R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-109 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-109
§ 31-3-109. Special plate for Rhode Island public colleges and universities.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for passenger vehicles based upon the various public, nonprofit institutions of higher education (Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and/or the University of Rhode Island).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(j) Any respective public higher-education institution not pursuing or not reaching the minimum prepaid order of plates, as outlined in subsection (d), within thirty-six (36) months after this section is enacted, will not be eligible to obtain special motor vehicle registration plates as outlined above, absent further action of the general assembly.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-6
§ 31-44-6. Notice of judgment.
Status: in_force

In any action to enforce the provisions of this chapter, the clerk of the court shall mail copies of any final judgment, decree, permanent injunction, arbitration decision or order of the court upon the entry of it to the attorney general and if licenses are involved, the department of business regulation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-30 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-30
§ 31-10-30. Expiration and renewal of licenses.
Status: in_force

Every operators and chauffeurs first license to operate a motor vehicle shall be by the issuance of a temporary license for the period beginning at the date of issuance and expiring on the birthday of the licensee in the second year following the issuance of the temporary license. Every operators and chauffeurs license issued after expiration of the temporary license shall expire on the birthday of the licensee in the fifth year following the issuance of the license, with the exception of any person seventy-five (75) years of age or older whose license shall expire on the birthday of the licensee in the second year following the issuance of the license, and shall be renewable on or before expiration upon application and payment of the fee required by this chapter. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles, having good cause to believe the applicant for renewal is incompetent or otherwise not qualified, may require an examination of the applicant as upon an original application; provided, however, if the renewal applicant is applying for a commercial drivers license and is in possession of a valid medical examination certificate issued pursuant to federal motor carrier safety regulations 49 CFR 391.41-391.49 that applicant shall be deemed to be competent and qualified under this chapter. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to adopt any regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-103 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-103
§ 31-3-103. Olympic medal winners.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the motor vehicles of all present and former Olympic medal winners. This plate is to bear the identification Olympic Medal Winner along with an appropriate designation number imprinted on it and shall be furnished without additional registration charge for so long as the Olympian desires.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-9-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-9 / Section 31-9-6
§ 31-9-6. Possession of any motor vehicle or part thereof with altered identification number.
Status: in_force

Any individual, company, or corporation who knowingly buys, receives, disposes of, sells, offers for sale, or has in his or her possession any motor vehicle, or its parts, from which the manufacturers serial or engine number or derivative of that number which is ascribed to that vehicle or part by the manufacturer, the owner, or the division of motor vehicles, or from which any other distinguishing number or identification mark or number placed on it under assignment from the division of motor vehicles has been removed, defaced, covered, altered, or destroyed for the purpose of concealing or misrepresenting the identity of that motor vehicle or its parts is guilty of a felony.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-8-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-8 / Section 31-8-5
§ 31-8-5. Suspension or revocation of certificate or special plates of manufacturer, transporter, or dealer.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles is also authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate or the special plates issued to a manufacturer, bailee, or dealer upon determining that this person is not lawfully entitled to it; has made or knowingly permitted any illegal use of those plates; has committed fraud in the registration of vehicles; or has failed to give notices of transfers when and as required by chapters 3  9 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-16 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-47 / Section 31-47-16
§ 31-47-16. Assigned risk plans.
Status: in_force

After consultation with insurance companies authorized to issue automobile liability policies in this state, the insurance commissioner shall approve a reasonable plan or plans for the equitable apportionment among the insurance companies of applicants for those policies and for motor vehicle liability policies who are in good faith entitled to them, and are unable to procure those policies through ordinary methods. When any plan has been approved, all insurance companies shall subscribe to and participate in it. Any applicant for any automobile liability policy, any person insured under any assigned risk plan, and any insurance company affected, may appeal to the insurance commissioner from any ruling or decision of the manager or committee designated to operate the plan. Any person aggrieved under this section by any order or act of the insurance commissioner may, within ten (10) days after notice of it, file a petition in the superior court for the counties of Providence and Bristol for a review of the petition. The court shall summarily hear the petition and may make any appropriate order or decree.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-19 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-19
§ 31-1-19. Types of business.
Status: in_force

(a) Applicant means any person, firm, corporation, or association making application under chapters 1  27 of this title.

(b) Dealer means every person engaged in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging vehicles required to be registered under chapters 3  9 of this title, and who has an established place of business for that purpose in this state.

(c) Distributor means every person, resident, or nonresident of this state, who sells or distributes motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers in this state, or who maintains a distributor representative in this state.

(d) Factory branch means every branch office maintained by a manufacturer for the sale of motor vehicles to distributors, or for the sale of motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers or for directing or supervising, in whole or in part, its representatives in this state.

(e) Factory representative means every representative employed by a manufacturer or by a factory branch for the purpose of making or promoting the sale of its motor vehicles, or for supervising or contacting its dealers or prospective dealers.

(f) Licensee means any person receiving a license under chapters 1  27 of this title.

(g) Licensor means either the administrator, an authorized representative, or both, who are authorized to issue a license under chapters 1  27 of this title.

(h) Manufacturer means every person engaged in the business of constructing or assembling vehicles required to be registered under chapters 3  9 of this title at an established place of business in this state.

(i) New and unused motor vehicle dealer means every person, firm, or corporation which sells, solicits, or advertises the sale of new and unused motor vehicles; holds a bona fide contract or franchise in effect with a manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle(s) to be dealt in; maintains adequate space in the building or structure where the established business is conducted for the display of those vehicle(s); provides for vehicle repair and servicing; and stores parts and accessories for those motor vehicles.

(j) Transporter means every person engaged in the business of delivering vehicles required to be registered under chapter 3 of this title from a manufacturing, assembling, and distributing plant to a point of destination or for the purpose of weighing, testing, transporting, or delivering that vehicle, or for the purpose of moving that vehicle in connection with making installations on or improvements to it, or for repossession of or foreclosure of it.

(k) Wrecker means every person engaged in the business of wrecking or dismantling motor vehicles for the resale of the parts or material from them.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-33-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-33 / Section 31-33-4
§ 31-33-4. Transfer of registration to defeat purpose.
Status: in_force

(a) If an owners registration has been suspended under the provisions of chapter 31 or 32 of this title, the registration shall not be transferred, nor the vehicle in respect to which the registration was issued, be registered in any other name until the division of motor vehicles is satisfied that the transfer of registration is proposed in good faith and not for the purpose or with the effect of defeating the purposes of these chapters.

(b) Nothing in this section shall in any way affect the rights of any conditional vendor, chattel mortgagee, or lessor of a vehicle registered in the name of another as owner who becomes subject to the provisions of this section.

(c) The division of motor vehicles shall suspend the registration of any vehicle transferred in violation of the provisions of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-33 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-33
§ 31-32-33. Substitution of proof.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles shall consent to the cancellation of any bond or certificate of insurance, or the division of motor vehicles shall direct and the general treasurer shall return any money or securities to the person entitled to it upon the substitution and acceptance of other adequate proof of financial responsibility pursuant to this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-4
§ 31-25-4. Maximum height.
Status: in_force

(a) No vehicle including any load on it shall exceed a height of one hundred sixty-two inches (162³).

(b) Any carrier or persons operating a vehicle that exceeds the maximum height, as permitted or as defined in this section, shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) per inch over height or portion of it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-124 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-124
§ 31-3-124. Special plate for The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.
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 The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. The plates shall be designed to reference The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.

(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 Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates, and shall be designed by The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc., in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with the design approved by the Rhode Island state police.

(d) The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. plates shall be subject to a minimum pre-paid order of at least six hundred (600) sets of plates per plate type (i.e., passenger, commercial, etc.). The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc., and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met, and the proper paperwork submitted to the division.

(e) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall develop pre-payment 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, The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. 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 Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc., to assist in the fiscal needs required to maintain and protect this historic site for all to enjoy, and to continue in the fostering of The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. presence as an asset to Rhode Islands economic growth and prosperity.

(h) A ten-dollar ($10.00) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.

(i) In consideration of the receipt of funds from the registration of The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. license plates, the foundation must use any Rhode Island sourced funds in, and for the benefit of, Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.

(j) The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. shall be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.

(k) There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. plates.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-17.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-17.2
§ 31-3-17.2. Civil defense plates.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles may issue to the civil defense preparedness director of each city and town, for as long as such person remains a civil defense preparedness director, a special identifying number plate in place of any regular number plate assigned to each director at the time of the registration of a motor vehicle. The number shall be in numerical sequence preceded by the words civil defense or some similar appropriate designation, and the numbers shall be issued to the directors in alphabetical order according to the names of their respective city or town.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-114 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-114
§ 31-3-114. Special plate for the Rhode Island Agricultural Council.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the Rhode Island Agricultural Council. The plates shall be designed to reference Rhode Island agriculture and shall feature a barn and silo.

(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 Rhode Island Agricultural Council motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed by the Rhode Island Agricultural Council, in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with design approval by the Rhode Island state police.

(d) The Rhode Island Agricultural Council plates shall be subject to a minimum prepaid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of plates per plate type (i.e. passenger, commercial, etc.). The Rhode Island Agricultural Council plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order(s) requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by the Rhode Island Agricultural Council and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met and the proper paperwork 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, the Rhode Island Agricultural Council 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 Rhode Island Agricultural Council in furtherance of its mission to stimulate development of an interest in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and allied interests; create an interest in rural life and the improvement of the rural community in Rhode Island; effect a close relationship between representatives of agriculture with its allied interests and with commerce and industry; develop and carry out a complete program for efficient production and economical distribution of farm products in Rhode Island; and coordinate all agencies interested in the welfare of agriculture in Rhode Island into one association from which unified efforts toward education, legislation, and representation of agricultural interests of the state may emanate.

(h) A ten-dollar ($10.00) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to the Rhode Island Agricultural Council.

(i) In consideration of the receipt of funds from the registration of the Rhode Island Agricultural Council license plate, the council must use any Rhode Island sourced funds in, and for the benefit of, Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.

(j) The Rhode Island Agricultural Council shall be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.

(k) There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of the Rhode Island Agricultural Council plates.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-131 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-131
§ 31-3-131. Special plate for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc.
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 Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. The plates shall be designed to reference the not-for-profit entity Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. and the Blackstone River Valley Environmental Clean-up and Education Fund.

(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 Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with the design approved by the Rhode Island state police.

(d) The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. 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 Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. 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, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. 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 Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. to provide funding for the Blackstone River Valley Environmental Clean-up and Education Fund.

(h) A ten-dollar ($10.00) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc.

(i) In consideration of the receipt of funds from the registration of Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. plates, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. must use any Rhode Island-sourced funds in and for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.

(j) Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. will be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.

(k) There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. plates.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-36-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-36 / Section 31-36-4
§ 31-36-4. Suspension or revocation of registration.
Status: in_force

The administrator may suspend or revoke a registration of any distributor after a hearing, upon not less than five (5) days notice, for any violation of the provisions of this chapter, and may require a return of the distributors certificate.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-3
§ 31-3-3. Application for registration.
Status: in_force

(a) Every owner of a vehicle subject to registration under this chapter shall apply to the division of motor vehicles for the registration of it using the appropriate form or forms furnished by the division of motor vehicles. Every application shall bear the signature of the owner written with pen and ink and the signature shall be acknowledged by the owner before a person authorized to administer oaths or as authorized in accordance with subsection (b) and the application shall contain:

(1) The name, city or town of bona fide residence, actual residence address, and mail address of the owner as appearing on the owners motor vehicle operators license or state identification card issued pursuant to the provisions of chapter 8 of title 3, or business address of the owner if a firm, association, or if a corporation, the name of the city or town in which the vehicle is physically and primarily housed. For purposes of this section, physically and primarily housed is defined as that city or town in which the vehicle is housed for a period or periods of time greater than in any other city or town in the state of Rhode Island. The division of motor vehicles may substitute other indicators of residence when necessary.

(2) A description of the vehicle, including, insofar as this specified data may exist with respect to a given vehicle, the make, model, type of body, the number of cylinders, the serial number of the vehicle, and the engine or other number of the vehicle. In the event a vehicle is designed, constructed, converted, or rebuilt for the transportation of property, the application shall include a statement of its capacity in terms of maximum gross vehicle weight rating as authorized by the manufacturer of the chassis or the complete vehicle.

