shall establish and/or adhere to fair and impartial written guidelines and bylaws for conducting elections that have been provided to all residents of the mobile home park at least forty-five (45) days prior to any election. The written guidelines and bylaws shall ensure transparency in the election process with reasonable and meaningful notice to, and participation of, all residents. The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this subsection.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-36-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-36 / Section 31-36-6
§ 31-36-6. Distributors sales records.
Status: in_force

Every distributor shall keep a complete and accurate record of the number of gallons of fuels sold by the distributor and of the number of gallons of fuels used by the distributor, the date of the sales and of any use and, except in the case of retail sales through filling stations operated by the distributor, the names and addresses of the purchasers. The record shall be in a form and contain any information that the administrator may prescribe. Every distributor shall make for every sale of fuels, except retail sales through filling stations operated by the distributor, a written statement in duplicate containing the names and addresses of the distributor and the purchaser, the number of gallons sold and the dates of sale and delivery, one of which shall be delivered to the purchaser and the other retained by the distributor. Each record and statement shall be preserved by the distributor and purchaser for a period of three (3) years, and shall be open to inspection upon demand of the tax administrator or his or her authorized agents.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-56 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-56
§ 31-23-56. Stop arm required.
Status: in_force

Every school bus shall be equipped with a stop arm, approved by the department of revenue, which shall be activated whenever school children are being loaded or unloaded.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-21-18 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-21 / Section 31-21-18
§ 31-21-18. Electric vehicle charging station parking restrictions.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purposes of this section, electric vehicle charging station means a public or private parking space that is served by charging equipment that has as its primary purpose the transfer of electric energy to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.

(b) No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in any electric vehicle charging station provided on any public or private parking space if the vehicle is not connected to the charging equipment and where the electric vehicle charging station is indicated by signage identifying the station as an electric vehicle charging station and indicating that it is only for electric vehicle charging and subject to a parking violation.

(c) Enforcement of the parking provisions of this section shall be enforced by the local or state authorities on public or private property when the location of the parking spaces is within the purview of the state building code, chapter 27.3 of title 23.

(d) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-28-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-28 / Section 31-28-6
§ 31-28-6. Overtime parking by persons with a disability exempt from fees.
Status: in_force

No penalty shall be imposed upon any person with a disability issued a disability parking privilege placard or sticker pursuant to § 31-28-7, 31-27-7.1 or 31-29-5, nor from the motor vehicle transporting the person with a disability, provided that upon that vehicle there is displayed a disability parking placard or sticker for parking on the highways or in a space for a longer period of time than other persons are permitted to park on the highways or in a space. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to authorize that person to park in any place at any time where parking is prohibited.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-28-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-28 / Section 31-28-7
§ 31-28-7. Motor vehicle plates for persons with disabilities  Entitlement  Designated parking spaces  Violations.
Status: reserved

(a) Persons, as defined in subsection (h) of this section, upon application and proof of permanent or long-term disability to the division of motor vehicles, shall be issued one motor vehicle disability parking privilege placard or in the case of a motorcycle, one motor vehicle sticker, of blue which shall be imprinted with the white international symbol of access, certificate number, the words Rhode Island Disability Parking Permit and shall bear the expiration date upon its face. A placard or motorcycle sticker issued to a person whose disability is temporary shall be substantially similar to that issued to a person with a permanent or long term disability. The temporary placard, however, shall be a red placard with a white international symbol of access, certificate number, the words Rhode Island Disability Parking Permit and shall bear the expiration dates upon its face. A preliminary placard shall be similar to that issued to a person with a permanent, long-term, or temporary disability. The preliminary placard shall be effective for twenty-one (21) days, and may be issued by an applicants licensed physician, if in the medical providers opinion the applicants medical condition merits the issuance of a preliminary placard while the division considers the applicants qualifications for any type of disability parking permit. The preliminary placard shall be an orange placard with a white international symbol of access, certificate number, the words Rhode Island Disability Parking Permit and shall bear the expiration date upon its face and shall be displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle in a manner that it is clearly visible from the front. The division of motor vehicles shall promulgate rules governing the issuance and use of preliminary placards. Applicants shall not be charged any fee associated with the issuance of a preliminary placard. Physicians submitting false information to the division of motor vehicles to obtain a preliminary placard on anyones behalf may be subject to the penalties set forth in § 11-18-1.3. Persons issued a placard or motorcycle sticker pursuant to this section shall be entitled to the immunities of §§ 31-28-4 and 31-28-6. The placard shall conform to the Uniform Parking System for Disabled Drivers standard issued by the United States Department of Transportation. If an application for a placard or motorcycle sticker is denied, the division of motor vehicles shall promptly notify the applicant in writing, stating the specific reason(s) for the denial, and advising the applicant of the procedures for requesting a hearing to appeal the denial. Prior to the appeal hearing, the applicant shall be provided with any and all documents relied upon by the division in denying the application. If an application contains a physician certification that the applicant is sufficiently disabled to require a placard or motorcycle sticker, and the division has not provided specific reasons in its denial letter to the applicant, the hearing officer shall summarily order that a placard or motorcycle sticker be provided to the applicant. At all other hearings of application denials where a physician certification has been provided, the division shall bear the burden of proof that the individual is not entitled to a placard or motorcycle sticker pursuant to this chapter.

(b) A placard issued pursuant to this section shall be portable and used only when the person is being transported. The placard is to be hung from the rear view mirror so as to be seen through the front or rear windshield of the motor vehicle. A placard may be issued to a person with a disability who does not own a motor vehicle, to be used only when he or she is being transported. A motorcycle sticker issued pursuant to this section shall not be portable and shall be affixed to the rear plate of the motorcycle.

(c)(1) The certificate of entitlement to the placard or motorcycle sticker shall be renewed every six (6) years for individuals with a long-term disability, as defined in subsection (d) of this section, and the renewal application shall require a physicians certification that the condition has not changed since the previous approval, and six (6) years for individuals with a permanent disability as defined in subsection (h) of this section, in accordance with a schedule prepared by the division of motor vehicles that uses the last name of an individual to determine the month of renewal. If an application or subsequent renewal is accompanied by a physicians certification that the applicants condition is a chronic, permanent impairment and that application is approved, then any subsequent renewal shall be authorized upon receipt of a notarized affidavit from the applicant or applicants, guardian or legal representative or a certificate from the applicants physician that his or her condition has not changed since the previous approval.

(2) The certificate of entitlement to the placard or motorcycle sticker shall be covered with plastic or similar material. The applicant shall, upon timely renewal, receive a sticker bearing the expiration date of the certificate of entitlement to be affixed across the expiration date of the disability parking privilege placard or in the case of a motorcycle the applicant shall receive a new motorcycle sticker. The division of motor vehicles shall establish rules and regulations allowing for the renewal of the certificates of entitlement by mail.

(3) Whenever the division of motor vehicles proposes to suspend, revoke or fail to renew the certificate of entitlement for noncompliance with the requirements of this section or for violation of subsection (h) of this section, the individual shall first be entitled to a hearing before the division of motor vehicles to contest the proposed action. At the hearing, the division of motor vehicles shall bear the burden of proof that the individual is not entitled to the placard or motorcycle sticker pursuant to this chapter. There shall be no renewal fee charged for the placards or motorcycle sticker. The division of motor vehicles shall be authorized to issue a temporary disability parking privilege placard or motorcycle sticker immediately upon receipt of an application for individuals with a temporary impairment, as defined in subsection (h) of this section. A temporary placard or motorcycle sticker shall be valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance. Temporary placards or motorcycle stickers may be renewed for a period of one year or less, as determined by the medical advisory board upon application if the disability persists. The division of motor vehicles shall subsequently review the applications in accordance with the procedures currently in effect as to applications from persons whose disability is long term. Any issuance which, after subsequent review, shall be found to be inappropriate shall be revoked and notice of the revocation shall be sent to the applicant.

(d) A person, other than a person with a disability, who for his or her own purposes uses the parking privilege placard, shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) for each violation. A person issued a special placard who uses the placard after expiration, or who shall allow unauthorized use of the disability parking placard or sticker, may be subject to immediate revocation of the use of the placard by the division of motor vehicles, and subject to a fine of five hundred dollars ($500).

(e) Disability parking spaces shall be designated and identified by the posting of signs above ground level incorporating the international symbol of access of white on blue, and the words Handicapped Parking, Disability Parking, Disabled Parking, or Reserved Parking at each space, at both ends of a row or series of adjacent disability parking spaces, or at the entrance to a parking lot restricted to only disability parking.

(f) A person, other than a person issued a special placard or motorcycle sticker pursuant to this section, who parks a vehicle in a parking space designated for persons with disabilities, shall be fined: (1) one hundred dollars ($100) for a first violation, (2) one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175) for a second violation, and (3) three hundred twenty-five dollars ($325) for a third or subsequent violation. The vehicle may be subject to towing at the owners expense. Provided further, that it shall not be unlawful for a person to park a vehicle in a space designated for person with disabilities if that person is transporting a person who has been issued a special placard and is properly displaying the placard on the vehicle.

(g) Enforcement of the parking provisions of this section shall be enforced by the local or state authorities on public or private property when the location of the parking spaces is within the purview of the State Building Code, chapter 27.3 of title 23.

(h) Definitions. For the purpose of this section:

(1) Disabled or disability means a permanent or long-term impairment which prevents or impedes walking, which shall include but not be limited to: (i) an impairment which prevents walking and requires use of a wheelchair; (ii) an impairment which involuntarily causes difficulty or insecurity in walking or climbing stairs with or without the need to use braces, crutches, canes or artificial support; (iii) an impairment caused by amputation, arthritis, blindness (including legally blind), or orthopedic condition; (iv) an impairment in respiratory, circulatory, or neurological health which limits the persons walking capability; or (v) disabled veteran, pursuant to § 31-6-8 after certification of eligibility from the Veterans Administration or other satisfactory documentation of eligibility is presented. Persons with disabilities may be capable of working or may be presently working.

(2) Long-term disability means an impairment which is potentially reversible or may improve with appropriate medical treatment. At the time of application and or renewal, the impairment should not be expected to improve prior to the expiration of the certification, to a point where the individual does not meet the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection.

(3) Permanent disability means an impairment which is non-reversible.

(4) Temporary impairment means an impairment which is expected to improve to a point where the individual does not meet the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, within two (2) years of the application.

(i) The department of revenue shall inform each licensed driver of the certificate procedures and parking restrictions of this section and §§ 31-28-4 and 31-28-6, and a facsimile of the portable placards and motorcycle stickers issued under this section shall be sent to the enforcing authority of each state, and each enforcing authority shall be informed of the parking restrictions of this section and §§ 31-28-4 and 31-28-6. Recipients of disability parking privilege placards shall also receive instructions on their use and the penalties for misuse, when the placard is initially issued.