(3) A statement whether liability insurance is carried on the vehicle, and, if there is liability insurance, the name of the carrier, policy number, and effective dates of the policy.

(4) Any further information as may reasonably be required by the division of motor vehicles to enable it to determine whether the vehicle is lawfully entitled to registration.

(5) The exact mileage reading from the motor vehicle on the date of application.

(b) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall prescribe and/or approve a limited power-of-attorney form, which may be used in connection with applications for vehicle registrations in satisfaction of the provision of subsection (a).

(c) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall promulgate rules and regulations in order to effectuate the purpose and requirements of using a limited power of attorney form to register a vehicle. The rules and regulations shall require that the limited power of attorney form includes an attestation of the owner of the vehicle granting another identified person permission to register the vehicle on behalf of the owner. The limited power of attorney shall be witnessed and executed before a notary public and identify the information described in subsections (a)(1) through (a)(5).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-19 / Section 31-19-2
§ 31-19-2. Responsibility of parent or guardian.
Status: in_force

The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any child or ward to violate any of the provisions of chapters 1  27 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-32 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-32
§ 31-3-32. Expiration of registration.
Status: in_force

Every vehicle registration under chapters 3  9 of this title and every registration card and registration plate issued under this chapter shall expire at midnight on the thirty-first (31st) day of March of each year, except that the director of the department of revenue, division of motor vehicles shall implement a staggered registration system and a staggered distribution system for fully reflective plates required to be on all vehicles pursuant to § 31-3-10. Implementation of the staggered registration system and distribution system shall be by rules and regulations promulgated by the director of revenue, division of motor vehicles. Every registration card and registration plate issued to apportioned vehicles shall expire on the thirty-first (31st) day of May of each year. A fee for the initial issuance of fully reflective plates and each reissuance thereafter shall be charged in accordance with § 31-6-1(a). However, the requirements for the reissue of fully reflective plates shall apply only to those standard plates described in § 31-3-11 and not to plates authorized by any other section of the general or public laws. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-19 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-19
§ 31-25-19. Removal of excess from overweight vehicles.
Status: in_force

Whenever a proper officer upon weighing a vehicle and load, as provided in § 31-25-18, determines that the weight is unlawful, the officer may require the driver to stop the vehicle in a suitable place and remain standing until the portion of the load is removed as may be necessary to reduce the gross weight of the vehicle to such a limit as permitted under this chapter. All material so unloaded shall be cared for by the owner or operator of the vehicle at the risk of the owner or operator.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-34-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-34 / Section 31-34-1
§ 31-34-1. Proof of financial responsibility required.
Status: in_force

(a) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any motor vehicle or truck engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles or trucks without drivers to rent a motor vehicle without a driver otherwise than as a part of a bona fide transaction involving the sale of the motor vehicle or truck, unless the owner has previously notified the division of motor vehicles of the intention to so rent the vehicle and has given proof of financial responsibility, in the following amounts:

(1) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for property damage;

(2) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for injury or death sustained by one person;

(3) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for all personal injuries or deaths resulting from one accident.

(b) The division of motor vehicles shall not register the vehicle unless and until the owner gives proof of financial responsibility as provided in this chapter. The division of motor vehicles shall cancel the registration of any motor vehicle or truck rented without a driver whenever the division of motor vehicles ascertains that the owner has failed or is unable to give and maintain proof of financial responsibility.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-15-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-15 / Section 31-15-7
§ 31-15-7. Places where overtaking prohibited.
Status: in_force

(a) No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:

(1) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the drivers view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction;

(2) When approaching within one hundred feet (100²) of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing;

(3) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet (100²) of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.

(b) The limitations in subsection (a) of this section shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.

(c) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-15 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-47 / Section 31-47-15
§ 31-47-15. Exceptions.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall not apply to any motor vehicle for the operation of which security or proof of financial responsibility is required to be furnished under §§ 39-14-18, 39-14-19, 39-13-7, 39-13-8, and 39-13-9, nor to any vehicle for which a permit or certificate is in force pursuant to the Interstate Commerce Act (see now 49 U.S.C. § 10101 et seq.), nor to any motor vehicle owned by the United States, any state, or any political subdivision of any state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-16-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-16 / Section 31-16-10
§ 31-16-10. Manner of giving arm signals.
Status: in_force

All signals required in this chapter when given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and the signals shall indicate as follows:

(1) Left turn. Hand and arm extended horizontally;

(2) Right turn. Hand and arm extended upward;

(3) Stop or decrease speed. Hand and arm extended downward.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-36-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-36 / Section 31-36-7
§ 31-36-7. Monthly report of distributors  Payment of tax.
Status: in_force

(a) State requirements. (1) Every distributor shall, on or before the twentieth (20th) day of each month, render a report to the tax administrator, upon forms to be obtained from the tax administrator, of the amount (number of gallons) of fuels purchased, sold, or used by the distributor within this state and the amount of fuels sold by the distributor without this state from fuels within this state during the preceding calendar month, and, if required by the tax administrator as to purchases, the name or names of the person or persons from whom purchased and the date and amount of each purchase, and as to sales, the name or names of the person or persons to whom sold and the amount of each sale, and shall pay at the same time to the administrator tax at the rate of thirty-two cents ($0.32) per gallon on all taxable gallons of fuel sold or used in this state for periods ending on or before June 30, 2025. (2) Every distributor shall, on or before the twentieth day of each month, render a report to the tax administrator, upon forms to be obtained from the tax administrator, of the amount (number of gallons) of fuels purchased, sold, or used by the distributor within this state and the amount of fuels sold by the distributor without this state from fuels within this state during the preceding calendar month, and, if required by the tax administrator as to purchases, the name or names of the person or persons from whom purchased and the date and amount of each purchase, and as to sales, the name or names of the person or persons to whom sold and the amount of each sale, and shall pay at the same time to the administrator, tax at the rate of forty cents ($0.40) per gallon on all taxable gallons of fuel sold or used in this state for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2025.

(b) Federal requirements. In the event the federal government requires a certain portion of the gasoline tax to be dedicated for highway improvements, then the state controller is directed to establish a restricted receipt account and deposit that portion of gasoline tax receipts which brings the state into federal compliance.

(1) Beginning July 1, 2015, and every other year thereafter, through June 30, 2025, the gasoline tax shall be adjusted by the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics determined as of September 30 of the prior calendar year; said adjustment shall be rounded to the nearest one cent ($.01) increment, provided that the total tax shall not be less than provided for in subsection (a)(1).

(2) Beginning July 1, 2027, and every other year thereafter, the gasoline tax shall be adjusted by the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics determined as of September 30 of the two (2) prior calendar years; said adjustment shall be rounded to the nearest one cent ($0.01) increment; provided that, the total tax shall not be less than provided for in subsection (a)(2).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-36 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-36
§ 31-32-36. Three-year requirement construed.
Status: in_force

Whenever in the general laws there is a reference to a three (3) year requirement for financial responsibility, it shall be construed to be a one year requirement except as provided in § 31-32-4(d) of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-13-14 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-13 / Section 31-13-14
§ 31-13-14. Time period to complete projects.
Status: in_force

All projects approved by the state traffic commission pursuant to this chapter shall be completed before the end of the following construction season with the exception of geometric improvements/roundabouts and new signals.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-12-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-12 / Section 31-12-4
§ 31-12-4. Applicability to public vehicles.
Status: in_force

The provisions of chapters 12  27 of this title applicable to the drivers of vehicles upon the highways shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, this state, or any county, city, town, district, or any other political subdivision of the state except as provided in § 31-12-5, and subject to any specific exceptions as are set forth in these chapters with reference to authorized emergency vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-5.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-5.2
§ 31-10-5.2. Temporary school bus driver license for out-of-state holders of commercial drivers license.
Status: in_force

(a) A person who is a resident of a state which borders Rhode Island, and which person possesses a valid commercial drivers license and a license to operate a school bus in the persons state of residence, may apply for a temporary school bus certificate or pupil transportation certificate (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a temporary school bus driver license) in Rhode Island, as follows:

(1) The person is a resident of the border state;

(2) The person brings to any branch of the division of motor vehicles (the division) an original or certified copy of the following documents which pertain to the person:

(i) A current valid school bus driver physical;

(ii) A valid in-force commercial drivers license;

(iii) A valid in-force school bus operator license from the state wherein they are a resident;

(iv) Proof of residency in the bordering state;

(v) Proof of United States citizenship or lawful permanent residence;

(vi) A social security card; and

(vii) A letter from a local school bus provider, contractor, or school district indicating that the person will be employed as a school bus driver by the issuer of the letter if the person obtains their temporary school bus driver license pursuant to this section.

(3) In the event the person brings in the documents listed in this subsection, the division of motor vehicles shall review the documents. If the division determines the documents appear to be in order, the division may issue to the person a temporary school bus driver license under this section. In reviewing the documents, for purposes of this section, the division need only verify that the documents on their face appear valid; provided that, the division may refuse to issue the temporary school bus driver license if the division finds irregularities in the documents or has other reason to believe the temporary school bus driver license should not be issued to the applicant.

(b)(1) A temporary school bus driver license issued pursuant to this section shall be valid for and expire one hundred twenty (120) days after its date of issuance.

(2) Within that one hundred twenty-day period (120), the person may undertake the ten-hour (10) training course provided for in §§ 31-10-5 and 31-10-5.1. If the person undertakes and completes the training course, and submits proof of such completion to the division of motor vehicles before expiration of the temporary school bus driver license, and provided the person otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter, the person shall be issued a full school bus certificate or pupil transportation certificate, and shall be subject to the same rules and conditions as any holder of such a license or certificate.

(3) If a person operating under a temporary school bus certificate or pupil transportation certificate does not either complete the training required or fails to submit proof of their training as provided under this chapter, within the one hundred twenty-day period (120), the persons temporary school bus driver license shall immediately be cancelled. The division of motor vehicles shall mail that person a written cancellation notice of their Rhode Island temporary school bus driver license.

(c) Temporary school bus driver licenses issued under this section shall not be used to influence or interfere with active labor disputes, including, but not limited to, strikes or work stoppages.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-51 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-51
§ 31-24-51. Mounting and adjustment of lamps.
Status: in_force

No person shall use upon any motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer any lamps mentioned in § 31-24-49 unless the lamps are mounted and adjusted as to focus and aim in accordance with instructions of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-21-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-21 / Section 31-21-8
§ 31-21-8. Left curb parking.
Status: in_force

Local authorities may by ordinance permit parking of vehicles with the left-hand wheels adjacent to and within twelve inches (12") of the left-hand curb of a one-way roadway.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-14 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-11 / Section 31-11-14
§ 31-11-14. Retention of suspended, cancelled, or revoked license  Seizure by peace officer.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles upon suspending, canceling, or revoking a license shall require that the license be surrendered to and be retained by the division of motor vehicles. At the end of the period of suspension the license so surrendered may be returned to the licensee in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. If any person shall fail to return to the division of motor vehicles the license as required by the division of motor vehicles, the division of motor vehicles shall immediately direct any peace officer to secure possession of the license and to return it to the division of motor vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-26 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-26
§ 31-32-26. Chapter not to affect other policies.
Status: in_force

(a) This chapter shall not be held to apply to or affect policies of automobile insurance against liability which may now or subsequently be required by any other law of this state, and the policies, if they contain an agreement or are endorsed to conform with the requirements of this chapter, may be certified as proof of financial responsibility under this chapter.

(b) This chapter shall not be held to apply to or affect policies insuring solely the insured named in the policy against liability resulting from the maintenance or use by persons in the insureds employ or on his or her behalf of vehicles not owned by the insured.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-25.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-25.1
§ 31-3-25.1. Cost of dealers plates.
Status: in_force

The cost for the annual issuance of the new plates shall be an additional one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per set per year.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-36-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-36 / Section 31-36-1
§ 31-36-1. Definitions.
Status: in_force

Terms in this chapter and chapter 37 of this title are construed as follows:

(1) Administrator means the tax administrator.

(2) Distributor includes any person, association of persons, firm, or corporation, wherever resident or located, who or that shall import, or cause to be imported into this state, for use or for sale, fuels, and also any person, association of persons, firm, or corporation who or that shall produce, refine, manufacture, or compound fuels within this state.

(3) Filling station includes any place, location, or station where fuels are offered for sale at retail.

(4) Fuels includes gasoline, benzol, naphtha, and other volatile and inflammable liquids (other than lubricating oils, diesel fuel for the propulsion of marine craft, fuels used for the propulsion of airplanes, oils used for heating purposes, manufactured biodiesel fuel as defined in subdivision (6)), used, or suitable for use, for operating or propelling motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. This does not include benzol and naphtha, sold or used for a purpose other than for the operation or propulsion of motor vehicles, or propane used for the generation of electricity. Any article or product, represented as gasoline, for use in internal combustion-type engines, used in motor vehicles, shall be equal to, or better, in quality and specification than that known as United States government motor gasoline.

(5) Investigator and examiner means any person appointed by the tax administrator to act as an investigator and examiner.

(6) Manufactured biodiesel fuel means: (i) Mono-alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats that conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines; (ii) That results in employment at a fixed location at a manufacturing facility for biodiesel fuel; and (iii) Any volume of biodiesel fuel that is subsequently blended with other fuels and is used for heating purposes, or for operating or propelling motor vehicles, notwithstanding the portion of biodiesel blended into any fuel, only the biodiesel portion of the fuel shall be exempt from taxation under this chapter.

(7) Owner includes any person, association of persons, firm, or corporation offering fuels for sale at retail.

(8) Peddlers means any person, association of persons, firm or corporation, except a distributor as defined in this chapter, who or that shall distribute gasoline by tank wagon in this state.

(9) Public highways includes any state or other highway and any public street, avenue, alley, park, parkway, driveway, or public place in any city or town.

(10) Pump includes any apparatus or machine for raising, driving, exhausting, or compressing fluids, and used in the sale and distribution of fuels.

(11) Purchaser includes any person, association of persons, firm, or corporation, wherever resident or located, who or that purchases fuels from a distributor, for use or resale, and any person, association of persons, firm, or corporation who or that purchases from a distributor, gasoline or other volatile and inflammable liquids (other than lubricating oils and oils used for heating purposes) for use other than for propelling motor vehicles.

(12) Retail dealer means any person, association of persons, firm, or corporation operating a filling station, as herein defined in this chapter, for the sale or dispensing of motor fuel by delivery into service tank, or tanks, of any highway motor vehicle that is propelled by an internal-combustion motor, other than the highway motor vehicle belonging to the person owning or operating the place of business; provided, however, that sales by a manufacturer or distributor shall not constitute them retail dealers.

(13) State highways includes only those public highways, or those parts of them, that shall be constructed or maintained by the department of transportation.

(14) United States government motor gasoline means that gasoline that is, or may be, prescribed by the federal specification board of the United States government for use as a fuel for motor vehicle, motor boat, and similar engines.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-11 / Section 31-11-3
§ 31-11-3. Residents conviction in another state.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles is authorized to suspend or revoke the license of any resident of this state or the privilege of a nonresident to drive a motor vehicle in this state upon receiving notice of the conviction of the person in another state of an offense in that state which, if committed in this state, would be grounds for the suspension or revocation of the license of an operator or chauffeur.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-3.3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-26 / Section 31-26-3.3
§ 31-26-3.3. Duty to stop in accidents involving motor vehicles and bicycles not resulting in serious bodily injury or death  Duty to give information and render aid  Penalty.
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident with a person riding a bicycle shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to it as possible, and shall immediately return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident. 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.

(c) The driver of the vehicle shall, upon request, give his or her name, address, and registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving and shall exhibit his/her operators or chauffeurs license to the person struck, but in any event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he/she has fulfilled the requirements of § 31-26-3.

(d) Any person failing to stop or comply with these requirements under the circumstances shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and may have his or her drivers license or operating privilege in this state suspended for up to six (6) months.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-16-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-16 / Section 31-16-6
§ 31-16-6. Time of signaling turn.
Status: in_force

A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet (100²) traveled by the vehicle before turning. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-40-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-40 / Section 31-40-8
§ 31-40-8. Operation of motor vehicle by habitual offender prohibited  Penalty  Enforcement of section.
Status: in_force

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle in this state while the order of the court prohibiting the operation is in effect. The operation may be punished by imprisonment of not more than five (5) years. No portion of the sentence shall be suspended or deferred, except that in cases where the operation is necessitated in situations of apparent extreme emergency which require the operation to save life or limb, the sentence, or any part of it may be suspended or deferred.

(b) For the purpose of enforcing this section, in any case in which the accused is charged with driving a motor vehicle while his or her license, permit, or privilege to drive is suspended or revoked, or who is charged with driving without a license, the court before hearing the charge shall determine whether the person has been held an habitual offender and by reason of the holding, is barred from operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-17 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-17
§ 31-25-17. Identification of trucks and truck-tractors.
Status: in_force

(a) Every motor truck and every truck-tractor exceeding a gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) shall be identified with the name, trade name, or company identifying logo and the city and state of the owner and operating carrier, or individual transporting property, when that transportation is for the furtherance of any commercial enterprise. However, in lieu of the city and state, one of the following may be displayed on the vehicle:

(1) The interstate commerce commission number if a regulated interstate carrier; or

(2) An identifying number issued by an official state agency.

(b) The display of identification prescribed by this section shall be in letters in sharp color contrast to the background and be of such size, shape, and color as to be readily legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of fifty feet (50²) while the vehicle is not in motion. The display of identification may be accomplished through the use of a removable device so prepared as to otherwise meet the identification requirements and legibility requirements of this section, if the vehicle is operated by any company or carrier. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the display of additional identification as may be required by other laws of this state or any other state, or agency or department of the federal government.

(c) Penalties for violations of this section shall be handled by the traffic tribunal and the fines shall be as provided for in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-46-1.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-46 / Section 31-46-1.1
§ 31-46-1.1. Classification of salvage vehicles.
Status: in_force

There shall be two (2) classifications of salvage vehicles: Classification A indicates the vehicle has extensive damage and is good for parts only. Classification B indicates the vehicle has considerable damage but is considered repairable. It will be the responsibility of insurance companies to evaluate and classify salvage. The classification is subject to review and evaluation by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles or his or her designee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-13-11 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-13 / Section 31-13-11
§ 31-13-11. Injury to signs and devices.
Status: in_force

No person shall without lawful authority attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down, or remove any official traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal or any inscription, shield, or insignia on it or any other part of it. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-12-11 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-12 / Section 31-12-11
§ 31-12-11. Uniformity of application.
Status: in_force

The provisions of chapters 12  27 of this title shall be applicable and uniform throughout this state and in all political subdivisions and municipalities in the state, and no local authority shall enact or enforce any ordinance, rule, or regulation in conflict with the provisions of chapters 12  27 of this title unless expressly authorized in them.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-40-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-40 / Section 31-40-5
§ 31-40-5. Show cause order  Service  Procedure where conviction denied.
Status: in_force

(a) The court in which the complaint is filed shall enter an order, which incorporates the habitual offender transcript or abstract and is directed to the person named in it, to show cause why he or she should not be barred from operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state. A copy of the show cause order and the transcript or abstract shall be served on the person named in it in the manner prescribed by law for the service of a complaint. Service on any nonresident of this state may be made on the administrator of the division of motor vehicles in the same manner as in any action or proceeding arising out of a collision on the highways of this state.

(b) If the person denies having been convicted, or in the case of a juvenile denies that he or she was found delinquent or wayward, of any offense necessary for a holding that he or she is an habitual offender, and if the court cannot, on the evidence available to it, make the determination, the court may certify the decision of the issue to the court in which the conviction or finding of delinquency or waywardness was made. The court to which the certification is made shall immediately conduct a hearing to determine the issue and send a certified copy of its final order determining the issue to the court in which the complaint was filed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-40 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-40
§ 31-23-40. Approved types of seat belts  Enforcement of requirements.
Status: in_force

All safety belts must be of a type and must be installed in a manner approved by the division of motor vehicles. The division of motor vehicles shall establish specifications and requirements for approved types of safety belts and attachments to them. The division of motor vehicles will accept, as approved, all seat belt installations and the belt and anchor meeting the Society of Automotive Engineers specifications. No new passenger motor vehicle shall be registered unless it is equipped with an approved type of safety seat belt. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall suspend the registration of any motor vehicle not so equipped until it is made to conform to the requirements of this section. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-20 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-20
§ 31-1-20. Established place of business.
Status: in_force

Established place of business means the place actually occupied either continuously or at regular periods by a dealer or manufacturer where the books and records of that business are kept and where a large share of that business is transacted.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-75 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-75
§ 31-3-75. Senator Emeritus  William Zuccarelli.
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 senator William Zuccarelli. This plate is to bear the identification Senator Emeritus along with an appropriate number and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as William Zuccarelli so desires.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-48-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-48 / Section 31-48-3
§ 31-48-3. Offenses committed.
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who knowingly and with intent: (1) owns, operates, or conducts a chop shop; (2) transports any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part to or from a location knowing it to be a chop shop; or (3) sells, transfers, purchases, or receives any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part either to or from a location knowing it to be a chop shop, shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a felony.

(b) Any person who is convicted of an offense under this section may be imprisoned for up to five (5) years for each offense, and shall be fined up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) but not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-18 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-18
§ 31-27-18. Emergency medical services  Special assessment.
Status: in_force

The court and/or the traffic tribunal shall collect, in addition to any fine set forth in this title for a motor vehicle violation, and at the time of the assessment of the fine, an additional assessment of one dollar ($1.00) for each motor vehicle violation of this title. The one dollar ($1.00) assessment shall be paid over and accounted for in the manner provided in §§ 31-27-15 and 31-41.1-4, and shall be deposited as general revenues of the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-33-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-33 / Section 31-33-2
§ 31-33-2. Failure to file accident report.
Status: in_force

Failure to report an accident as required in § 31-33-1 shall be punished by a fine as provided for in § 31-41.1-4, and the division of motor vehicles shall suspend the license of the person failing to make report, or the nonresidents operating privilege of the person, until a report has been filed and for any further period not to exceed thirty (30) days that the division of motor vehicles may fix.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-1
§ 31-44-1. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter:

(1) Department means the department of business regulation.

(2) Director means the director of the department of business regulation.

(3) Entry requirements means any written, nondiscriminatory criteria for resident selection incorporated into the rules and regulations of a mobile- and manufactured-home park which are equally applied by the licensee to all purchasers and prospective residents.

(4) Fee schedule means an itemized list of fees for goods or services sold or performed by a mobile- and manufactured-home park licensee including, but not limited to, the entrance fee, hook-up fee, and maintenance fee, if any.

(5) Hook-up fee means a reasonable fee for the services required to install a mobile and manufactured home on a mobile- and manufactured-home space or lot. The charge shall include the cost of connecting water and sewer lines, electrical connections, tie-downs, removal of wheels or axles, steps, if necessary, and other necessary services, including, but not limited to, the creation of new pads or piers.

(6) Household means one or more persons occupying a housing unit.

(7) Licensee means any person or agent licensed under § 31-44-1.6 who is directly or indirectly engaged in the business of selling mobile and manufactured homes or who operates and maintains a mobile- and manufactured-home park under the provisions of this chapter.

(8) Mobile and manufactured home means a detached residential unit designed:

(i) For a long term occupancy and containing sleeping accommodations, a flush toilet, and a tub or shower bath and kitchen facilities, and having both permanent plumbing and electrical connections for attachment to outside systems;

(ii) To be transported on its own wheels or on a flatbed or other trailer or detachable wheels; and

(iii) To be placed on pads, piers, or tied down, at the site where it is to be occupied as a residence complete and ready for occupancy, except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations and connection to utilities systems.

(9) Mobile- and manufactured-home park or park means a plot of ground upon which four (4) or more mobile and manufactured homes, occupied for residential purposes are located.

(10) Mobile- and manufactured-home space or lot means a plot of ground within a mobile- and manufactured-home park designed for the accommodation of one mobile and manufactured home.

(11) Owner means a licensee or permittee or any person who owns, operates, or maintains a mobile- and manufactured-home park.