(j) Any person who makes, manufactures, offers for sale or knowingly uses a counterfeit parking privilege placard shall be fined up to five hundred dollars ($500) and/or forty (40) hours of community restitution.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-2.4
§ 31-27-2.4. Driving while in possession of controlled substances.
Status: in_force

(a) In addition to any other penalty prescribed by law, whoever operates any motor vehicle while knowingly having in the motor vehicle or in his or her possession, a controlled substance, as defined in § 21-28-1.02, except for possession of up to one ounce (1 oz.) of marijuana, shall have his or her license suspended for a period of six (6) months.

(b) This section shall not apply to any person who lawfully possesses a controlled substance, as defined in § 21-28-1.02, as a direct result and pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner, or as otherwise authorized by chapter 28 of title 21.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-7-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-7 / Section 31-7-8
§ 31-7-8. Process fee as costs  Record of processes.
Status: in_force

The fee of five dollars ($5.00) paid by the plaintiff to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, or in the administrators office, at the time of the service shall be taxed in the plaintiffs costs if he or she prevails in the suit. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall keep a record of all processes served on nonresidents which shall show the day and hour of service and pay to the general treasurer all fees so paid.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-14-4.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-14 / Section 31-14-4.1
§ 31-14-4.1. Reduction of the prima facie limits in historic districts and on scenic highways.
Status: in_force

Whenever the state traffic commission shall determine that any prima facie limit set forth in § 31-14-2 is greater than is reasonable in any historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places or on any road duly recognized as a scenic highway by the scenic highway board in accordance with the provisions of chapter 14 of title 24, the commission shall determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie limit, in the manner set forth in § 31-14-4, in order to provide for the preservation of the historical character of the district or the scenic quality of the highway, provided that:

(1) The reduced prima facie limit shall be for a length of road not to exceed one mile or the distance between the boundaries of the district, whichever distance is the lesser, and

(2) The reduced prima facie limit shall not result in traffic congestion.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-9
§ 31-23-9. Theft alarm signals.
Status: in_force

It is permissible but not required that any vehicle be equipped with a theft alarm signal device which is so arranged that it cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-19 / Section 31-19-5
§ 31-19-5. Clinging to vehicles.
Status: in_force

(a) No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle shall attach it or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway.

(b) This section shall not prohibit attaching a trailer or semi-trailer to a bicycle if that trailer or semi-trailer has been designed for this attachment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-22 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-22
§ 31-24-22. Multiple beam lamps required.
Status: in_force

Except as provided in this chapter, the head lamps, or the auxiliary driving lamps, or combinations of them, on motor vehicles other than a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle, shall be arranged so that selection may be made between distributions of light projected to different elevations, subject to the following requirements and limitations:

(1) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least three hundred fifty feet (350²) ahead for all conditions of loading.

(2) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least one hundred feet (100²) ahead; and under any condition of loading, none of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.

(3) Every new motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, registered in this state, which has multiple beam road lighting equipment, shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the head lamps is in use, and shall not otherwise be lighted. The indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of that vehicle.

(4) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-11 / Section 31-11-4
§ 31-11-4. Seizure of license in possession of unauthorized person.
Status: in_force

The license certificate issued under chapter 10 of this title is nontransferable, and if found in the possession of any person other than the licensee may be seized immediately by any proper officer and shall be returned by the officer immediately to the division of motor vehicles. The seized license certificate shall immediately expire.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-37-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-37 / Section 31-37-3
§ 31-37-3. Filling station records.
Status: in_force

The owner of every filling station, at the filling station, shall keep a record of the number of gallons of fuels purchased, sold, and used by the owner, from whom purchased, and the date of the purchases. These records shall be preserved for three (3) years and shall be open to the inspection of the investigators and examiners of the division of taxation upon demand.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-17 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-11 / Section 31-11-17
§ 31-11-17. False swearing.
Status: in_force

Any person who makes any false affidavit, or knowingly swears or affirms falsely to any matter or thing required by the terms of this title to be sworn to or affirmed, is guilty of perjury, and upon conviction shall be punishable by fine or imprisonment as applicable to other perjuries.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-5 / Section 31-5-2
§ 31-5-2. Duties of department of revenue.
Status: in_force

The department of revenue shall issue the licenses provided for in §§ 31-5-5  31-5-9 and § 31-5-34. The department of revenue shall have supervision over the licenses in respect to all the provisions of §§ 31-5-1  31-5-20 and §§ 31-5-33  31-5-39, and shall have power to make and to issue rules and regulations to fulfill the purposes of those chapters and to protect public interest. The department shall have power to set from time to time the maximum number of plates to be issued to each dealer after due investigation and after giving due consideration to the number of plates reasonably required for the operation of the business by the dealer. The department shall also have the power to define unfair practices by licensees. All the provisions of §§ 31-5-1  31-5-20, and §§ 31-5-33  31-5-39 shall be administered by the department.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-1
§ 31-23-1. Driving of unsafe vehicle  Disobedience of requirements  Inspections of motor carriers  Fines.
Status: in_force

(a) It is a civil violation for any person to drive or move, or for the owner, employer or employee to cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such an unsafe condition as to endanger any person, or which does not contain those parts or is not at all times equipped with lamps and other equipment in proper condition and adjustment as required in this chapter or chapter 24 of this title, or for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required under these chapters.

(b)(1) For the purpose of reducing the number and severity of accidents, all commercial motor vehicles must meet applicable standards set forth in this chapter and chapter 24 of this title and in the federal motor carrier safety regulations (FMCSR) contained in 49 CFR Parts 387 and 390-399, and the Hazardous Materials Regulations in 49 CFR Parts 107 (subparts F and G only), 171-173, 177, 178 and 180, as amended except as may be determined by the administrator to be inapplicable to a state enforcement program, as amended and adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, as may be amended from time to time. Part 391.11(b)(1) of FMCSR, 49 CFR 391.11(b)(1) shall not apply to intrastate drivers of commercial motor vehicles except for drivers of school buses and vehicles placarded under 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F. Rules and Regulations shall be promulgated by the director of the department of revenue for the administration and enforcement of motor carrier safety. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated to ensure uniformity in motor carrier safety enforcement activities and to increase the likelihood that safety defects, driver deficiencies, and unsafe carrier practices will be detected and corrected.

(2) Any carrier convicted of violating the rules and regulations established pursuant to this subsection shall be fined as provided in § 31-41.1-4 for each offense.

(c) For the purposes of this section, carrier is defined as any company or person who furthers their commercial or private enterprise by use of a vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of ten thousand and one (10,001) or more pounds, or that transports hazardous material.

(d) Authorized examiners, investigators, officers, or regulatory inspectors from the department of revenue with proper identification issued by the director of the department of revenue, the state police, and local law enforcement officials with proper identification certifying they are qualified motor carrier enforcement personnel trained according to subsection (f) of this section, shall have a right of entry and authority to examine all equipment of motor carriers and lessors and enter upon and perform inspections of motor carrier vehicles in operation. They shall have authority to inspect, examine, and copy all accounts, books, records, memoranda, correspondence and other documents of the motor carriers and or lessors and the documents, accounts, books, records, correspondence, and memoranda of any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control of any carrier which relate to the enforcement of this chapter.

(e)(1) Authorized examiners, investigators, officers, or regulatory inspectors from the state police, local law enforcement officials or the department of revenue shall declare out of service any motor vehicle which, by reason of its mechanical condition or loading, is so imminently hazardous to operate as to be likely to cause an accident or a breakdown. An out of service vehicle sticker shall be used to mark vehicles out of service. The out of service vehicle sticker shall be affixed to the drivers window on power units placed out of service and, affixed to the left front corner of trailers or semi-trailers placed out of service.

(2) No person shall remove the out of service vehicle sticker from any motor vehicle prior to completion of all repairs required by the out of service notice.

(3) Any motor vehicle discovered to be in an unsafe condition while being operated on the highway may be continued in operation only to the nearest place where repairs can be safely effected.

(4) Operation in an unsafe condition will be conducted only if it is less hazardous to the public than to permit the vehicle to remain on the highway.

(5) A motor carrier shall not require or permit a person to operate a motor vehicle declared out of service until all the repairs required by the out of service notice are satisfactorily completed.

(6) Any person convicted of unauthorized removal or causing to be removed an out of service vehicle sticker shall be fined as provided in § 31-41.1-4.

(7) Any person convicted of operating or causing to operate an out of service vehicle on a public highway shall be fined as provided in § 31-41.1-4.

(f) In order to enforce the provisions of this section, authorized examiners, investigators, officers, or regulatory inspectors must satisfactorily complete a course of instruction as prescribed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the federal motor carrier safety regulations (FMCSR) safety inspection procedures, and out of service criteria with at least annual in-service training covering the prescribed instruction.

(g) Violations of the provisions of this section shall be recorded in the commercial vehicle inspection report approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in addition to the appropriate Rhode Island state uniform summons.

(h) Any fine imposed as a result of a violation of this section shall not be subject to any additional assessments imposed pursuant to any other laws of the state of Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-51-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-51 / Section 31-51-4
§ 31-51-4. Hearings.
Status: in_force

Evidence from a live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring system shall be considered substantive evidence in the prosecution of all civil traffic violations. Evidence from a live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring system approved by the school department shall be admitted without further authentication and such evidence may be deemed sufficient to sustain a civil traffic violation. In addition to any other defenses as set forth herein, any and all defenses cognizable at law shall be available to the individual who receives the citation commencing a prosecution under this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-50 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-50
§ 31-23-50. Motorcycle reflectorized plates.
Status: in_force

Every motorcycle registered within this state shall be equipped with reflectorized plates which shall be supplied by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, department of revenue, pursuant to rules and regulations to be determined by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, department of revenue.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-13 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-13
§ 31-24-13. Stop and turn lamps authorized.
Status: in_force

Any motor vehicle may be equipped with, and when required under this chapter shall be equipped with, the following signal lamps or devices:

(1) A stop lamp on the rear which shall emit a red or yellow light and which shall be actuated by applying the service (foot) brake and which may but need not be incorporated with a tail lamp;

(2) A lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device capable of clearly indicating any intention to turn either to the right or to the left and which shall be visible both from the front and rear.

(3) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-12.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-12.1
§ 31-23-12.1. Providence canteen vehicles.
Status: in_force

(a) The motor vehicle equipment belonging to the Providence Canteen with headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island, is declared to be an authorized emergency vehicle and may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell as provided in § 31-23-11.

(b) Any operator of the Providence Canteen motor vehicle shall have, at a minimum, five (5) hours of training and instruction from an active or retired police officer or firefighter, in the operation of the Providence Canteen vehicle as an authorized emergency vehicle and the use of emergency lights and sirens.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-40 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-40
§ 31-10-40. Fee  Expiration of instructors license.
Status: in_force

The fee for each application for an instructors license shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00). The license shall be granted or denied by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles within thirty (30) days after the application and shall expire, unless sooner revoked or suspended, on the thirtieth (30th) day of June following its effective date.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-18 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-18
§ 31-44-18. Decisions, judicial review and enforcement.
Status: in_force

(a) When the director makes a decision, an order shall be made in writing and shall include finding of facts. The findings of fact shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit statement of the underlying facts supporting the findings. The parties shall be notified by mail of any decision or order.