(12) Prospective resident means an applicant for admission to a mobile- and manufactured-home park who is ready, willing, and able to buy a mobile and manufactured home owned and offered for sale by a licensee or resident, and who is able to meet the entrance requirements of the rules of the park.

(13) Protected lawful action means any report of a violation of this chapter, or of any applicable building or health code, or any other justified complaint to a governmental authority, or any other justified lawful act by the resident(s) or prospective resident(s).

(14) Qualified sale means the sale of a mobile- and manufactured-home park to a resident organization with the goal of resident ownership by at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the homeowner households residing in the park.

(15) Reprisal means any act taken against the resident(s) which is intended as a penalty for any protected lawful action taken by the resident(s).

(16) Resident means an owner or renter occupying a mobile and manufactured home in a mobile- and manufactured-home park with the consent of the owner as defined in subdivision (11) of this section.

(17) Resident organization means a group of mobile- and manufactured-home park residents who have formed a nonprofit corporation, cooperative corporation, or other entity or organization for the purpose of acquiring the mobile home park in which they reside and converting the mobile home park to resident ownership.

(18) Resident ownership means, depending on the context, either the ownership, by a resident organization, as defined in this section, of an interest in a mobile- and manufactured-home park which entitles the resident organization to control the operations of the mobile home park, or the ownership of individual interests in a mobile home park, or both.

(19) Security deposit means a sum not to exceed the monthly rental which a licensee may require a resident of a rented mobile or manufactured home to deposit as security in case of damage caused by the resident in excess of ordinary wear and tear.

(20) Standards for mobile and manufactured homes means any written, nondiscriminatory minimum specifications for structural soundness, safety, and habitability adopted by the department or any other government agency.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-26 / Section 31-26-1
§ 31-26-1. Duty to stop in accidents resulting in personal injury.
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to it as possible, but shall then immediately return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of §31-26-3. A stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

(b) Any person knowingly failing to stop or to comply with the requirements under circumstances which result in injury to any person shall upon conviction be punished by a mandatory loss of license for at least one year and not more than five (5) years and imprisonment for not more than five (5) years and/or fined up to five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(c)(1) Any person knowingly failing to stop or to comply with the requirements under circumstances which result in serious bodily injury to any person shall upon conviction be punished as follows:

(i) Every person convicted of a first violation shall 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. Additionally, the license of the person shall 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.

(ii) For a second or subsequent conviction under this subsection 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. Additionally, the license of the person shall be revoked for a period of up to four (4) 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.

(2) As used in this subsection, 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.

(d) Any person knowingly failing to stop or to comply with the requirements under circumstances which result in the death of any person, shall upon conviction be punished pursuant to the provisions of this subsection as follows:

(1) Every person convicted of a first violation of this subsection shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than two (2) years and for not more than fifteen (15) years, in any unit of the adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge, by a fine of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), and his or her license to operate a motor vehicle shall be revoked for a period of three (3) years. The license privilege shall not be reinstated until evidence satisfactory to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles establishes that no grounds exist which would authorize the refusal to issue a license, and until the person gives proof of financial responsibility pursuant to chapter 32 of this title.

(2) Every person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this subsection within a five (5) year period shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than five (5) years and for not more than twenty (20) years, in any unit of the adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge, by a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) nor more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) and his or her license to operate a motor vehicle shall be revoked for a period of five (5) years. The license privilege shall not be reinstated until evidence satisfactory to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles establishes that no grounds exist which would authorize the refusal to issue a license, and until the person gives proof of financial responsibility pursuant to chapter 32 of this title.

(e) This section shall apply in its entirety to any driver of a motor vehicle knowingly involved in an accident with a person riding a bicycle.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-8-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-8 / Section 31-8-1
§ 31-8-1. Operation of vehicles without evidences of registration.
Status: in_force

No person shall operate, nor shall an owner knowingly permit to be operated, upon any highway or bicycle trail or path, any vehicle required to be registered pursuant to this title unless there has been issued for it a valid registration card and unless there is attached to it and displayed on it, when and as required by chapters 3  9 of this title, a valid registration plate or plates issued for it by the division of motor vehicles for the current registration year except as otherwise expressly permitted in those chapters. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-42-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-42 / Section 31-42-9
§ 31-42-9. Unidentifiable motor vehicles and/or parts.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the age of a motor vehicle and/or part from which all identifying numbers have been removed so that the identity of the motor vehicle and/or part and its owner cannot be determined, the motor vehicle and/or part shall be subject to a forfeiture hearing before a judge sitting in the district court. After this hearing, the motor vehicle and/or part shall be forfeited to the unit of government that recovered it. The court may also order the division of motor vehicles to issue a special vehicle identification number and an appropriate title certificate for a forfeited motor vehicle.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-21 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-21
§ 31-3-21. Use of bailee, transporter, and in transit plates.
Status: in_force

(a) A bailee may operate or move any vehicle of a type otherwise required to be registered under this chapter upon the highways solely for the purpose of delivery, upon displaying on the vehicle the plates issued to him or her as provided in §§ 31-3-23  31-3-25.

(b) In transit plates may be used to operate or move special mobile equipment upon the highways solely for the purpose of moving that equipment to and from the location of any type of construction.

(c) A transporter may operate or move any vehicle of a type otherwise required to be registered under this chapter upon the highway solely for the purpose of delivering, upon displaying on the vehicle the plates issued to him or her as provided in §§ 31-3-23  31-3-25.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-59.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-59.1
§ 31-3-59.1. Congressman Emeritus  Edward Beard.
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 United States Representative, Second District, Edward Beard. This plate is to bear the identification Congressman Emeritus along with an appropriate number and the plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Edward Beard so desires.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-5 / Section 31-5-8
§ 31-5-8. License  Fee.
Status: in_force

(a) The license fee for each year shall be as follows: the fee for the license to each motor vehicle dealer shall be three hundred dollars ($300) plus a fee in like amount for each office or branch.

(b) Commencing January 1, 2015, the license fee for the three-year (3) license duration shall be nine hundred dollars ($900) payable in installments of three hundred dollars ($300) per year.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-1.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-47 / Section 31-47-1.2
§ 31-47-1.2. Subpoena.
Status: in_force

The governor shall have the right to grant subpoena powers, by executive order, to any commission or task force created to investigate the causes for the high cost of automobile insurance in Rhode Island, as referenced in § 31-47-1.1(8).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-49 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-49
§ 31-24-49. Approval of lighting equipment required.
Status: in_force

No person shall have for sale, sell, or offer for sale for use upon or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer or use upon any such vehicle any head lamp, auxiliary or fog lamp, rear lamp, signal lamp, or reflector which reflector is required by this chapter or parts of any of these which tend to change the original design or performance, unless of a type which has been submitted to and approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.

(b) The administrator shall approve a flashing amber light configuration for use in funeral processions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-13 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-26 / Section 31-26-13
§ 31-26-13. Reports confidential  Use as evidence.
Status: in_force

(a) All motorist accident reports made by persons involved in accidents, pursuant to § 31-26-6, or by garages, pursuant to § 31-26-12, shall be without prejudice to the individual so reporting and shall be for the confidential use of the division of motor vehicles or other state or municipal agencies having use for the records for accident prevention purposes or for the administration of the laws of this state relating to the deposit of security and proof of financial responsibility by persons driving or the owners of motor vehicles.

(b) The division of motor vehicles may disclose the identity of a person involved in an accident when the identity is not otherwise known or when the person denies his or her presence at the accident, and except that the reports, as well as police reports, may be used by the division of motor vehicles, together with any other evidence that the division of motor vehicles may deem appropriate, to make determinations as to the reasonable possibility of a judgment being rendered for purposes of requiring security after an accident involving one or more uninsured motorists.

(c) No report shall be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of an accident, except that the division of motor vehicles shall furnish upon demand of any person who has, or claims to have, made a report or upon demand of any court, a certificate showing that a specified accident report has or has not been made to the division of motor vehicles solely to prove a compliance or a failure to comply with the requirement that a report be made to the division. Provided, that in the event an accident report has not been filed, then the failure to file the report shall be considered to be prima facie evidence that the operator and/or the registered owner of the motor vehicle involved was uninsured at the time of the accident.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-27.6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-27.6
§ 31-25-27.6. Weight restrictions on Route 15  Armistice Boulevard  Pawtucket.
Status: in_force

(a) No commercial motor truck or tractor with a gross weight exceeding four (4) tons, except those listed in this section, shall be allowed to travel on Route 15 (Armistice Boulevard from Newport Avenue easterly to the Rhode Island state line).

(b) The director of the department of transportation is directed to post signs to limit access as prescribed in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) The following vehicles shall be exempt from the provisions of this section: any commercial vehicle whose designation is anywhere, either on or off the roads stated in subsection (a) of this section, any and all emergency vehicles, state vehicles, marked school administration vehicles and delivery vehicles whose destination is addressed on the parkway.

(d) Any commercial registered motor truck or tractor with a gross weight exceeding four (4) tons, shall be prohibited from traveling the routes stated in subsection (a) as a through route. Signs will be posted by the department of transportation stating Local Deliveries Only  No Through Trucking  Four (4) Ton Weight Limit.

(e) Violations of this section shall be a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) for the first offense, not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for each and every subsequent offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-42.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-42.1
§ 31-23-42.1. Special mirrors on school buses.
Status: in_force

Every school bus as defined in § 31-1-3 shall be equipped with a system of mirrors that will give the seated driver a view of the roadway to each side of the bus, and the area immediately in front of the front bumper, in accordance with the following specifications:

(1) At least seven and one-half inches (7Â½") of a thirty-inch (30") long rod shall be visible to the driver, either by direct view or by means of an indirect visibility system, when the rod is placed upright on the ground at any point along a traverse line extending one foot from the forward-most point of the bus and one foot from the length and width and rear of the bus.

(2) Every school bus owner shall maintain a measuring rod thirty inches (30") in length with distinctive identification marks located at seven and one-half inch (7Â½) intervals for purposes of adjusting the system of mirrors required by this section in accordance with these specifications.

(3) Other mirrors shall be located and adjustable so as to meet their intended minimum requirements, and may be incorporated in the system of mirrors required by this section.

(4) Each school bus shall be equipped with at least two (2) flat-surfaced rectangular exterior mirrors, one situated on each side of the bus forward of the operator and any entrance door. The reflecting surface shall not be obscured and shall have a minimum reflective surface of fifty square inches (50 sq. in.). The mirrors shall be firmly supported and adjustable, and shall afford the driver a clear, stable, reflected view of the road surface at each side of the vehicle for a continual distance beginning at a point not greater than two hundred feet (200²) to the rear and continuing to the horizon when measured on a straight and level road.

(5) Exterior mirror mounts shall include a wide-angle adjustable convex mirror to provide a close-in field of vision to the operator. Each school bus shall be equipped with convex mirrors that shall be mounted at the left front corner and the right front corner of the vehicle, sufficiently adjustable to enable a seated operator to observe a reflection of the area in front of the bus where children might stand or pass.

(6) Each school bus shall be equipped with interior mirrors that shall afford the driver a view of the bus interior, emergency door, and the roadway to the immediate rear of the bus. Every school bus with a seating capacity of sixteen (16) passengers or fewer shall have a convex rear view mirror located near the right front corner, so as to provide the operator with a view of the ground area at the entrance door when the door is not equipped with safety glass in the lower portion of the door.

(7) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-12.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-12.1
§ 31-25-12.1. Vehicles to be towed in right lane.
Status: in_force

(a) When a tow truck or other vehicle is towing another vehicle, except those vehicles designed to be in combination, in this state upon any public highway divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for travel in the same direction, it shall be unlawful to tow except in the right lane of travel on a two (2) line highway, and in the two (2) right lanes of travel on a highway with three (3) or more lanes.

(b) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be fined in accordance with the penalties provided in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-23 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-23
§ 31-23-23. Replacement with safety glass.
Status: in_force

No person shall replace any glass on any motor vehicle at a place where safety glass is required unless the replacement is made with safety glass approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-13-10.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-13 / Section 31-13-10.1
§ 31-13-10.1. Traffic control signal preemption devices.
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, traffic control signal preemption device means any device, either mechanical or electrical, that emits a pulse of light or other signal that, when received by a detector attached to a traffic control signal, changes that traffic control signal to a green light or, if the traffic control signal is already green, extends the duration of the green light.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (d), no retailer or manufacturer shall sell or install any traffic control signal preemption device on a motor vehicle, nor may any such device be transported in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, nor be operated by the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle.

(c) Any person who shall violate the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500), which fine shall be deposited into the state general fund.

(d) Installation of a traffic control signal preemption device is permitted on the following vehicles, and operation of the device is permitted as follows:

(1) Police department vehicles, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red or blue oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights;

(2) Law enforcement vehicles of state or local authorities, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights; and

(3) Vehicles of local fire departments and state or federal firefighting vehicles, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights.

(4) Buses under the operation and/or control of the Rhode Island public transit authority, only when used to prolong a green light signal.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-10
§ 31-44-10. Penalty.
Status: in_force

Any person who violates the licensing provisions of this chapter may be fined by the department an amount not in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000), lose their license according to prescribed procedure, after a hearing. Provided, further, any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter may also be fined by the appropriate court according to existing court procedure.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-10.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-22 / Section 31-22-10.1
§ 31-22-10.1. Insurance for school buses.
Status: in_force

(a) Every owner of a school bus or other mass transit vehicle registered with the division of motor vehicles of this state shall insure the vehicle against loss from liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of the vehicle in minimum amounts of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per person and three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) per accident. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall not permit the vehicle to be registered until satisfactory proof of the existence of a policy of insurance providing the coverage required in conformity with the provisions of this section is furnished.

(b) The term mass transit vehicle for the purposes of this section means and includes any motor vehicle with a capacity of ten (10) or more persons which is primarily for the transportation of minors.

(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any motor vehicle owned by the Rhode Island public transit authority pursuant to chapter 18 of title 39.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-18-21 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-18 / Section 31-18-21
§ 31-18-21. Pedestrians and bike facilities.
Status: in_force

Except in the cases of limited access roads, and/or roads of less than twenty-three feet (23²) in width, the director of the department of transportation is authorized and directed to provide for the accommodation of bicycle and pedestrian traffic in the planning, design, construction and reconstruction, and to consider this in the resurfacing and striping of any project undertaken by the department, unless the director, after appropriate review by the director or his or her designees, determines that the inclusion of bike facilities and pedestrian access would be contrary to acceptable standards of public safety, degrade environmental or scenic quality, or conflict with existing right-of-way. In his or her deliberations, the director shall take into consideration the cost of the facilities in relationship to available funding. Bike facilities may include bicycle lanes, routes, paths or trails; permeable paved shoulders; and/or signage.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-38 / Section 31-38-1
§ 31-38-1. Vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition  Inspection sticker for used cars for sale required.
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall sell at retail, drive, or move on any highway any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer or any combination of them unless the equipment upon the vehicle is in good working order and adjustment as required in this title, and the vehicle is in such safe mechanical condition as not to endanger the driver or other occupant or any person upon the highway.

(b) No dealer of used vehicles, as defined by § 31-1-19(b), shall sell at retail a used motor vehicle unless a new inspection of the vehicle conforming to the standards set pursuant to this chapter and chapter 47.1 of this title has been conducted and the vehicle has a new certificate of inspection affixed to the windshield at the time of sale, except used cars:

(1) Sold for parts only and clearly identified accordingly on the bill of sale: or

(2) Purchased at the end of the lease term by the current lessee with a valid certificate of inspection affixed to the windshield at the time of sale that is issued by the state of Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-15-12.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-15 / Section 31-15-12.1
§ 31-15-12.1. Entering intersections.
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not enter an intersection whether or not any traffic signal is green unless there is sufficient space in the roadway he or she is about to enter beyond the intersection to receive his or her vehicle without blocking the intersection. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in section 31-41.1-4, unless bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death occurs to any person other than the offending operator under this section.

(b) When bodily injury of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200). When serious bodily injury of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) and his/her drivers license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months. When the death of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) and his/her drivers license shall be suspended for a period of one year.

(c) 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.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-17-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-17 / Section 31-17-7
§ 31-17-7. Right-of-way of fire companies.
Status: in_force

The officers and men and women of the fire department, of any fire engine or hose company, or of any protective department or company duly chartered and organized under the laws of this state for the protection of property from fire in any city or town, with their registered fire apparatus, shall have the right of way while going to a fire or upon any alarm of fire, while responding to an emergency call; when on duty at any fire, in, upon, or through any street, highway, lane, avenue, or alley in the city or town; and when exiting or entering a fire station, garage or other department facility. Every person in or upon or owning any vehicle, or upon the street, highway, lane, avenue, or alley, who shall willfully or maliciously refuse the right of way to, or shall in any way willfully or maliciously obstruct or retard any registered fire apparatus of the fire department, fire company, protective department, or company, or any of the officers or men and women, while going to a fire or upon any alarm of fire, while responding to an emergency call, or while on duty at any fire, in, upon, or through the street, highway, lane, avenue, or alley, or when exiting or entering a fire station, garage or other department facility shall be fined not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200). However, the rights pursuant to this section of the protective department or company shall be subject, at all times, to the rights pursuant to this section of the fire department, fire engine company, and hose company.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-16 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-2 / Section 31-2-16
§ 31-2-16. Publication of laws.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles may publish a synopsis or summary of the laws of this state regulating the operation of vehicles and may deliver a copy of the summary without charge with each original vehicle registration and with each original operators or chauffeurs license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-9
§ 31-1-9. Mobile equipment.
Status: in_force

Mobile equipment means every vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or moved over a highway, including but not limited to: ditch digging apparatus, well boring apparatus, and road construction or maintenance machinery such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tractors other than truck tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, earth moving carry-alls and scrapers, power shovels and drag lines, and self-propelled cranes and earth moving equipment. The term does not include house trailers, dump trucks, truck mounted transit mixers, cranes, or shovels, or other vehicles designed for the transportation of persons or property to which machinery has been attached.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-18-16 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-18 / Section 31-18-16
§ 31-18-16. Penalty for violations as to people who are blind.
Status: in_force

Any person who violates any provision of §§ 31-18-13  31-18-15, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-14 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-14
§ 31-27-14. Penalty for felonies.
Status: in_force

Any person who is convicted of a violation of any provision of chapters 1  27 of this title, by this chapter or by the laws of this state declared to constitute a felony, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five (5) years, or by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both fine and imprisonment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-21 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-5 / Section 31-5-21
§ 31-5-21. Manufacturers license required.
Status: in_force

(a) No manufacturer, factory representative, or distributor shall engage in business as a manufacturer, factory representative, or distributor in this state without a license to do so as provided in § 31-5-22.

(b) For the purpose of this chapter, each division of a motor vehicle manufacturer or distributor shall be considered a separate manufacturer or distributor for purposes of licensing under this chapter. The department of revenue is empowered to obtain from the Rhode Island superior court for Providence County a restraining order temporarily, preliminarily, and permanently restraining any manufacturer, distributor, or factory representative from engaging in business within this state unless licensed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-14-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-14 / Section 31-14-8
§ 31-14-8. Local alteration of limits on state highways.
Status: in_force

Alteration of prima facie limits on state highways or extensions of them in a municipality by local authorities shall not be effective until the alteration has been approved by the state traffic commission.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-12-13 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-12 / Section 31-12-13
§ 31-12-13. Local regulations to be posted.
Status: in_force

No ordinance or regulation enacted under subdivision (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), (a)(7), or (a)(10) of § 31-12-12 shall be effective until signs giving notice of the local traffic regulations are posted upon or at the entrances to the highway or part of it as may be most appropriate.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-27 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-22 / Section 31-22-27
§ 31-22-27. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter, or the applicability of the provision to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or application of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-28 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-28
§ 31-10-28. Restricted licenses.
Status: in_force

(a) The division of motor vehicles, upon issuing an operators or chauffeurs license, shall have the authority whenever good cause appears to impose restrictions suitable to the licensees driving ability with respect to the type of, or special mechanical control devices required on a motor vehicle which the licensee may operate or the other restrictions applicable to the licensee as the division of motor vehicles may determine to be appropriate to assure the safe operation of a motor vehicle by the licensee.

(b) The division of motor vehicles may either issue a special restricted license or may set forth such restrictions upon the usual license form. In the case of an individual who, because of any visual disability, is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle in darkness, the division of motor vehicles, upon receipt of an affidavit from a licensed physician or ophthalmologist certifying that the individual is capable of operating a motor vehicle during the daylight hours, may issue a special restricted license permitting the individual to operate a motor vehicle only during the daylight hours.

(c) The division of motor vehicles may upon receiving satisfactory evidence of any violation of the restrictions of a restricted license suspend or revoke the license but the licensee shall be entitled to a hearing as upon a suspension or revocation under chapter 2 of this title.

(d) It is a civil violation for any person to operate a motor vehicle in any manner in violation of the restrictions imposed in a restricted license issued to that person.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-20 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-20
§ 31-10-20. Driver education course requirement before licensing.
Status: in_force

(a) No limited-instruction permit or license shall be issued to any person not more than eighteen (18) years of age unless that person shall have successfully completed a course of instruction as provided in § 31-10-19, or a similar course of instruction recognized by the state board of education as equivalent to it. However, any person who is over eighteen (18) years of age and has been a holder of a motor vehicle operators license issued to that person by any other state, territory, or possession of the United States, or any other sovereignty for a period of one year immediately prior to his or her application for a license under this chapter shall not be required to comply with the provisions of this section.

(b) Commencing on July 1, 2004, no limited-instruction permit or license shall be issued to any person not more than eighteen (18) years of age unless that person shall have successfully completed a course of instruction as provided in § 31-10-19, or a similar course of instruction in another state recognized by the state board of education as equivalent to it. In determining whether a course is equivalent, the state board of education shall at a minimum require: (1) That the course consist of at least thirty-three (33) instructional hours that substantially conform with the current curriculum utilized by the instructor(s) at the Community College of Rhode Island, including a minimum of three (3) hours of instruction focusing upon specific Rhode Island traffic laws, the specific requirements of the Rhode Island graduated-licensing statute in § 31-10-6, and eight (8) hours specifically for instruction on the effects of alcohol and drugs on a driver. All drivers education programs shall include information concerning the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, chapter 18.6.1 of title 23, and information on donor cards pursuant to the applicable provisions of chapter 18.6.1 of title 23; (2) That the instructor holds a valid teachers certificate; (3) That the instructor satisfactorily completes at least a three-credit (3) course in traffic safety education at an accredited institution of higher education; and (4) That the program does not offer outside the classroom road test instruction or driving lessons to Rhode Island students. However, any person who is over eighteen (18) years of age and has been a holder of a motor vehicle operators license issued to that person by any other state, territory, or possession of the United States, or any other sovereignty for a period of one year immediately prior to his or her application for a license under this chapter shall not be required to comply with the provisions of this section.

(c) The drivers education course and drivers license examination shall include material pertaining to a drivers rights and responsibilities when stopped by a law enforcement officer as explained during the driver education course, including, but not limited to, rights provided to drivers pursuant to chapter 21.2 of title 31, the comprehensive community-police relationship act of 2015.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-27 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-27
§ 31-25-27. Weight restrictions.
Status: in_force

(a) State highways. The state traffic commission shall likewise have authority, as granted to local authorities in this chapter, to determine by resolution and to impose restrictions as to the weight of vehicles operated upon any highway under the jurisdiction of the commission, and the restrictions shall be effective when signs giving notice of them are erected upon the highway or portion of any highway affected by the resolution.

(b) Penalties for posted bridge weight violations shall be based on the fine schedule imposed within the provisions of § 31-25-16.