(b) A decision of the director may be appealed, by either party, by applying for a rehearing or appealing to the superior court for the county in which either party resides, within thirty (30) days of the date of the decision pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42.

(c) If no timely appeal is taken pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the decision of the director shall become final. The director shall file a certified abstract of any final decision with the clerk of the superior court in the county of residence of the complainant. The clerk of the court shall enter judgment on it, and this judgment may be enforced as with any final judgment of the superior court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-12.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-47 / Section 31-47-12.1
§ 31-47-12.1. Right to choose auto body repair facility.
Status: in_force

Any evidence of proof of financial responsibility or security shall include the following statement therein in bold face print: PURSUANT TO RHODE ISLAND LAW, THE CONSUMER HAS THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE REPAIR FACILITY TO COMPLETE REPAIRS TO A MOTOR VEHICLE. AN INSURANCE COMPANY MAY NOT INTERFERE WITH THE CONSUMERS CHOICE OF REPAIRER.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-31.3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-31.3
§ 31-3-31.3. Registration of specially constructed vehicles.
Status: in_force

(a) A specially constructed vehicle means every vehicle of a type that must be registered under chapters 3 through 9 of this title, but not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles.

(b) Specially constructed vehicles shall be subject to the registration fees in § 31-6-1.

(c) Before a specially constructed vehicle can be registered, it must undergo an inspection by the division of motor vehicles to determine whether the vehicle was designed for and may be safely operated on public roads, and meets all necessary safety standards. Only those specially constructed vehicles that are deemed by the division of motor vehicles to be designed for use on public roads and meeting all necessary safety standards shall be registered. Specially constructed vehicles that are registered shall be subject to inspection pursuant to § 31-38-4 to ensure that the vehicle continues to meet all necessary safety standards.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-37-12 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-37 / Section 31-37-12
§ 31-37-12. Unauthorized signs advertising price of fuel.
Status: in_force

No signs stating or relating to the price of motor fuel and no signs designed or calculated to cause the public to believe that they state or relate to the price of motor fuel other than the signs referred to in § 31-37-11 and required to be displayed upon pumps and other dispensing devices, shall be posted or displayed on or about the premises where motor fuel is sold at retail and within view of any public highway or reservation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-9
§ 31-10-9. Operators license issued after expiration of armed forces license.
Status: in_force

Whenever an armed forces special license shall become invalid by reason of expiration, the person to whom it was issued shall, within a period of three (3) years from the date of the expiration, be entitled to receive a regular motor vehicle operators license without submitting to an examination upon presentation of a proper application accompanied by the proper fee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-1.4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-1.4
§ 31-44-1.4. Powers and duties of department.
Status: in_force

(a) The department may:

(1) Interpret and implement the provisions of this chapter and the applicable provisions of chapter 44.1 of this title;

(2) Act for the purpose of promoting a uniform policy relating to all phases of mobile and manufactured home business and use;

(3) Monitor and determine the sufficiency of the state Mobile and Manufactured Home Act under this chapter as well as local mobile and manufactured home ordinances which are designed to provide local governments with superintending control over mobile and manufactured home business or use and to make recommendations to it; and

(4) Conduct public hearings relating to these advisory responsibilities.

(b) The department shall:

(1) Monitor the implementation of statutes and regulations affecting mobile and manufactured homes;

(2) Make investigations and conduct or authorize periodic surveys to determine compliance with this chapter;

(3) All departments of state government are authorized to provide assistance to the department as the department requires;

(4) Conduct a public education program to improve public perception and local acceptance of mobile and manufactured homes and to promote them as affordable housing; and

(5) Study additional issues related to mobile and manufactured homes and periodically disseminate acquired information.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-12.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-12.2
§ 31-27-12.2. Distribution of books or pads.
Status: in_force

The books or pads as provided in § 31-27-12.1(c) shall be distributed as follows:

(1) The administrative clerk of the judicial department shall distribute books or pads containing the summonses and related records to all courts having jurisdiction over the violation of any statute or ordinance relating to the operation, control, or maintenance of a motor vehicle, and shall keep a record of the distribution including a receipt signed by the clerk of each court for each book or pad distributed to the court.

(2) Each court through its clerk shall distribute the books and pads to the chief administrative officer of every police department or state police barracks within its jurisdiction, and the clerk shall keep a record of the distribution, including a receipt signed by each chief administrative officer for each book or pad distributed to the clerk.

(3) The chief administrative officers shall be responsible for the issuance of the books or pads to all police officers within their department or organization and shall keep a record of the distribution including a receipt signed by each police officer for each book or pad issued to that officer.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-8
§ 31-44-8. Notice required by law.
Status: in_force

The following notice must be given by the licensee to the tenant prior to occupancy:

The terms of your tenancy must be in accordance with the Rhode Island Mobile and Manufactured Home Act, title 31, chapter 44. Section 31-44-3 requires all the rules and regulations governing your tenancy to be fair and reasonable. Unreasonable rules, or those not in compliance with §31-44-3, cannot be enforced against you.

No licensee may offer a mobile and manufactured home or a mobile and manufactured home space or lot for rent without showing to the prospective resident a copy of the written lease before the resident occupies that mobile and manufactured home space or lot. No licensee may rent a mobile and manufactured home or mobile and manufactured home space or lot until a written lease has been signed by the resident and the owner. The term of the lease shall not be less than one year unless the resident requests, in writing, a term for less than one year, or requests in writing that he or she does not desire a written lease.

The licensee of this park shall not require you to deal exclusively with a certain fuel dealer or other merchant for goods or services in connection with the use or occupancy of your mobile and manufactured home lot unless that restriction is necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of mobile and manufactured home residents in the park. If you are required to deal with a certain dealer or merchant, the price you pay for such goods or services may not be more than the prevailing price in this locality for similar goods and services.

An increase in fees or rent, nonrenewal of lease, refusal to offer a lease, or termination of tenancy which is taken against you by a licensee as a penalty for reporting a violation of the Mobile and Manufactured Home Act or of any applicable building or health code, or for any other justified complaint to a governmental authority is a reprisal and is prohibited by law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-13 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-13
§ 31-27-13. Nature of offenses  Penalty.
Status: in_force

(a) It is a civil violation for any person to violate any of the provisions of chapters 1  27 or chapter 34 of this title, unless the violation is by these chapters or other law of this state declared to be a felony or a misdemeanor, or unless the offense is punishable by a fine of more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment.

(b) Unless another penalty is provided by chapters 1  27 or chapter 34 of this title, or by the laws of this state, every person convicted of a civil violation of the chapters shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).

(c) Unless another penalty is provided by chapters 1  27 or chapter 34 of this title or by the laws of this state, every person convicted of a misdemeanor violation of these chapters shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by both fine and imprisonment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-101 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-101
§ 31-3-101. Special electric and hybrid electric vehicle registration plate designation.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is hereby authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to provide and issue a registration plate for motor vehicles powered in whole or in part by a storage battery. These plates may be made available to owners of vehicles recognized by the registry as electric-powered vehicles subject to the regular prescribed registration fee, and any transfer or remake fees, if applicable.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-57 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-57
§ 31-23-57. Eye protection for motorcycle operators.
Status: in_force

(a) Every motorcycle operator shall be required to wear protective eyewear while operating on any highway within the state. The eyewear shall include, but not be limited to, safety goggles, safety eyeglasses, or a safety shield.

(b) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first offense, fifty dollars ($50.00) for the second offense, and one hundred dollars ($100) for the third and each subsequent offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-28-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-28 / Section 31-28-10
§ 31-28-10. Parking spaces for persons transporting young children and strollers.
Status: reserved

(a) Motor vehicle parking spaces specifically designed for persons transporting young children under the age of three (3) years and baby strollers, shall be required for all parking lots other than lots for single-family, duplex, townhouse, or multifamily residences; provided, however, industrial-zoned properties shall not be required to comply with this section. The motor vehicle parking spaces specifically designed for persons transporting young children under the age of three (3) years and baby strollers shall be provided as follows:

(b) Motor vehicle parking spaces specifically designed for persons transporting young children under the age of three (3) years and baby strollers shall be located as closely as possible to parking spaces designated for the physically handicapped and/or disabled persons; provided, however, parking spaces designated for the physically handicapped and/or disabled persons shall take precedence. Where no parking spaces designated for the physically handicapped and/or disabled persons have been provided, parking spaces for persons transporting young children in baby strollers shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to an accessible entrance.

(c) All parking spaces for persons transporting young children and strollers shall be prominently outlined with green paint and posted with an approved permanent above-ground sign which shall be of a minimum size of twelve inches (12³) wide and eighteen inches (18³) in height and shall include an image of a baby stroller with the language Reserved Parking located above the image of the baby stroller and with the language persons with strollers located below the baby stroller image. The bottom of the sign must be at least five feet (5²) above grade when attached to a building, or seven feet (7²) above grade for a detached sign.

(d) All property owners required by this section to provide motor vehicle parking spaces for persons transporting young children and strollers shall provide such parking spaces within two (2) years from June 28, 2022. In no event shall the number of parking spaces for the physically handicapped and/or disabled be reduced below the quantity otherwise required by law.

(e) Enforcement of the parking provisions of this section shall be enforced by the local or state authorities on public or private property when the location of the parking spaces is within the purview of the state building code, chapter 27.3 of title 23.

(f) The owners of said property shall be responsible for the cost of the signage and proper installation in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-111 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-111
§ 31-3-111. Gold Star Families.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the motor vehicles of all eligible members of a Gold Star Family.

(b) For the purpose of this section, Gold Star Family means a person eligible to receive a gold star lapel button as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 1126; provided, the death was determined to be in the line of duty.

(c) The Gold Star Family motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates, and shall be designed by Gold Star Family members who are Rhode Island residents in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with design approval by the Rhode Island state police.

(1) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 190, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 248, § 1.]

(2) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 190, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 248, § 1.]

(3) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 190, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 248, § 1.]

(d) The applicant shall not be required to pay a service charge or a transfer charge for each plate.

(e) Only one set of Gold Star Family plates shall be issued to an eligible family member and only after satisfactory documentation of eligibility is presented.

(f) The owner of a motor vehicle eligible for registration as a commercial vehicle and having a gross weight of twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.) or less who is issued Gold Star Family plates shall continue to pay the appropriate commercial registration fee for those plates. The owner of a motor vehicle eligible for registration as a commercial vehicle having a gross weight of six thousand three hundred pounds (6,300 lbs.), but not more than twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.), shall sign an affidavit at the time of application for said plates stating that the vehicle is to be used for personal use only.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-15 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-26 / Section 31-26-15
§ 31-26-15. Reports required by municipalities.
Status: in_force

Any incorporated city, town, village, or other municipality may by ordinance require that the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident shall also file with a designated city or town department a report of the accident or a copy of any report that is required to be filed with the division of motor vehicles. All the reports shall be for the confidential use of the city or town department and subject to the provisions of § 31-26-13.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-11.6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-22 / Section 31-22-11.6
§ 31-22-11.6. Childcare vehicles and school extracurricular vehicles.
Status: in_force

(a)(1) Pursuant to § 31-22-10, the division of motor vehicles is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations concerning the type, construction, and equipment of motor vehicles used for the transportation of children to and from childcare facilities and to and from school sponsored activities including athletics and extracurricular activities.

(2)(i) For the purposes of this section, school bus, as referred to in § 31-1-3, is defined as a vehicle which is used to carry children to or from school on school bound routes at the outset of the childrens school day and/or on home bound routes at the end of the childrens school day. For these routes, a school bus or a pupil transportation vehicle as set forth in §§ 31-22.1-1 and 31-22.1-2 must be used regardless of the number of students being transported.

(ii) For purposes of this section, school extracurricular vehicles is defined as vehicles designed to transport fewer than fifteen (15) students to and from school sponsored activities including athletics, internships, work experiences, and extracurricular activities where school buses are not used because of the small number of students being transported.

(iii) For the purpose of this section, childcare vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle owned or leased by a licensed child daycare center as defined in subdivisions 42-72.1-2(6) and 42-72.1-2(11), that does not exceed fifteen (15) passengers and is being used to transport children from schools to childcare facilities and/or from childcare facilities to schools or other activities of the child daycare center. Two (2) door sedans shall not be considered childcare vehicles or school extracurricular vehicles.

(iv) For the purposes of this section, a Family childcare home vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle owned or leased by a family daycare home provider as defined in subdivision 42-72.1-2(10) or an assistant to that licensed provider, that does not exceed fifteen (15) passengers and is used to transport children from schools to the family childcare home and/or from the childcare home to schools or to other activities of the childcare home.

(b) The division of motor vehicles shall have the authority to suspend the registration of any vehicle used for childcare transportation or school extracurricular transportation that does not meet the following requirements:

(1) Seating. Adequate seating space for all passengers shall be provided. The maximum seating capacity of a childcare vehicle and school extracurricular vehicle shall be fifteen (15) persons, including the driver. No standing shall be permitted while the vehicle is in operation.

(2) Safety belts. Safety belts shall be required for all passengers riding in the childcare vehicle and school extracurricular vehicle.

(3) Vehicle registration. All childcare vehicles and school extracurricular vehicles shall be registered as public vehicles.

(4) Vehicle inspection. All childcare vehicles and school extracurricular vehicles shall be inspected for excessive emissions and/or safety items according to a staggered appointment schedule as determined by the director of revenue, or his or her designee, and from time to time thereafter as may be required, and the vehicle owner shall display upon the vehicle the certificate of inspection and approval issued to the vehicle until the certificate shall expire.

(5) Inspectors rejection notice. The director of revenue, or his or her designee, may affix a notice of rejection to any vehicle that fails to pass the required inspection requirements. The rejection notice shall not be destroyed or removed from the vehicle until the vehicle has passed the inspection requirements, or its removal has been authorized by the director of revenue or his or her designee.

(6)(i) Vehicle identification. Any and all childcare vehicles and school extracurricular vehicles must have the name of the childcare organization conspicuously placed on the side of the vehicle. The identification shall be required to possess two inch (2³) letters, and be permanently affixed on the side of the vehicle. Family childcare home vehicles shall be exempt from the vehicle identification requirements of this section.

(ii) Should any childcare vehicle and school extracurricular vehicle be a leased vehicle, the vehicle shall forego the requirement of having the name of the childcare facility or school permanently affixed to the side of the vehicle, but instead may satisfy the identification requirement by placing a magnetized sign naming the childcare facility or school or any other temporarily affixed apparatus; provided, that the temporary identification sign not be interchanged, replaced, or modified to change the purpose or function of the childcare vehicle and school extracurricular vehicle.

(7)(i) Fire extinguisher. The childcare vehicle and school extracurricular vehicle shall be equipped with at least one pressurized, potassium bicarbonate base dry chemical-type fire extinguisher, mounted in the manufacturers extinguisher bracket, and located in the drivers compartment in full view of and readily accessible to the driver. A pressure gauge shall be mounted on the extinguisher so as to be easily read without removing the extinguisher from its mounted position.

(ii) The fire extinguisher shall have a minimum capacity of not less than two and a half pounds (2Â½ lbs.) and be of a type approved by the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., with a rating of not less than ten (10) B:C. The operating mechanism shall be sealed with a type of seal that will not interfere with use of the fire extinguisher.

(8) First-aid, airway, and bodily fluid spill kits. Every childcare vehicle, family childcare home vehicle and school extracurricular vehicle shall be equipped with a first-aid kit mounted in an area accessible to the operator which consists of bandages, sterile pads, adhesive tape, and Band-Aids, for use in the administration of first-aid treatment. In addition, every childcare vehicle, family childcare home vehicle and school extracurricular vehicle shall be equipped with a bodily fluid spill kit and every childcare vehicle and school extracurricular vehicle shall be equipped with an approved emergency airway kit.

(9) Each childcare center vehicle and school extracurricular vehicle shall also have an audible door alarm and an audible back up alarm.

(10) All persons operating a pupil transportation vehicle to convey children shall hold a Rhode Island chauffeurs license and shall have passed a written test as may be prescribed by the department of motor vehicles. In addition, all such persons who operate a pupil transportation vehicle to convey children shall submit to a national and statewide criminal and driving record background check by the hiring agency.

(11) School extracurricular vehicles purchased after January 1, 2000, shall further comply with regulations which the division of motor vehicles is authorized to promulgate which require these vehicles to meet appropriate safety standards. The additional safety requirements of this subsection shall, effective January 1, 2008, also apply to school extracurricular vehicles in service prior to January 1, 2000, which are still in service after January 1, 2008.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-21-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-21 / Section 31-21-1
§ 31-21-1. Stopping on traveled portion of open highway prohibited.
Status: in_force

Upon any highway outside of a business or residence district, no person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the paved or main traveled part of the highway when it is practical to stop, park, or leave the vehicle off that part of the highway. In every event, an unobstructed width of the highway opposite a standing vehicle shall be left for the free passage of other vehicles, and a clear view of the stopped vehicle shall be available from a distance of two hundred feet (200²) in each direction upon the highway.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-11 / Section 31-11-2
§ 31-11-2. Driving privileges of nonresidents.
Status: in_force

(a) The privilege of driving a motor vehicle on the highways of this state given to a nonresident pursuant to this title shall be subject to suspension or revocation by the division of motor vehicles in the same manner and for the same cause as an operators or chauffeurs license issued pursuant to this title may be suspended or revoked.

(b) The division of motor vehicles is further authorized, upon receiving a record of the conviction in this state of a nonresident driver of a motor vehicle of any offense under the motor vehicle laws of this state, to forward a certified copy of the record to the motor vehicle administrator in the state where the convicted person is a resident.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-50-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-50 / Section 31-50-5
§ 31-50-5. Annual report.
Status: in_force

On or before the thirty-first day of January the designated assistant or special assistant attorney general and the director shall prepare and submit to the governor and to the board a comprehensive report of all of the activities of the office including, but not limited, to vehicle recovery statistics, arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and restitution.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-18 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-38 / Section 31-38-18
§ 31-38-18. Conduct of hearings.
Status: in_force

The director of the department of revenue shall hold and conduct hearings in accordance with § 31-38-17. These hearings shall be governed by rules to be adopted by the director of the department of revenue, and the director of the department of revenue shall not be bound by technical rules of evidence. The director of the department of revenue may subpoena witnesses and require the producing of documental evidence in order to make decisions affecting the interest of the motor vehicle inspection owner and/or operator.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-18-20 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-18 / Section 31-18-20
§ 31-18-20. Wheelchairs  Rights and duties.
Status: in_force

(a) Every person operating a wheelchair upon a sidewalk or roadway shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to a pedestrian.

(b) Every person riding a motorized wheelchair on a bicycle lane, trail or path shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a bicycle operating on a bicycle lane trail or path except: (1) when those rights or duties, by their very nature, can have no application; or (2) as otherwise specifically provided under chapters 1  27 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-6-1_31-6-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-6 / Section 31-6-1_31-6-1
§ 31-6-1. Amount of registration and miscellaneous fees. [Effective until January 1, 2026.]31-6-1. Amount of registration and miscellaneous fees. [Effective January 1, 2026.]
Status: in_force

The following registration fees shall be paid to the division of motor vehicles for the registration of motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, and school buses subject to registration for each year of registration:

(1) For the registration of every automobile, when equipped with pneumatic tires, the gross weight of which is not more than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.): thirty dollars ($30.00).

(2) For the registration of every motor truck or tractor when equipped with pneumatic tires, the gross weight of which is not more than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.): thirty-four dollars ($34.00).

(3) For the registration of every automobile, motor truck or tractor, when equipped with pneumatic tires, the gross weight of which is:

(i) More than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.), but not more than five thousand pounds (5,000 lbs.): forty dollars ($40.00);

(ii) More than five thousand pounds (5,000 lbs.), but not more than six thousand pounds (6,000 lbs.): forty-eight dollars ($48.00);

(iii) More than six thousand pounds (6,000 lbs.), but not more than seven thousand pounds (7,000 lbs.): fifty-six dollars ($56.00);

(iv) More than seven thousand pounds (7,000 lbs.), but not more than eight thousand pounds (8,000 lbs.): sixty-four dollars ($64.00);

(v) More than eight thousand pounds (8,000 lbs.), but not more than nine thousand pounds (9,000 lbs.): seventy dollars ($70.00);

(vi) More than nine thousand pounds (9,000 lbs.), but not more than ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.): seventy-eight dollars ($78.00);

(vii) More than ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.), but not more than twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.): one hundred six dollars ($106);

(viii) More than twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.), but not more than fourteen thousand pounds (14,000 lbs.): one hundred twenty-four dollars ($124);

(ix) More than fourteen thousand pounds (14,000 lbs.), but not more than sixteen thousand pounds (16,000 lbs.): one hundred forty dollars ($140);

(x) More than sixteen thousand pounds (16,000 lbs.), but not more than eighteen thousand pounds (18,000 lbs.): one hundred fifty-eight dollars ($158);

(xi) More than eighteen thousand pounds (18,000 lbs.), but not more than twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.): one hundred seventy-six dollars ($176);

(xii) More than twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.), but not more than twenty-two thousand pounds (22,000 lbs.): one hundred ninety-four dollars ($194);