(c) Bridges. The department of transportation, through the state traffic commission, shall have the authority with respect to any state, local, or privately-owned bridge, excluding those owned or controlled by the Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority, to impose a weight restriction or close a bridge, based on deficiencies documented in a bridge inspection or load rating for the purpose of public safety. Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority shall have the authority for bridges owned or controlled by Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority to impose a weight restriction or close a bridge, based on deficiencies documented in a bridge inspection or load rating for the purpose of public safety.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-14-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-14 / Section 31-14-4
§ 31-14-4. Alteration of prima facie limits by traffic commission.
Status: in_force

Whenever the state traffic commission shall determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that any prima facie speed set forth in § 31-14-2 is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist at any intersection or other place or upon any part of a highway, the commission may determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit for that place which shall be effective at all times or during hours of daylight or darkness, or at any other times that may be determined when appropriate signs giving notice of limits are erected at the intersection or other place or part of the highway.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-81 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-81
§ 31-3-81. General state officers emeritus.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed upon request to issue a special registration plate in recognition of honorable service to the state of a former state general officer for the private passenger motor vehicle of said officer to bear the identification of Governor Emeritus, Lieutenant Governor Emeritus, Treasurer Emeritus, Secretary of State Emeritus, or Attorney General Emeritus, whichever applies, along with an appropriate number and the seal of the state imprinted on it. The plate shall be furnished without an additional registration charge for such period as the qualified former general officer so desires.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-27.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-27.2
§ 31-25-27.2. Weight restrictions on Route 114  Bristol.
Status: in_force

(a) No commercial motor truck or tractor with a gross weight exceeding four (4) tons, except those listed in this section, shall be allowed to travel on Route 114 (Hope Street and Ferry Road) between Gooding Avenue and Route 136.

(b) The director of the department of transportation is directed to post signs to limit access as prescribed in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) The following vehicles shall be exempt from the provisions of this section: any commercial vehicle whose destination is anywhere, either on or off the routes stated in subsection (a) of this section; any and all emergency vehicles, state vehicles, municipal vehicles, public transit vehicles, marked school administration vehicles, and vehicles participating in the annual 4th of July parade or other civic parades.

(d) Any commercial registered motor truck or tractor with a gross weight exceeding four (4) tons, shall be prohibited from traveling the routes stated in subsection (a) as a through route. Signs will be posted by the department of transportation stating Local Deliveries Only  No Through Trucking  4 Ton Weight Limit.

(e) Violations of this section shall be a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) for the first offense, not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for each and every subsequent offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-7.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-7.2
§ 31-44-7.2. Trailer parks located within the town of Exeter.
Status: in_force

Any agreement for the lease of a mobile home or a mobile home lot or space located within the town of Exeter and offered pursuant to the provisions of § 31-44-7, must be in writing and shall not be executed unless each term of it either shall have been completed in full or shall contain a statement that the terms may not be applicable. All lease agreements executed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be executed in duplicate original, one of which shall be provided to the lessee within thirty (30) days of its execution.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-23 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-23
§ 31-32-23. Default by nonresident insurer.
Status: in_force

If any insurance carrier not authorized to transact business in this state, which has qualified to furnish proof of financial responsibility, defaults in any undertakings or agreements, the division of motor vehicles shall not accept as proof any certificate of the carrier whether filed or tendered as proof after that time, so long as the default continues.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-15-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-15 / Section 31-15-8
§ 31-15-8. Posting of no passing zones.
Status: in_force

The state traffic commission is authorized to determine those portions of any highway where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of the zones. When the signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions given by them. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-28-11 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-28 / Section 31-28-11
§ 31-28-11. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations  Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this section and § 31-28-12, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) Commercial includes, but is not limited to, any parking lot servicing box stores, grocery markets, strip malls, shopping malls, shopping centers, and hotels or motels.

(2) Electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) means a public parking space that is served by either EV capable or EV ready charging equipment.

(3) EV capable means electrical vehicle charging stations that have electrical panel capacity and space to support a minimum 40-ampere, 208/240-volt dedicated branch circuit for each EV parking space, and the installation of raceways (enclosed conduit that forms a physical pathway for electrical wiring), both underground and surface mounted, to support electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

(4) EV ready means a designated parking space with one 40-ampere, 208/240-volt dedicated branch circuit for EVSE servicing electric vehicles. The circuit shall terminate in a suitable termination point such as a receptacle, junction box, or an EVSE, and be located in close proximity to the proposed location of the EV parking spaces.

(5) Housing means any new, existing, or rehabilitated private housing developments with more than twenty (20) units, that provide residential or public parking.

(6) Large employer means any employer, with over one hundred (100) employees located in a single complex, that owns and operates a parking lot for employee use.

(7) Municipal means any parking lot servicing a municipal building, including, but not limited to, schools, public safety facilities, town or city hall, library, public administration offices, and recreational facilities.

(8) Public funding means any funds including, but not limited to: funds derived from federal, state, or municipal sources; in-kind remuneration from any federal, state, or municipal source; gifts or grants from any federal, state, or municipal source; revenue sharing or other federal, state, or municipal payments of any nature; intergovernmental transfers; tax stabilization agreements; revenues resulting from the sale of state or municipal bonds, or by the sale or lease of any property owned by the federal government, the state of Rhode Island, and/or any municipality of the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-31 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-31
§ 31-24-31. Flashing lights  Forward viewing or rotary beam lights.
Status: in_force

(a) Flashing lights are prohibited, except on an authorized emergency vehicle, school bus, snow-removal equipment, or on any vehicle as a means for indicating a right or left turn. However, the requirements of § 31-24-33 shall be deemed to be satisfied if the vehicle is equipped with lamps at the front mounted at the same level, displaying simultaneously flashing white or amber lights, and at the rear mounted at the same level, and displaying simultaneously flashing red lights, all of which lights shall be visible from a distance of not less than five hundred feet (500²).

(b) Forward viewing or rotating beam lights may be installed on and shall be restricted to the following categories of vehicles, and these lights shall be of color designated:

(1) Emergency response vehicles of any fire, rescue, or ambulance department, fire chiefs, assistant fire chiefs, deputy chiefs, captains; any privately owned vehicle of any authorized volunteer member of a fire, rescue, or ambulance department; emergency management agency directors, assistant directors, assistant medical examiners and/or forensic pathologists of the office of state medical examiners; rescue vehicles, emergency response vehicles of the department of environmental management and the office of the state fire marshal; school buses; hospital emergency response vehicles; and two (2) American Red Cross disaster vehicles: Red, white and/or alternating flashing white;

(2) Wrecker trucks, service station trucks, state and town safety and maintenance vehicles; snowplows and tractors; light company trucks, telephone company trucks, water company trucks, oil company trucks, and other utilities trucks; vehicles of television, radio and press photographers; newspaper motor route carriers; rural mail carriers; all motor-propelled vehicles owned by the Northern Rhode Island REACT (radio emergency associated citizens team); all motor-propelled vehicles owned by or under contract to the Rhode Island department of transportation when on official state business; and vehicles marking the beginning and end of funeral processions: Amber, provided, however, that wrecker and transportation vehicles operated pursuant to a public utilities commission license, and roadside assistance vehicles of any type operated for that purpose by the American Automobile Association shall be permitted to use flashing amber lights at the front and rear of the vehicle, to be activated only in the course of providing assistance to or transportation for a disabled vehicle. A fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) shall be charged for the issuance of a flashing lights permit to every vehicle identified in this subsection, with the exception of flashing lights permits issued to state, town or fire district safety and maintenance vehicles, which shall not be charged a fee.

(3) Police units, state and local: Center rotating beam lights: Blue or red; Outboard mounted lights: Blue or red.

(4) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-67 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-67
§ 31-3-67. Judge Emeritus  Carmine R. DiPetrillo.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of the motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of former family court judge Carmine R. DiPetrillo. 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 DiPetrillo so desires.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-47 / Section 31-47-1
§ 31-47-1. Short title and declaration of purpose.
Status: in_force

(a) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Motor Vehicle Reparation Act.

(b) The legislature is concerned over the rising toll of motor vehicle accidents and the suffering and loss inflicted by them. The legislature has determined that it is a matter of grave concern that motorists shall be financially able to respond in damages for their negligent acts, so that innocent victims of motor vehicle accidents may be recompensed for the injury and financial loss inflicted upon them.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-23 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-23
§ 31-27-23. Penalties for failure to comply with § 24-8-4.2.
Status: in_force

Any employer who intentionally violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of § 24-8-4.2 shall be subject to a fine of up to three hundred dollars ($300) for the first offense up to six hundred dollars ($600) for the second offense and up to nine hundred dollars ($900) for the third and subsequent offenses; said cumulative offenses shall be limited to the same job site or location and the same highway or bridge or contract.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-22 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-2 / Section 31-2-22
§ 31-2-22. Authority to enter into reciprocity agreements.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements on behalf of the state with the duly authorized representatives of any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a state or a province of a foreign country, providing for the registration of vehicles on an apportionment or allocation basis. In exercising this authority, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles is expressly authorized to enter into and to become a member of the International Registration Plan, or any other designation that may, from time to time, be given to such a plan. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is further authorized to promulgate and to enforce any rules and regulations that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the International Registration Plan or any other agreement entered into under authority set forth in this section.

(b) The International Registration Plan, and any other agreement authorized to be entered into by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, shall take precedence over any state law or regulation that may be in conflict with the aforementioned agreements.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-33-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-33 / Section 31-33-10
§ 31-33-10. Statement as to liability insurance not included in sale of vehicle.
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever any motor vehicle dealer licensed under chapter 5 of this title sells a motor vehicle at retail other than a cash sale, and the transaction for financing the purchase does not include the sale of liability insurance coverage which will protect the purchaser under the provisions of chapters 31 and 32 of this title, the purchase order or invoice or memorandum of conditional sales contract evidencing the transaction shall contain a statement in the following form:

(b) The seller shall print or stamp the statement on the purchase order or invoice in distinctive colored ink and with clearly visible letters. The statement shall be signed by the purchaser and the seller in the space provided in it on or before the date of delivery of the motor vehicle described in the purchase order or invoice or memorandum of conditional sales contract, and a copy of the form shall be given to the purchaser by the seller.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-22 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-22
§ 31-23-22. Safety glass in new vehicles.
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall sell any new motor vehicle as specified in this section, nor shall any new motor vehicle as specified in this section be registered, unless the vehicle is equipped with safety glass of a type approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles wherever glass is used in doors, windows, and windshields.

(b) The provisions of this section shall apply to all passenger type motor vehicles, including passenger buses and school buses, but in respect to trucks, including truck tractors, the requirements as to safety glass shall apply to all glass used in doors, windows, and windshields in the drivers compartments of those vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-51-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-51 / Section 31-51-1
§ 31-51-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the School Bus Safety Enforcement Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-25 / Section 31-25-8
§ 31-25-8. Pole trailers.
Status: in_force

The limitations as to the length of vehicles and loads stated in §§ 31-25-5 and 31-25-6 shall not apply to any load upon a pole trailer as defined in § 31-1-5 when transporting poles or pipes or structural material which cannot be dismembered, provided that no pole or pipe or other material exceeding eighty feet (80²) in length shall be so transported unless a permit has first been obtained as authorized in § 31-25-21.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-12-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-12 / Section 31-12-1
§ 31-12-1. Places provisions applicable.
Status: in_force

The provisions of chapters 12  27 of this title relating to the operation of vehicles refer exclusively to the operation of vehicles upon highways and on all state, city or town owned public property except:

(1) Where a different place is specifically referred to in a given section.

(2) The provisions of chapter 26 of this title and §§ 31-27-1  31-27-4 shall apply upon highways and elsewhere throughout the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-14-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-14 / Section 31-14-9
§ 31-14-9. Minimum speed.
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

(b) Police officers are authorized to enforce this provision by directions to drivers, and in the event of apparent willful disobedience to this provision and refusal to comply with direction of an officer in accordance with this section, the continued slow operation by a driver shall be a civil violation and is subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-3
§ 31-1-3. Types of vehicles.
Status: in_force

(a)(1) Antique motor car means any motor vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway.

(2) After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may be issued to it on payment of the standard fee. The vehicle may be operated on the highways of this and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation antique and display an antique plate.

(3) For any vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old, the division of motor vehicles may also issue or approve, subject to rules and regulations that may be promulgated by the administrator, a year of manufacture plate for the vehicle that is an exact replica plate designating the exact year of manufacture of the vehicle. The year of manufacture plate, as authorized by this subsection, need only be attached to the rear of the vehicle.

(b)(1) Antique motorcycle means any motorcycle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle shall be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods over any public highway; and

(2) After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may be issued to it, on payment of the standard fee, and the vehicle may be operated on the highways of this and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation antique and display an antique plate.