(xiii) More than twenty-two thousand pounds (22,000 lbs.), but not more than twenty-four thousand pounds (24,000 lbs.): two hundred ten dollars ($210);

(xiv) More than twenty-four thousand pounds (24,000 lbs.), but not more than twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.): two hundred thirty dollars ($230);

(xv) More than twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.), but not more than twenty-eight thousand pounds (28,000 lbs.): two hundred ninety-six dollars ($296);

(xvi) More than twenty-eight thousand pounds (28,000 lbs.), but not more than thirty thousand pounds (30,000 lbs.): three hundred sixteen dollars ($316);

(xvii) More than thirty thousand pounds (30,000 lbs.), but not more than thirty-two thousand pounds (32,000 lbs.): four hundred and twenty-two dollars ($422);

(xviii) More than thirty-two thousand pounds (32,000 lbs.), but not more than thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.): four hundred and forty-eight dollars ($448);

(xix) More than thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.), but not more than thirty-six thousand pounds (36,000 lbs.): four hundred and seventy-six dollars ($476);

(xx) More than thirty-six thousand pounds (36,000 lbs.), but not more than thirty-eight thousand pounds (38,000 lbs.): five hundred and two dollars ($502);

(xxi) More than thirty-eight thousand pounds (38,000 lbs.), but not more than forty thousand pounds (40,000 lbs.): five hundred and twenty-eight dollars ($528);

(xxii) More than forty thousand pounds (40,000 lbs.), but not more than forty-two thousand pounds (42,000 lbs.): five hundred and fifty-four dollars ($554);

(xxiii) More than forty-two thousand pounds (42,000 lbs.), but not more than forty-six thousand pounds (46,000 lbs.): six hundred and eight dollars ($608);

(xxiv) More than forty-six thousand pounds (46,000 lbs.), but not more than fifty thousand pounds (50,000 lbs.): six hundred and sixty dollars ($660);

(xxv) More than fifty thousand pounds (50,000 lbs.), but not more than fifty-four thousand pounds (54,000 lbs.): seven hundred and twelve dollars ($712);

(xxvi) More than fifty-four thousand pounds (54,000 lbs.), but not more than fifty-eight thousand pounds (58,000 lbs.): seven hundred and sixty-eight dollars ($768);

(xxvii) More than fifty-eight thousand pounds (58,000 lbs.), but not more than sixty-two thousand pounds (62,000 lbs.): eight hundred and sixteen dollars ($816);

(xxviii) More than sixty-two thousand pounds (62,000 lbs.), but not more than sixty-six thousand pounds (66,000 lbs.): eight hundred and seventy-six dollars ($876);

(xxix) More than sixty-six thousand pounds (66,000 lbs.), but not more than seventy thousand pounds (70,000 lbs.): nine hundred and twenty-four dollars ($924);

(xxx) More than seventy thousand pounds (70,000 lbs.), but not more than seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.): nine hundred and seventy-two dollars ($972);

(xxxi) Over seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.): nine hundred and seventy-two dollars ($972), plus twenty-four dollars ($24.00) per two thousand pounds (2,000 lbs.) gross weight.

(4) For the registration of every semi-trailer to be used with a truck-tractor, as defined in § 31-1-4(f), shall be as follows: an annual fee of twelve dollars ($12.00) for a one-year registration; for multi-year registrations the fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) for a five-year (5) registration; and eighty dollars ($80.00) for an eight-year (8) registration. However, when in use, the weight of the resulting semi-trailer unit and its maximum carrying capacity shall not exceed the gross weight of the original semi-trailer unit from which the gross weight of the tractor was determined. A registration certificate and registration plate shall be issued for each semi-trailer so registered. There shall be no refund of payment of such fee, except that when a plate is returned prior to ninety (90) days before the effective date of that years registration, the pro rate amount, based on the unused portion of the multi-year registration plate period at time of surrender, shall be refunded. A multi-year semi-trailer registration may be transferred to another semi-trailer subject to the provisions and fee set forth in § 31-6-11. Thirty percent (30%) of the semi-trailer registration fee shall be retained by the division of motor vehicles to defray the costs of implementation of the international registration plan (IRP) and fleet registration section.

(5) For the registration of every automobile, motor truck, or tractor, when equipped with other than pneumatic tires, there shall be added to the above gross weight fees a charge of ten cents (10Â¢) for each one hundred pounds (100 lbs.) of gross weight.

(6) For the registration of every public bus, the rates provided for motor vehicles for hire plus two dollars ($2.00) for each passenger that bus is rated to carry, the rating to be determined by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.

(7) For the registration of every motorcycle, or motor-driven cycle, thirteen dollars ($13.00). Three dollars ($3.00) from that sum shall be turned over to the department of education to assist in the payment of the cost of the motorcycle drivers education program as enumerated in § 31-10.1-1.1.

(8) For the registration of every trailer, not including semi-trailers used with a truck-tractor as defined in § 31-1-4(d), with a gross weight of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less, five dollars ($5.00). Trailers with a gross weight of more than three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) shall be assessed a registration fee of one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per thousand pounds (1,000 lbs.).

(9) The annual registration fee for a motor vehicle, commonly described as a boxcar and/or locomotive, and used only by La Societe Des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux for civic demonstration, parades, convention purposes, or social welfare work, shall be two dollars ($2.00).

(10) For the registration of every motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer owned by any department or agency of any city or town or district, provided the name of the city or town or district or state department or agency owning the same shall be plainly printed on two (2) sides of the vehicle, two dollars ($2.00).

(11) For the registration of motor vehicles used for racing, fifteen dollars ($15.00).

(12) For every duplicate registration certificate, seventeen dollars ($17.00).

(13) For every certified copy of a registration certificate or application, ten dollars ($10.00).

(14) For every certificate assigning a special identification number or mark as provided in § 31-3-37, one dollar ($1.00).

(15) For every replacement of number plates or additional pair of number plates, without changing the number, thirty dollars ($30.00).

(16) For the registration of every farm vehicle, used in farming as provided in § 31-3-31: ten dollars ($10.00).

(17) For the registration of antique motor vehicles, five dollars ($5.00).

(18) For the registration of a suburban vehicle, when used as a pleasure vehicle and the gross weight of which is not more than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.), the same rates as charged in subsection (1) of this section shall be applicable and when used as a commercial vehicle and the gross weight of which is not more than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.), the same rates as provided in subsection (2) of this section shall be applicable. The rates in subsection (3) of this section shall be applicable when the suburban vehicle has a gross weight of more than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.), regardless of the use of the vehicle.

(19) For the registration of every motor bus that is used exclusively under contract with a political subdivision or school district of the state for the transportation of school children, twenty-five dollars ($25); provided that the motor bus may also be used for the transportation of persons to and from church and Sunday school services, and for the transportation of children to and from educational or recreational projects sponsored by a city or town or by any association or organization supported wholly or in part by public or private donations for charitable purposes, without the payment of additional registration fee.

(20) For the registration of every motorized bicycle, ten dollars ($10.00).

(21) For the registration of every motorized tricycle, ten dollars ($10.00).

(22) For the replacement of number plates with a number change, twenty dollars ($20.00).

(23) For the initial issuance and each reissuance of fully reflective plates, as required by §§ 31-3-10, 31-3-32, and 31-3-33, an additional eight dollars ($8.00); provided, however, for the initial issuance of new license plates as required by § 31-3-33(c) that feature the 2022 approved design, the fee shall be waived when the plate is issued for a vehicle with an existing registration.

(24) For the issuance of a trip permit under the International Registration Plan, twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per vehicle. The division of motor vehicles is authorized to issue seventy-two-hour (72) trip permits for vehicles required to be registered in the International Registration Plan that have not been apportioned with the state of Rhode Island.

(25) For the issuance of a hunters permit under the International Registration Plan, twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per vehicle. The division of motor vehicles is authorized to issue hunters permits for motor vehicles based in the state of Rhode Island and otherwise required to be registered in the International Registration Plan. These permits are valid for thirty (30) days.

(26) For the registration of a specially adapted motor vehicle necessary to transport a family member with a disability for personal, noncommercial use, a fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) assessed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-16 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-22 / Section 31-22-16
§ 31-22-16. Sale to enforce lien.
Status: in_force

If the charges referred to in § 31-22-15 remain unpaid for a period of at least sixty (60) days from and after the towing, the wrecker may sell the motor vehicle at private or public sale and the proceeds, after first paying the expenses of the sale, shall be applied as follows:

(1) In payment of the wreckers lien;

(2) In satisfaction of any indebtedness secured by a financing statement filed with the secretary of state;

(3) In satisfaction of any indebtedness secured by any subordinate security interest if written satisfaction of demand for it is received before distribution of the proceeds is completed;

(4) After payment of any or all of the above sections, the proceeds if any, shall be paid to the registered owner, if known to the wrecker.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-2 / Section 31-2-1
§ 31-2-1. Establishment  Duties  Chief of division.
Status: in_force

Within the department of revenue there shall be a division of motor vehicles. The division will be responsible for activities assigned to it by law, including, but not limited to, motor vehicle registration, testing and licensing of motor vehicle operators, inspection of motor vehicles, and enforcement of laws relating to the issuance, suspension, and revocation of motor vehicle registrations and drivers licenses. The division shall administer the financial responsibility law. The chief of the division shall use the title and designation registrar or administrator on all licenses, registrations, orders of suspensions, financial responsibility notices or orders, or any other official documents issued or promulgated by the division. The chief shall exercise all powers and duties prescribed by chapters 1  27 of this title and shall supervise and direct the promotion of highway traffic safety.

On or before January 1, 2027, the administrator in consultation with the department of transportation is hereby directed to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the general assembly regarding options to index or update fees charged in § 31-6-1(27)(i) and any other related changes for battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles. The report at a minimum shall include information and practices in other states.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-18-11.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-18 / Section 31-18-11.1
§ 31-18-11.1. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any portion or provision of §§ 31-18-10 and 31-18-11 is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the remaining parts or provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-40-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-40 / Section 31-40-3
§ 31-40-3. Transcript or abstract of conviction record.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall certify three (3) transcripts or abstracts of the conviction record as maintained in the office of the division of motor vehicles of any person whose record brings him or her within the definition of an habitual offender, as defined in § 31-40-2, to the attorney general. The transcript or abstract shall be prima facie evidence that the person named in it was duly convicted or found delinquent or wayward in the case of a juvenile, by the court wherein the conviction or finding was made, of each offense shown by the transcript or abstract. If the person shall deny any of the facts as stated in it, he or she shall have the burden of proving that the fact is untrue.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-28-12 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-28 / Section 31-28-12
§ 31-28-12. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations  Designated parking spaces.
Status: in_force

(a) All new parking lots and existing lots that undergo an expansion of the number of parking spaces by fifty percent (50%) or more, shall create designated parking spaces for electric vehicles.

(b) Each electric vehicle parking space shall have either an EV-ready, or EV-capable public level 2, or DC fast charger, or a dual port charger to be shared by two (2) parking spaces.

(c) Projects awarded or under development prior to January 1, 2024, are exempt from the requirements of this section. Beginning January 1, 2024, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and the designation of parking spaces shall be required when there is:

(1) Construction of a parking lot for a new building or new off-street parking facility;

(2) An additional parking lot added to an addition for an existing building; or

(3) A parking lot increased in size to add fifty percent (50%) or more parking spaces.

(d) Commercial, municipal, large employer, and housing parking lots shall designate electric vehicle parking spaces based on the number of parking spaces provided in accordance with the following table below. Calculations for the required number of EV spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

(e) Electric vehicle parking restrictions and violations shall be enforced pursuant to the provisions of §§ 31-21-18 and 31-41.1-4 relating to the fine imposed for electric vehicle charging station restrictions.

(f) The owner of any facility or business that fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be subject to a penalty set and enforced by the local or state authorities on public or private property when the location of the parking spaces is within the purview of the state building code, chapter 27.3 of title 23.

(g) The office of energy resources shall provide recommendations to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure in underserved communities. In the development of these recommendations, the office of energy resources may request and be furnished with information from municipalities, an electric distribution company, the Rhode Island department of transportation, community boards, and nonprofits representing municipal interests. The office of energy resources shall develop these recommendations by January 31, 2024.

(h) Municipalities shall provide the office of energy resources with semiannual reports on the number of installed public charging stations, location of the charging stations, and total number of charging stations in the community. The office of energy resources shall make this information available to the public on the agencys website.

(i) The provisions of this section shall only apply to new projects awarded subsequent to January 1, 2024, that receive any form of public funding.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-15 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-15
§ 31-3-15. Special plates for state officers and mayors.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles has the right to issue a special registration plate for the use of the governor, the lieutenant governor, the secretary of state, the attorney general, the state treasurer, the president pro tem of the senate, the speaker of the house, and mayors of Rhode Island cities. The plates will be furnished without additional cost. If mayors of Rhode Island cities choose to use city motor vehicle registration plates, the mayors may place on the plates the official seals of the respective city in a manner that does not obstruct the numbering or lettering.

(b) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue, in addition to a regular registration plate, a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of each former speaker of the house of representatives, each former majority and minority leader of the house of representatives, and of each former majority and minority leader of the senate and president of the senate. Each of these plates is to bear the identification house speaker emeritus, house majority leader emeritus, house minority leader emeritus, senate majority leader emeritus, senate minority leader emeritus, or senate president emeritus with a seal of the state imprinted on the plate and shall be financed without additional registration charge for a period of time as each former speaker and senate majority leader and president of the senate desires.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-5
§ 31-32-5. Suspension until proof furnished.
Status: in_force

The suspension or revocation required under § 31-32-4(a), (b), and (c)(1) shall remain in effect and the division of motor vehicles shall not issue to that person any new or renewal of license, or register or reregister in the name of the person as owner of the vehicle until permitted under the motor vehicle laws of this state, and only if the person shall give and maintain proof of financial responsibility for the future; provided, that for a suspension under § 31-32-4(c)(2) the division of motor vehicles shall in its discretion issue or renew a license of the person without maintaining proof of financial responsibility for the future.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-37-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-37 / Section 31-37-8
§ 31-37-8. Peddlers license.
Status: in_force

Every peddler shall, before continuing or commencing to transact the business of a peddler, obtain from the division of taxation a license. Application for the license shall be made to the division of taxation on forms to be obtained from the division of taxation. The division of taxation, if satisfied as to the facts stated in the application, shall issue a license to the peddler, and it shall entitle the peddler to continue or commence to engage in the business within this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-38 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-38
§ 31-24-38. Color of clearance and marker lamps and reflectors.
Status: in_force

(a) Front clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color.

(b) Rear clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.

(c) All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop light or other signal device, which may be red, amber, or yellow, and except that the light illuminating the license plate or the light emitted by a back up lamp shall be white.

(d) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-29 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-29
§ 31-32-29. Action on bond.
Status: in_force

If a judgment, rendered against the principal on the bond, shall not be satisfied within sixty (60) days after it has become final, the judgment creditor may, for his or her own use and benefit and at his or her sole expense, bring an action or actions in the name of the state against the company or persons executing the bond, including an action or proceeding to foreclose any lien that may exist upon the real estate of a person who has executed the bond.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-12 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-12
§ 31-27-12. Service of notice  Summons.
Status: in_force

(a) Any police officer observing the violation of any statute or ordinance relating to the operation, control, or maintenance of a motor vehicle or a violation of subparagraphs 21-28-4.01(c)(2)(iii) and 21-28-4.01(c)(2)(iv), shall at the time or place of the violation or, if it is not possible to halt the alleged offender, as soon as possible after observing the violation, issue a written notice, of a form and content provided for in § 31-27-12.1, signed by the police officer and constituting a summons to appear before the court having jurisdiction at a time and place designated in the notice.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a police officer from exercising in the alternative his or her statutory powers of arrest, nor shall anything contained in this chapter preclude the making of additional complaints against the alleged offender arising out of the violation of any statute or ordinance relating to the operation, control, or maintenance of a motor vehicle observed by the police officer. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent a person other than a police officer from applying for a criminal complaint for the violation of any statute or ordinance relating to the operation, control, or maintenance of a motor vehicle, and the person need not show that the alleged offender has been issued a summons in connection with the alleged violation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-37-7.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-37 / Section 31-37-7.1
§ 31-37-7.1. Minimum standards for gasoline.
Status: in_force

(a) Beginning June 1, 2007, no person shall sell, deliver for sale, import, or cause to be imported into the state for sale any gasoline containing methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) or other ether oxygenates in quantities greater than one-half of one percent (0.5%) by volume. For the purpose of this section, other ether oxygenates shall include the following gasoline additives: Methanol; Isopropanol; n-Propanol; N-Butonal; sec-Butanol; tert-Butanol; Tert-pentalol (tert-amylalcohol); Ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE); Diisopropylether (DIPE); Tertiary Butyl alcohol (TBA); Iso-butanol; and Tert-amymethylether (TAME). Nothing in this section shall prohibit the transshipment of gasoline containing the oxygenates within the state for disposition outside the state, including storage coincident to the transshipment.

(b) No person shall sell, offer for sale, deliver, or have in the persons possession for the purpose of sale, any article or product represented as gasoline for use in internal combustion engines used in motor vehicles that does not equal the most recent version of the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Specification for Automotive Gasoline D-4814.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, it shall be the responsibility of the director of the department of environmental management to administer and enforce this section.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 31-37-17, penalties for violations of this section shall be assessed pursuant to § 23-23-14 as administered by the department of environmental management. In addition, the department is hereby authorized to administer this section according to the provisions of chapter 12.1 of title 46 in conjunction with its authority relating to underground storage tanks.

(e) The director of the department of environmental management shall have the authority to temporarily waive a control or prohibition respecting the use of a fuel or fuel additive required under this section to avoid a disruption in the supply of fuel to the state or to other states as a result of a natural disaster or other emergency. The director shall provide, in writing, the notice of waiver; the nature of the emergency; and the time frame for which the waiver shall remain in effect.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-7-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-7 / Section 31-7-6
§ 31-7-6. Long arm jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

(a) The acceptance by a nonresident of the rights and privileges conferred by chapters 1  27 of this title, as evidenced by the operation of a motor vehicle by the nonresident, his or her servant or agent, or the operation by a nonresident, his or her servant or agent, of a motor vehicle on a public highway in this state other than under said chapters, shall be deemed equivalent to an appointment by the nonresident of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles or his or her successor in office, to be the nonresidents true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served all lawful processes in any action or proceeding against the nonresident or his or her executor or administrator, growing out of any accident or collision in which the nonresident, his or her servant or agent, may be involved while operating a motor vehicle within this state. Acceptance or operation by the nonresident shall be deemed a signification of the nonresidents agreement that any such process against the nonresident or his or her executor or administrator which is served as provided in this chapter shall be of the same legal force and validity as if served on the nonresident personally.

(b) This section shall also apply to a foreign corporation and to any resident of the state who becomes a nonresident prior to the commencement of an action against the corporation or resident, or his or her executor or administrator, growing out of any accident or collision in which that person or his or her agent may have been involved while operating a motor vehicle within this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-18 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-18
§ 31-10-18. Cancellation of license upon death of person signing minors application.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of the death of the person who signed the application of a minor for a license shall cancel the license and shall not issue a new license until such time as a new application, duly signed and verified, is made as required by this chapter. This provision shall not apply in the event the minor has attained the age of eighteen (18) years.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-19 / Section 31-19-3
§ 31-19-3. Applicability of traffic laws.
Status: in_force

Every person riding an electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD), riding an electric motorized bicycle, or propelling a vehicle by human power shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle by chapters 12  27 of this title, except as to special regulations in this chapter and except as to those provisions of chapters 12  27 of this title which by their nature can have no application. This section shall not forbid a bicyclist, EPAMD or electric motorized bicycle from traveling upon the shoulders of the highway except for those highways which prohibit bicyclists; provided, that an EPAMD shall possess all the rights and obligations of a pedestrian, but shall not have the rights and responsibilities of the operator of a motor vehicle and that cities and towns may regulate the operation of an EPAMD. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-7.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-7.1
§ 31-44-7.1. Security deposits.
Status: in_force

In any rental agreement for the lease of a mobile home in which the licensee requires the payment of a security deposit by the resident:

(1) The deposit shall accumulate interest on an annual basis at the rate of three percent (3%).

(2) No deposit will be required which is more than the amount of one months rent.

(3) The interest shall be paid to the resident annually or upon termination of the rental.

(4) Upon termination of the rental, the licensee shall return the deposit along with accumulated interest within thirty (30) days, or shall provide the resident with a written itemized list of damages caused by the resident during the rental, other than ordinary wear and tear, and return to the resident the difference, if any, between the deposit and interest and the damages sustained.

(5) The resident shall provide the licensee with a forwarding address upon vacating the premises so as to permit the licensee to return the deposit.

(6) If the licensee fails to either return the deposit within thirty (30) days or pay interest on it, he or she shall be liable for damages not to exceed twice the amount of the deposit and three (3) times the amount of interest due.

(7) Any security deposits received by the licensee shall be deposited in a savings account and earmarked specifically as a security deposit account, and that fund shall not be used by the licensee for any purpose except as provided in subdivision (4) of this section.

(8) No security deposit shall be required for the rental of a mobile home lot or space.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-12 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-12
§ 31-10-12. Contents of application.
Status: in_force

(a) Every application for an instruction permit or for a license shall:

(1) State the full name, date of birth, sex, and residence address of the applicant;

(2) Briefly describe the applicant;

(3) State whether the applicant has previously been licensed as an operator or chauffeur, and, if so, when and by what state or country, and whether any such license has ever been suspended or revoked;

(4) State whether an application has ever been refused, and, if so, the date of and reason for the suspension, revocation, or refusal; and

(5) Provide any further information bearing on the applicants character or ability to drive that may be required by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.