(c) Authorized emergency vehicle means vehicles of the fire department (fire patrol); police vehicles; vehicles of the department of corrections while in the performance of official duties; vehicles used by the state bomb squad within the office of state fire marshal; vehicles of municipal departments or public service corporations designated or authorized by the administrator as ambulances and emergency vehicles; and privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer firefighters or privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer ambulance drivers or attendants, as authorized by the department chief or commander and permitted by the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs and Rhode Island Association of Police Chiefs Joint Committee for Volunteer Warning Light Permits.

(d) Automobile means, for registration purposes, every motor vehicle carrying passengers other than for hire.

(e) Bicycle means every vehicle having two (2) tandem wheels, except scooters and similar devices, propelled exclusively by human power, and upon which a person may ride.

(f) Camping recreational vehicle means a vehicular type camping unit, certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.2 Standards, designed primarily as temporary living quarters for recreation that has either its own motor power or is mounted on, or towed by, another vehicle. The basic units are tent trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, motorized campers, travel trailers, and pick-up campers.

(g) Electric motorized bicycle, also called an electric bicycle, as defined in § 31-19.7-1, means a two-wheel (2) vehicle that may be propelled by human power or electric motor power, or by both, with an electric motor rated not more than two (2) (S.A.E.) horsepower, that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than twenty-eight miles per hour (28 m.p.h.).

(h) Electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD) is a self-balancing, non-tandem two-wheeled (2) device, designed to transport only one person, with an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to fifteen miles per hour (15 m.p.h.).

(i) Fifth-wheel trailer: A towable recreational vehicle, not exceeding four hundred (400) square feet in area, designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle that contains a towing mechanism that is mounted above or forward of the tow vehicles rear axle and that is eligible to be registered for highway use.

(j) Hearse means every motor vehicle used for transporting human corpses. A hearse shall be considered an automobile for registration purposes.

(k) Jitney or bus means: (1) A public bus that includes every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, tractor trailer, or tractor trailer combination, used for the transportation of passengers for hire, and operated wholly or in part upon any street or highway as a means of transportation similar to that afforded by a street railway company, by indiscriminately receiving or discharging passengers, or running on a regular route or over any portion of one, or between fixed termini; or (2) A private bus that includes every motor vehicle other than a public bus or passenger van designed for carrying more than ten (10) passengers and used for the transportation of persons, and every motor vehicle other than a taxicab designed and used for the transportation of persons for compensation.

( l ) Kei car or Kei truck means every motor vehicle of the keijidÅsha class of imported vehicles, including, but not limited to, mini-trucks, microvans, and Kei cars imported pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 30112(b)(9), having four (4) wheels, an engine displacement of six hundred sixty cubic centimeters (660 cc) or less, an overall length of one hundred thirty inches (130³) or less, an overall height of seventy-eight inches (78³) or less, and an overall width of sixty inches (60³) or less.

(m) Low-speed motor vehicle or low-speed vehicle means a motor vehicle defined in 49 C.F.R. § 571.3 as a vehicle that is four (4) wheeled, whose speed attainable in one mile is more than twenty miles per hour (20 m.p.h.) and not more than twenty-five miles per hour (25 m.p.h.) on a paved level surface, is electric, and whose gross vehicle weight rating is less than three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.). All low-speed motor vehicles shall comply with the standards established in 49 C.F.R. § 571.500, as amended, and pursuant thereto, shall be equipped with headlamps, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, an exterior mirror mounted on the drivers side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passengers side of the vehicle or an interior mirror, a parking brake, a windshield that conforms to the federal standards on glazing materials, a vehicle identification number that conforms to the requirements of 49 C.F.R. pt. 565 for such numbers, a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly conforming to 49 C.F.R. § 571.209, installed at each designated seating position, and reflex reflectors; provided, that one reflector is red on each side as far to the rear as practicable and one reflector is red on the rear. A low-speed motor vehicle that meets the requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 571.500, as amended, and is equipped as herein provided, may be registered in this state, subject to inspection and insurance requirements.

(n) Motorcycle means only those motor vehicles having not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground and a saddle on which the driver sits astride, except bicycles with helper motors as defined in subsection (p) of this section.

(o) Motor-driven cycle means every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor of no greater than five (5) horsepower, except bicycles with helper motors as defined in subsection (p) of this section.

(p) Motorized bicycles means two-wheel (2) vehicles that may be propelled by human power or helper power, or by both, with a motor rated not more than four and nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty cubic centimeters (50 cc), that are capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty miles per hour (30 m.p.h.).

(q) Motorized camper: A camping recreational vehicle, built on, or permanently attached to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis cab or van that is an integral part of the completed vehicle.

(r) Motorized tricycles means tricycles that may be propelled by human power or helper motor, or by both, with a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty miles per hour (30 m.p.h.).

(s) Motorized wheelchair means any self-propelled vehicle, designed for, and used by, a person with a disability that is incapable of speed in excess of eight miles per hour (8 m.p.h.).

(t) Motor scooter means a motor-driven cycle with a motor rated not more than four and nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty cubic centimeters (50 cc) that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty miles per hour (30 m.p.h.).

(u) Motor vehicle means every vehicle that is self-propelled or propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, except vehicles moved exclusively by human power, an EPAMD and electric motorized bicycles as defined in subsection (g) of this section, and motorized wheelchairs.

(v) Motor vehicle for hire means every motor vehicle other than jitneys, public buses, hearses, and motor vehicles used chiefly in connection with the conduct of funerals, to transport persons for compensation in any form, or motor vehicles rented for transporting persons either with or without furnishing an operator.

(w) Natural gas vehicle means a vehicle operated by an engine fueled primarily by natural gas.

(x) Park trailer: A camping recreational vehicle that is eligible to be registered for highway use and meets the following criteria: (1) Built on a single chassis mounted on wheels; and (2) Certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5.

(y) Passenger van means every motor vehicle capable of carrying ten (10) to fourteen (14) passengers plus an operator and used for personal use or on a not-for-hire basis. Passenger vans may be used for vanpools, transporting passengers to and from work locations, provided that the operator receives no remuneration other than free use of the vehicle.

(z) Pedal carriage (also known as quadricycles) means a nonmotorized bicycle with four (4) or more wheels operated by one or more persons for the purpose of, or capable of, transporting additional passengers in seats or on a platform made a part of or otherwise attached to the pedal carriage. The term shall not include a bicycle with trainer or beginner wheels affixed to it, nor shall it include a wheelchair or other vehicle with the purpose of operation by or for the transportation of a person with a disability, nor shall it include a tricycle built for a child or an adult with a seat for only one operator and no passenger.

(aa) Pick-up camper: A camping recreational vehicle consisting of a roof, floor, and sides designed to be loaded onto and unloaded from the back of a pick-up truck.

(bb) Rickshaw (also known as pedi cab) means a nonmotorized bicycle with three (3) wheels operated by one person for the purpose of, or capable of, transporting additional passengers in seats or on a platform made a part of, or otherwise attached to, the rickshaw. This definition shall not include a bicycle built for two (2) where the operators are seated one behind the other, nor shall it include the operation of a bicycle with trainer or beginner wheels affixed thereto, nor shall it include a wheelchair or other vehicle with the purpose of operation by or for the transportation of a person with a disability.

(cc) School bus means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency, when operated for the transportation of children to or from school; or privately owned, when operated for compensation for the transportation of children to or from school.

(dd) Suburban vehicle means every motor vehicle with a convertible or interchangeable body or with removable seats, usable for both passenger and delivery purposes, and including motor vehicles commonly known as station or depot wagons or any vehicle into which access can be gained through the rear by means of a hatch or trunk and where the rear seats can be folded down to permit the carrying of articles as well as passengers.

(ee) Tent trailer: A towable recreational vehicle that is mounted on wheels and constructed with collapsible partial side walls that fold for towing by another vehicle and unfold for use and that is eligible to be registered for highway use.

(ff) Trackless trolley coach means every motor vehicle that is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated on rails.

(gg) Travel trailer: A towable recreational vehicle, not exceeding three hundred twenty square feet (320 sq. ft.) in area, designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle containing a towing mechanism that is mounted behind the tow vehicles bumper and that is eligible to be registered for highway use.

(hh) Vehicle means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-25 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-25
§ 31-32-25. Notice of cancellation or termination of certified policy.
Status: in_force

When an insurance carrier has certified a motor vehicle liability policy under § 31-32-21 or 31-32-22, and the certified policy is subsequently cancelled or terminated by the insurance carrier, a notice of cancellation or termination of the insurance so certified shall be filed, by the insurance carrier, in the division of motor vehicles. However, a policy subsequently procured and certified shall, on the effective date of its certification, terminate the insurance previously certified with respect to any vehicle designated in both certificates.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-37-16.3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-37 / Section 31-37-16.3
§ 31-37-16.3. Additives.
Status: in_force

Every retail dealer shall display and maintain on at least two (2) sides of each pump or other dispensing device from which motor fuel is sold at least one sign in a conspicuous place stating the maximum percent of alcohol, greater than one percent (1%) contained in the product to the nearest whole percent. In the case of methanol blends, the maximum percentage of co-solvent contained in the motor fuel must be stated separately.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-6
§ 31-27-6. Lanes of operation.
Status: in_force

(a) Any bus, commercial vehicle, camper, vehicle registered as a camper, trailer, or vehicle carrying a camper or trailer traveling on Rhode Island interstate highways shall be allowed to travel only in the first two (2) right hand lanes, except in cases of left hand exits, in which case the vehicle shall be allowed to enter the third and fourth left hand lanes one mile prior to an exit.

(b) For the purpose of this section, commercial vehicle means any vehicle registered for commercial purposes and designed and used primarily for the transportation of goods, wares, or merchandise. Bus means any vehicle designed for carrying ten (10) or more passengers and used primarily for the transportation of persons.

(c) The provisions of this section shall only be effective during the period that official traffic signs are in place to notify operators of the provisions of this section. Any persons violating the provisions of this section upon conviction shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-71 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-71
§ 31-3-71. Chief Justice Emeritus  Joseph R. Weisberger.
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 State Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph R. Weisberger. The plate to bear the designation Chief Justice Emeritus, with an appropriate designation number and the seal of the state imprinted on it. The plate shall be furnished without additional registration charge for as long as Chief Justice Weisberger desires.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-26 / Section 31-26-2
§ 31-26-2. Duty to stop in accidents resulting in damage to vehicle.
Status: in_force

The driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to it as possible, but shall immediately return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of § 31-26-3. A stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. Any person failing to stop or comply with these requirements under the circumstances shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and/or his or her drivers license or operating privilege in the state may be suspended for a period up to six (6) months, and/or he or she may be imprisoned for a period not to exceed 6 months.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-21-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-21 / Section 31-21-10
§ 31-21-10. Restriction of parking on state highways.
Status: in_force

The state traffic commission, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may place signs prohibiting or restricting the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on any highway where in its opinion, as evidenced by resolution or order entered in its minutes, such stopping, standing, or parking is dangerous to those using the highway or where the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles would unduly interfere with the free movement of traffic on it. The signs shall be official signs and no person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in violation of the restrictions stated on the signs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-34-6 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-34 / Section 31-34-6
§ 31-34-6. Violations
Status: in_force

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-19 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-19
§ 31-27-19. Operating a motor vehicle on a bicycle lane, trail or path.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in § 31-15-17, no person shall operate any motor vehicle on a bicycle lane, trail or path, as defined in § 31-1-23(a).

(b) Any person who operates a motor vehicle upon any bicycle lane, trail or path shall be punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).

(c) The division of motor vehicles, upon receiving a record of the conviction of any person upon a charge of operating a motor vehicle on a bicycle lane, trail or path, shall suspend the persons operators license for a period of six (6) months.