(b) Every application shall state whether the applicant desires to donate tissue or organs pursuant to the provisions of chapter 18.6 of title 23.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-13 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-13
§ 31-44-13. Right of mobile home owners to peaceably assemble  Right to communicate.
Status: in_force

(a) No provision contained in any bylaw, rental agreement, regulation, or rule pertaining to a mobile home park shall infringe upon the right of the mobile home owners to peaceably assemble in an open public meeting for any lawful purpose, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, in the common areas or recreational areas of the mobile home park.

(b) No provisions contained in any bylaw, rental agreement, regulation, or rule pertaining to a mobile home park shall infringe upon the right of the mobile home owners or tenants to communicate or assemble among themselves, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, for the purpose of discussing any problems relative to the mobile home park. The discussions may be held in the common areas or recreational areas of the park, including halls or centers, or in any residents home. In addition, the park owner or developer may not unreasonably restrict the use of any facility, including the use of utilities, when requested. Written notice must be provided to the mobile home park management and/or owner of the time and place for the assembly. The assembly shall be open to all park residents.

(c) No provision contained in any bylaw, rental agreement, regulation, or rule pertaining to a mobile home park shall prohibit any mobile home owner of the mobile home park from canvassing mobile home owners of the mobile home park for the purposes described in this subsection. For the purposes of this subsection, the term canvassing includes an oral or written request; the distribution, circulation, posting, or publication of a notice; or a general announcement requesting the payment of membership dues or other matters relevant to the membership, federation, or organization. Canvassing shall be done at a reasonable time or times and in a reasonable manner. It is the intent of the legislature, through the enactment of this subsection, to prohibit any owner, developer, or manager of a mobile and manufactured home park from prohibiting free communication among mobile home owners or tenants in the guise of regulations or rules restricting or limiting canvassing for association, federation, or organization dues or other association, federation, or organization matters.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-7-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-7 / Section 31-7-4
§ 31-7-4. Reciprocity.
Status: in_force

The provisions of § 31-7-1 shall be operative as to a nonresident owner or operator only to the extent that, under the laws of his or her residence or licensing country, state, territory, or district, like privileges are granted to motor vehicle owners resident of and registered under the laws of this state or operators licensed under the laws of this state. The division of motor vehicles shall finally determine the extent of the privileges granted to nonresident owners and operators of motor vehicles in the registration of motor vehicles and licenses of operators. The division of motor vehicles is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements on behalf of the state with the appropriate authorities of any state in the United States of America or of the District of Columbia with respect to all fees or taxes imposed by this state and by any other state or the District of Columbia on motor vehicles, on the operation of motor vehicles, or on any transaction incident to the operation of motor vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-65 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-65
§ 31-3-65. Judge Emeritus  Paul DelNero.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former district court judge, Paul DelNero. This plate is to bear the identification Judge Emeritus with an appropriate number and a seal of the state thereon imprinted and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Judge DelNero so desires.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-48-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-48 / Section 31-48-6
§ 31-48-6. Civil proceedings.
Status: in_force

(a) The attorney general or any aggrieved person may institute civil proceedings against any person in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking relief from conduct constituting a violation of any provision of this chapter. If the plaintiff in a proceeding proves the alleged violation, or its threat, by a preponderance of the evidence, any court of competent jurisdiction after due provision for the rights of innocent persons, shall grant relief by entering any appropriate order or judgment, including, but not limited to:

(1) Ordering any defendant to be divested of any interest in any property;

(2) Imposing reasonable restrictions upon the future activities or investments of any defendant, including prohibiting any defendant from engaging in the same type of endeavor as the defendant was previously engaged in;

(3) Ordering the suspension or revocation of a license, permit, or prior approval granted by any public agency or any other public authority; or

(4) Ordering the surrender of the charter of a corporation organized under the laws of the state of the revocation of a certificate authorizing a foreign corporation to conduct business within the state upon finding that the board of directors or a managerial agent acting on behalf of the corporation, in conducting the affairs of the corporation, has authorized or engaged in conduct made unlawful by this act and that, for the prevention of future criminal conduct, the public interest requires the charter of the corporation be surrendered and the corporation dissolved or the certificate revoked.

(b) In a proceeding under this section, injunctive relief shall be granted in conformity with the principles that govern the granting of relief from injury or threatened injury in other cases, but no showing of special or irreparable injury shall have to be made. Pending final determination of a proceeding under this section, a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction may be issued upon a showing of immediate danger of significant injury, including the possibility that any judgment for money damages might be difficult to execute, and, in a proceeding initiated by an aggrieved person, upon the execution of proper bond against injury for an injunction improvidently granted.

(c) Any person injured, directly or indirectly, by conduct constituting a violation by any person of § 31-48-3 shall, in addition to any other relief, have a cause of action for threefold the actual damages sustained by the person.

(d) A final judgment or decree rendered against the defendant in any civil or criminal proceeding shall estop the defendant in any subsequent civil action or proceeding brought by any person as to all matters as to which the judgment or decree would be an estoppel as between the parties to the civil or criminal proceeding.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law providing a shorter period of limitations, a civil action under this section may be commenced at any time within five (5) years after the conduct made unlawful under § 31-48-3 terminates or the cause of action accrues or within any longer statutory period that may be applicable. If any action is brought by a prosecutor to punish, prevent or restrain any activity made unlawful under § 31-48-3, the running of the period of limitations shall be suspended during the pendency of the action and for two (2) years following its termination.

(f) Personal service of any process in an action under this section may be made upon any person outside the state if the person has engaged in any conduct constituting a violation of § 31-48-3 in this state. The person shall be deemed to have submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state for the purposes of this provision.

(g) Obtaining any civil remedy under this section shall not preclude obtaining any other civil or criminal remedy under this act or any other provision of law. Civil remedies under this section are supplemental and not exclusive.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-39 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-39
§ 31-10-39. Instructors license required.
Status: in_force

No person, unless licensed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, shall be employed by any commercial drivers school licensee to give instruction to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle. An application for an instructors license shall contain the name and address of the applicant, the name and address of the school employing the applicant, and any other pertinent information that may be required by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to safeguard the public interest. Every application shall be verified by the oath or affirmation of the applicant and shall be accompanied by the fee required by law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-28 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-28
§ 31-1-28. Types of traffic control devices.
Status: in_force

(a) Official traffic control devices means all signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent with chapters 1  27 of this title placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.

(b) Railroad sign or signal means any sign, signal, or device erected by authority of a public body or official or by a railroad and intended to give notice of the presence of railroad tracks or the approach of a railroad train.

(c) Traffic control signs means any device, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-6
§ 31-1-6. Specially constructed and reconstructed vehicles.
Status: in_force

(a) Essential parts means all integral and body parts of a vehicle of a type that must be registered under chapters 3  9 of this title, the removal, alteration, or substitution of which would tend to conceal the identity of the vehicle or substantially alter its appearance, model, type, or mode of operation.

(b) Reconstructed vehicle means every vehicle of a type that must be registered under chapters 3  9 of this title, which has been materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of essential parts, new or used.

(c) Specially constructed vehicle means every vehicle of a type that must be registered under chapters 3  9 of this title, but not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles; provided, that specially constructed vehicles shall include hand-built, home-built, and one-off cars that do not resemble any production car. Specially constructed vehicles shall be entitled to standard passenger automobile plates; provided, that all safety and emissions standards applied to reconstructed vehicles are met.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-26 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-26
§ 31-3-26. Expiration of dealers plates.
Status: in_force

Every special plate issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire at midnight on the thirty-first (31st) day of December of each year. A new plate or plates for the ensuing year may be obtained by the person to whom any expired plate or plates was issued by applying to the division of motor vehicles and paying the fee provided by law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-19 / Section 31-19-7
§ 31-19-7. Number of bicycles abreast.
Status: in_force

Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on bicycle trails or paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two (2) abreast shall not unduly impede traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-28-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-28 / Section 31-28-9
§ 31-28-9. Owners liability for parking tickets.
Status: in_force

Whenever any motor vehicle shall be parked illegally, the owner of the motor vehicle shall be jointly and individually liable with the operator for the payment of any fines imposed unless the owner of the vehicle has prima facie proof that the vehicle was parked illegally by another person who is not an employee of the owner. Any district court or municipal court citation for a nonmoving violation shall be deemed admitted and defaulted after two (2) notices unanswered by the owner.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-25 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-25
§ 31-24-25. Specifications for head lamps on motor-driven cycles.
Status: in_force

The head or head lamps upon every motor-driven cycle may be of the single beam or multiple beam type but in either event shall comply with the requirements and limitations as follows:

(1) Every head lamp or head lamps on a motor-driven cycle shall be of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or a vehicle at a distance of not less than one hundred feet (100²) when the motor driven cycle is operated at any speed less than twenty-five miles per hour (25 m.p.h.) and at a distance of not less than two hundred feet (200²) when the motor-driven cycle is operated at a speed of twenty-five (25) or more miles per hour, and the motor-driven cycle shall be subject to the speed limitations in § 31-14-10.

(2) In the event the motor-driven cycle is equipped with multiple beam head lamp or head lamps, the upper beam shall meet the minimum requirements set forth above and shall not exceed the limitations set forth in subdivision (1) of § 31-24-22. The lowermost beam shall meet the requirements applicable to a lowermost distribution of light as set forth in subdivision (2) of § 31-24-22.

(3) In the event the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a single beam lamp or lamps, the lamp or lamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is loaded, none of the high-intensity portion of light, at a distance of twenty-five feet (25²) ahead, shall project higher than the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes.

(4) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-41 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-41
§ 31-3-41. Return of registration card and plates  Receipt.
Status: in_force

Whenever, under any of the provisions of title 31, entitled motor and other vehicles, a person surrenders, returns, or delivers to any person in the division of motor vehicles, any registration card or plate, a receipt shall be given, sufficiently identifying the registration card or plate and showing the date it was received. As soon as practical after January 1st, in every year, the division of motor vehicles shall furnish, without charge, to the tax assessors of each city or town in this state a statement of cancellation, surrendering or returns of registration plates of motor vehicles whose owners have addresses in the respective cities or towns on or after January 1st and through the thirty-first (31st) day of December of the previous year and the inclusive dates of their registration with this period.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-20 / Section 31-20-8
§ 31-20-8. Placement of stop signs.
Status: in_force

Every stop sign shall be erected as near as practicable to the nearest line of the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk then it shall be placed as close as practicable to the nearest line of the roadway.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-42-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-42 / Section 31-42-7
§ 31-42-7. Disposal to demolishers.
Status: in_force

(a) Any person, firm, corporation, or unit of government upon whose property or in whose possession is found any abandoned motor vehicle, or any person being the owner of a motor vehicle whose registration is faulty, lost, or destroyed may apply to the police department of the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is situated for authority to sell, give away, or dispose of the vehicle to a demolisher.

(b) The application shall set out the name and address of the applicant, the year, make, model, and serial number of the motor vehicle, if ascertainable, together with any other identifying features, and shall contain a concise statement of the facts surrounding the abandonment, or that the registration of the motor vehicle is lost or destroyed, or the reasons for the defect in registration of the owner. The applicant shall execute an affidavit stating that the facts alleged in it are true and that no material fact has been withheld.

(c) If the police department finds that the application is executed in proper form, and shows that the motor vehicle has been abandoned upon the property of the applicant or if it shows that the motor vehicle is not abandoned but that the applicant appears to be the rightful owner, the police department shall follow the notification procedures set forth in § 31-42-3.

(d) If the abandoned motor vehicle is not reclaimed in accordance with § 31-42-3, the police department shall give the applicant a certificate of authority to sell the motor vehicle to any demolisher for demolition, wrecking, or dismantling. The demolisher shall accept the certificate in lieu of the registration of the motor vehicle.

(e) Notwithstanding any provisions of this chapter, the general laws of the state of Rhode Island, public laws of the state of Rhode Island, or municipal ordinances, any person, firm, corporation, or unit of government upon whose property or in whose possession is found any abandoned motor vehicle, or any person who is the owner of a motor vehicle whose registration is faulty, lost, or destroyed, may dispose of the motor vehicle to a demolisher without a registration and without notification procedure of § 31-42-3, if the motor vehicle is over eight (8) years old or has no engine or is otherwise totally inoperable. Any demolisher who purchases or acquires any motor vehicle for the purpose of demolition and removal may demolish it on the premises where they are located.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-12 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-12
§ 31-32-12. Exception when consent granted by judgment creditor.
Status: in_force

If the judgment creditor consents in writing, in the form that the division of motor vehicles may prescribe, that the judgment debtor be allowed a license and registration or nonresidents operating privilege, those may be allowed by the division of motor vehicles, in its discretion, for six (6) months from the date of the consent and, until the consent is revoked in writing, notwithstanding default in the payment of the judgment, or of any installments of it as prescribed in § 31-32-17, provided the judgment debtor furnished proof of financial responsibility.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-46-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-46 / Section 31-46-4
§ 31-46-4. Restoration.
Status: in_force

If a motor vehicle is restored for operation on the highways, application shall be made to the division of motor vehicles for a certificate of title. Upon inspection by the division of motor vehicles, which shall include establishing proof of ownership, and upon the surrender of the salvage certificate of title, the division of motor vehicles shall issue a certificate of title for a fee prescribed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. The certificate of title shall be in the same form and color as the original certificate and bear the same number as the salvage certificate and the original certificate and shall bear the word re-constructed salvage on the title. A fee of fifty-five dollars ($55.00) shall be assessed for each inspection made pursuant to this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-21 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-21
§ 31-25-21. Power to permit excess size or weight of loads.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of transportation, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may, in its discretion, upon application in writing and good cause being shown for it, approve the issuance of a special permit in writing authorizing the applicant to operate or move a vehicle, or combination of vehicles, of a size or weight of vehicle or load exceeding eighty thousand pounds (80,000 lbs.) or otherwise not in conformity with the provisions of chapters 1  27 of this title upon any highway under the jurisdiction of the party granting the permit and for the maintenance of which the party is responsible. Permits that have been issued for a full year shall not be required to be renewed for the period of time for which payment has been made and the application and other required documentation has been completed and filed. Provided, that neither the department of transportation nor the local authorities may approve the issuance of permits for divisible loads weighing in excess of the limits set by the director of the department of transportation by and through the rules and regulations promulgated by the department of transportation entitled rules and regulations regarding overweight and oversize vehicle permits.

(1) Provided, however, that for milk products, any vehicle carrying fluid milk products shall be considered a load that cannot be easily dismantled or divided.

(b) The director of the department of transportation may enter into agreements with other states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces providing for the reciprocal enforcement of the overweight or over-dimensional vehicle permit laws of those jurisdictions entering into the agreement.

(c) Single trip non-divisible permit fee. A fee of forty dollars ($40.00) shall be paid to the department of transportation for the issuance of each non-divisible single trip permit. Upon approval of the application, the department of transportation shall provide the approved permit. The driver must possess the permit and documentation as required by the permit at all times.

(d) Annual blanket permit fee. An annual fee of four hundred dollars ($400) paid to the department of transportation shall exempt the payor from the necessity of paying single trip permit fees for non-divisible construction equipment loads, boats, or marine assets of less than one hundred thirty thousand pounds (130,000 lbs.) as found in subsection (c). However, payment of the fee shall not be deemed to authorize noncompliance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the department of transportation entitled rules and regulations regarding overweight and oversize vehicle permits.

(e) Blanket permits may be issued, as determined by the department of transportation, for intrastate movement of non-divisible construction equipment loads, boats, or marine assets upon payment of the fee set forth in subsection (d). If used in conjunction with an annual divisible load permit, the limits and requirements of the blanket permit shall supersede the requirements of the divisible load permit. The driver must possess both permits and all required documentation. The duration of the blanket permit may not exceed one year. The blanket permit load shall be limited to a minimum overall length of fifty-five feet (55²), a maximum overall length of eighty feet (80²), a maximum width of twelve feet four inches (12² 4³), a maximum gross weight of one hundred thirty thousand pounds (130,000 lbs.), and a maximum axle weight of twenty-five thousand pounds (25,000 lbs.); provided, that the department of transportation, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may, in its discretion and upon application and for good cause shown, approve the issuance of a single trip non-divisible permit authorizing the applicant to exceed one hundred thirty thousand pounds (130,000 lbs.) for non-divisible loads. A flashing amber light shall be in operation above the highest point of the vehicle and shall be visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle; and signs and red warning flags shall be affixed to all extremities. All blanket permits issued in accordance with this section shall be effective during daylight and night-time hours for all over-dimensional moves made and travel shall be allowed on state highways. The specifically described vehicle must be certified originally by the manufacturer to possess the braking and carrying capacity for the weight specified on the application.

(f) Permission to travel is always subject to weather and road conditions. The following restrictions on travel times shall apply to all vehicles over eight feet six inches (8² 6³) wide, over eighty feet (80²) long, or over one hundred thirty thousand pounds (130,000 lbs.):

(1) Freeways and arterial roadways.

No travel will be allowed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. or between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

(2) [Deleted by P.L. 2022, ch. 178, § 1 and P.L. 2022, ch. 179, § 1.]

(3) Holidays.

Memorial Day, Victory Day, Labor Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Columbus Day  No Saturday, Sunday, or Monday day or night travel.

Thanksgiving Day  No travel on Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving week in any calendar year.

Independence Day, Veterans Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day  No day or night travel and no travel the previous night.

Easter Sunday. No Saturday night or Sunday travel.

(4) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-25-24.

(g) Blanket permits shall not be granted for travel over the following bridges:

Blackstone River Viaduct 750 carrying I-295 northbound and southbound over the Blackstone River;

Kingston Road Bridge No. 403 carrying I-95 northbound and southbound over Kingston Road.

(h) Travel of blanket permits through zones with reductions in lane width such as construction zones will not be allowed. Prior to travel, blanket permit holders are responsible to verify the location of construction zones and lane width reductions. Locations of lane width reduction zones are available through the state department of transportations construction office.

(i) Upon approval of the annual blanket permit application, the department of transportation shall provide the approved permit. The driver must possess the permit and documentation as required by the permit at all times.

(j) Any carrier or persons found to be operating without a required permit, or in excess of their permit limits, three (3) times within a one-year period shall be revoked of their ability to use and receive permits within the state for up to thirty (30) days. Additional violations shall result in revocation of up to ninety (90) days.

(k) Operation of any vehicle in excess of the requirements of any permit shall void that permit and result in the imposition of fines as provided in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-60 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-60
§ 31-3-60. Alternative design plates.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered and authorized to make available to every owner of a motor vehicle eligible for registration as an automobile or commercial vehicle plates designated as alternative design upon application on proper forms furnished by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. The alternative plates shall display upon them 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 for the period the registration remains active. Upon issuance of said alternative plates, the original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and returned to the division of motor vehicles for destruction.

(b) The alternative plates shall be designed as follows:

(1) White reflective background;

(2) Top border shall be red stripes except the words Rhode Island which shall be solid red;

(3) Letters and numbers shall be blue;

(4) Bottom border shall be blue stripes with thirteen (13) white stars;

(5) On the bottom above the border the words Ocean State in blue except commercial plates which shall have the word Commercial in place of the words Ocean State;

(6) Background shall contain the picture of a sailboat and water in grey.

(c) The applicant shall be required to pay a service charge of twenty dollars ($20.00) for the plate.

(d) The owner of a motor vehicle eligible for registration as an automobile that is issued alternative plates shall continue to pay the appropriate automobile registration fee for the plates. The owner of a motor vehicle eligible for registration as a commercial vehicle that is issued alternative plates shall continue to pay the appropriate commercial registration fee for the plates pursuant to § 31-3-11.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-1.7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-1.7
§ 31-44-1.7. Mobile and manufactured home park operation  License.
Status: in_force

(a) A person shall not operate a mobile and manufactured home park without a license.

(b) Upon completion, review, and approval of certifications, the department of business regulation shall grant a license to operate a mobile and manufactured home park.

(c) An annual license shall be granted and renewed by the department based upon the filing of:

(1) Leases and regulations that are applicable to the park;

(2) Certification by the municipality in which the park is located that it is in compliance with all applicable land use regulations of the municipality;

(3) Certification from the appropriate state agencies or municipal departments that the park has an adequate and operational sewage disposal system and water supply and that all applicable state and local taxes have been paid;

(4) Payment of an annual fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per occupied site in the park; and

(5) The applicant files a fee schedule with the department.

(d) Certifications for individual sewage disposal systems (ISDS) regulated by the department of environmental management shall be provided by an ISDS designer, licensed pursuant to § 5-56-1, who possesses the appropriate class of license for the type and size of system to be certified and any costs for these certifications shall be the responsibility of the licensee. The director of the department may by regulation provide for additional requirements and may place reasonable conditions on the grant of any license.

(e) If a person submits a timely application for renewal of a license and pays the appropriate fees, the person may continue to operate a mobile and manufactured home park unless notified that the application for renewal is not approved. In the event anyone is denied a license he or she will be afforded a hearing before the department.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-9
§ 31-25-9. Prevention of leakage of load.
Status: in_force

No vehicles shall be driven or moved on any highway unless the vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping from it. However, sand may be dropped for the purpose of securing traction, or water or another substance may be sprinkled on a roadway in cleaning or maintaining the roadway. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.