(d) Emergency vehicle and employees of federal, state, and local government shall be exempt from the provisions when acting in the scope of their official duties.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-27 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-27
§ 31-23-27. Rear wheel flaps on buses, trucks, and trailers.
Status: in_force

No person shall operate or cause to be operated any bus, truck, full trailer or semi-trailer, of registered gross weight exceeding three (3) tons, on any public highway in this state unless it is equipped with suitable metal protectors or substantial flexible flaps behind the rearmost wheels. In case the rear wheels are not covered at the top and rear by fender, body, or other parts of the vehicle, the rear wheels shall be covered at the top and rear by protective means of a standard type or design and so installed as to reduce, as far as practicable, the wheels from throwing dirt, water, or other materials on the windshields of following vehicles, except in cases in which the motor vehicle is so designed and constructed that the requirements of this section are accomplished by reason of the fender or body construction or other means of enclosure. However, §§ 31-23-26  31-23-28 shall not apply to vehicles where their construction is such that complete freedom around the wheel area is necessary to secure the designed use of the vehicle. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-53-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-53 / Section 31-53-5
§ 31-53-5. Airbag antitheft.
Status: in_force

(a) Purchase, sale, or installation of new or salvaged airbag  records.

(1) Any person engaged in the business of purchasing, selling, or installing salvaged airbags shall maintain a manual and/or electronic record of the purchase, sale, or installation, which shall include the identification number of the airbag; the vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle from which the salvaged airbag was removed; the name, address, and drivers license number or other means of identification of the person from whom the salvaged airbag was purchased; and, in the event that the salvaged airbag is installed, the vehicle identification number of the vehicle into which the airbag is installed. No new or salvaged airbag shall be sold or installed which is or has been subject to a specific manufacturers or appropriate authoritys notice of recall.

(2) In the case of a new replacement airbag, any person engaged in installing any airbag shall maintain the name and tax identification number of the supplier of the airbag and record the vehicle identification number of the vehicle into which the airbag is installed, as well as the identification number of the airbag being installed. Additionally, the airbag identification of the previously deployed airbag being replaced shall be recorded. Upon request of any law enforcement officer of this state or other authorized representative of the agency charged with administration of this section, the installer shall produce such records and permit said agent or police officer to examine them.

(3) Any person who sells a salvaged airbag or who installs a salvaged airbag must disclose to the purchaser and vehicle owner that the airbag is salvaged.

(4) The person who installs a new or salvaged airbag shall submit an affidavit to the vehicle owner or their representative stating that the replacement airbag had been properly installed and received from the owner or their representatives written consent for its installation.

(5) All records must be maintained for not less than five (5) years following the transaction, and may be inspected during normal business hours by any law enforcement officer of this state or other authorized representative of the agency charged with administration of this chapter.

(6) Upon request, information within a portion of such record pertaining to a specific transaction must be provided to the insurer and the vehicle owner.

(7) Persons engaged in the business of selling salvaged airbags shall comply with regulations developed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.

(8) State rules regarding the sale of salvaged airbags shall include, but not be limited to, the following standards:

(i) Identification of the supplier of the unit;

(ii) Identification of the recipient vehicle, including VIN, year, make, and model;

(iii) Identification of the airbag module cover color (and color code if available);

(iv) Identification of the donor vehicle, including VIN, year, make, and model;

(v) Suppliers internal stock number or locator number;

(vi) Indication of source of interchange information (i.e. interchange manual/part number, OEM information, etc.);

(vii) A supplier certificate indicating that all the requirements of the inspection protocol have been successfully achieved and identifying the person who completed the inspection; and

(viii) A document containing the vehicle description including the year, make, and model for which the airbag system component is required when being sold to the end-user.

(9) Salvaged airbags conforming to such standards shall be accompanied by a certificate of conformance that shall be retained by the installer.

(b) Prohibition  penalties.

(1) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess, sell, or install a stolen airbag; an airbag from which the manufacturers part number labeling and/or VIN has been removed, altered, or defaced; or an airbag taken from a stolen motor vehicle. Any person who violates this subdivision commits a felony.

(2) Any person who fails to maintain complete and accurate records, to prepare complete and accurate documents, to provide information from such record upon request, or to properly disclose that an airbag is salvaged, as required by this chapter, commits a misdemeanor.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-50-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-50 / Section 31-50-3
§ 31-50-3. Board  Duties and powers.
Status: in_force

The boards duties shall consist of overseeing said office and reviewing its effectiveness, assuring that the funds derived pursuant to § 31-50-4 are devoted to the statutory purposes established in this chapter, and preparing reports and recommendations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-10 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-10
§ 31-23-10. Sirens, bells, and whistles prohibited.
Status: in_force

No vehicle shall be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a vehicle any siren, whistle, or bell, except as permitted in §§ 31-23-9, 31-23-11 and 31-23-12. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-52-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-52 / Section 31-52-4
§ 31-52-4. Funeral procession right-of-way.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, pedestrians and operators of all vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which is part of a funeral procession being led by a funeral escort vehicle or a funeral lead vehicle.

(b) Whenever the funeral escort vehicle or funeral lead vehicle in a funeral procession lawfully enters an intersection, either by reason of a traffic control device or at the direction of law enforcement personnel, the remaining vehicles in the funeral procession may continue to follow the funeral lead vehicle through the intersection despite any traffic control devices or right-of-way provisions of state or local ordinances, provided the operator of each vehicle exercises reasonable care toward any other vehicle or pedestrian on the roadway.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, an operator of a funeral escort vehicle may direct the operators of other vehicles in a funeral procession to proceed through an intersection or to make turns or other movements despite any traffic control device. The operator of a funeral escort vehicle may direct and control the operators of vehicles not in a funeral procession, including those in or approaching an intersection, to stop, proceed, or make turns or other movements without regard to a traffic control device. Funeral escort vehicles may exceed the speed limit by fifteen (15) miles per hour when overtaking the funeral procession to direct traffic at the next intersection.

(d) Funeral processions shall have the right-of-way at intersections regardless of traffic control devices, subject to the following conditions and exceptions:

(1) Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right-of-way to an approaching emergency vehicle giving an audible or visible signal;

(2) Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession shall yield the right-of-way when directed to do so by law enforcement personnel; and

(3) Operators of vehicles in a funeral procession must exercise due care when participating in a funeral procession.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-37-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-37 / Section 31-37-4
§ 31-37-4. Inspection of pumps and tanks.
Status: in_force

The division of taxation may cause its investigators and examiners to make inspections and examinations of filling stations, pumps, measuring devices, storage tanks, and tanks on motor vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-1 / Section 31-1-7
§ 31-1-7. Foreign vehicle.
Status: in_force

Foreign vehicle means every vehicle, of a type that must be registered under chapters 3  9 of this title, brought into this state from another state, territory or country, other than in the ordinary course of business by or through a manufacturer or dealer, and not registered in this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-18.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-5 / Section 31-5-18.1
§ 31-5-18.1. Inspection of records and premises.
Status: in_force

All records kept in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be open to inspection by the department and its duly authorized representatives, by the division of motor vehicles, and by any state or municipal official or police officer during reasonable business hours.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-24 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-24
§ 31-32-24. Motor vehicle liability policy defined.
Status: in_force

(a) Certification. Motor vehicle liability policy as the term is used in this chapter means an owners policy or an operators policy of liability insurance, certified as provided in § 31-32-21 or 31-32-22 as proof of financial responsibility for the future, and issued, except as otherwise provided in § 31-32-22, by an insurance carrier duly authorized to transact business in this state, to or for the benefit of the person named in it as insured.

(b) Owners policy. The owners policy of liability insurance:

(1) Shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all vehicles with respect to which coverage is to be granted by it; and

(2) Shall insure the person named in it and any other person, as insured, using any vehicle or vehicles with the express or implied permission of the named insured, against loss from the liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of that vehicle or vehicles within the United States of America or the Dominion of Canada, subject to limits exclusive of interest and costs, with respect to each vehicle, as follows:

(i) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident; and

(ii) Subject to the limit for one person, fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two (2) or more persons in any one accident; and

(iii) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident or seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) combined single limit.

(c) Operators policy. The operators policy of liability insurance shall insure the person named as insured in it against loss from the liability imposed upon him or her by law for damages arising out of the use by him or her of any motor vehicle not owned by him or her, within the same territorial limits and subject to the same limits of liability as are set forth above with respect to an owners policy of liability insurance.

(d) Required statements in policies. The motor vehicle liability policy shall state the name and address of the named insured, the coverage afforded by the policy, the premium charged for that coverage, the policy period, and the limits of liability, and shall contain an agreement or be endorsed that insurance is provided under the policy in accordance with the coverage defined in this chapter as respects bodily injury and death or property damage, or both, and is subject to all the provisions of this chapter.

(e) Policy need not insure under workers compensation law or employees. The motor vehicle liability policy need not insure any liability under any workers compensation law nor any liability on account of bodily injury to or death of an employee of the insured while engaged in the employment other than domestic of the insured, or while engaged in the operation, maintenance, or repair of any vehicle, nor any liability for damage to property owned by, rented to, in charge of, or transported by the insured.

(f) Provisions incorporated in policy. Every motor vehicle liability policy shall be subject to the following provisions which need not be contained in it:

(1) The liability of the insurance carrier with respect to the insurance required by this chapter shall become absolute whenever injury or damage covered by the motor vehicle liability policy occurs; the policy may not be cancelled or annulled as to the liability by any agreement between the insurance carrier and the insured after the occurrence of the injury or damage; no statement made by the insured or on his or her behalf and no violation of the policy shall defeat or void the policy.

(2) The satisfaction by the insured of a judgment for an injury or damage shall not be a condition precedent to the right or duty of the insurance carrier to make payment on account of the injury or damage.

(3) The insurance carrier shall have the right to settle any claim covered by the policy. If the settlement is made in good faith, the amount of it shall be deductible from the limits of liability specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section.

(4) The policy, the written application for it, if any, and any rider or endorsement which does not conflict with the provisions of this chapter, shall constitute the entire contract between the parties.

(g) Excess or additional coverage. Any policy which grants the coverage required for a motor vehicle liability policy may also grant any lawful coverage in excess of or in addition to the coverage specified for a motor vehicle liability policy, and the excess or additional coverage shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter. With respect to a policy which grants the excess or additional coverage, the term motor vehicle liability policy shall apply only to that part of the coverage which is required by this section.

(h) Reimbursement provision permitted. Any motor vehicle liability policy may provide that the insured shall reimburse the insurance carrier for any payment the insurance carrier would not have been obligated to make under the terms of the policy except for the provisions of this chapter.

(i) Proration of insurance permitted. Any motor vehicle liability policy may provide for the prorating of the insurance it provides with other valid and collectible insurance.

(j) Multiple policies. The requirements for a motor vehicle liability policy may be fulfilled by the policies of one or more insurance carriers which policies together meet the requirements.

(k) Binders. Any binder issued pending the issuance of a motor vehicle liability policy shall be deemed to fulfill the requirements for such a policy.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-1
§ 31-3-1. Operation of unregistered vehicle.
Status: in_force

It is a civil violation for any person to operate, or for an owner knowingly to permit to be operated, upon any highway any vehicle of a type required to be registered under this chapter which is not registered and for which the appropriate fee has not been paid or not registered as required in any other state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-45.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-45.1
§ 31-3-45.1. Police registration plates.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall upon request issue to all police departments within this state, as listed in § 12-7-21 but, excluding the Rhode Island state police, and Rhode Island sheriffs department, police registration plates.

(b) The above described plates shall be imprinted with the word police and shall be of a distinctive color to distinguish them from standard registration plates.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-53-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-53 / Section 31-53-3
§ 31-53-3. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Airbag means a motor vehicle inflatable occupant restraint system device that is part of a supplemental restraint system.

(2) Counterfeit supplemental restraint system component means a replacement supplemental restraint system component, including, but not limited to, an airbag that displays a mark identical or substantially similar to the genuine mark of a motor vehicle manufacturer or a supplier of parts to the manufacturer of a motor vehicle without authorization from that manufacturer or supplier, respectively.

(3) Light manipulating system means anything that would mask or cause the inaccurate indication of the airbag system status, condition, or operability.

(4) Nonfunctional airbag means a replacement airbag that meets any of the following criteria:

(i) The airbag was previously deployed or damaged;

(ii) The airbag has an electric fault that is detected by the vehicles airbag diagnostic systems when the installation procedure is completed and the vehicle is returned to the customer who requested the work to be performed or when ownership is intended to be transferred;

(iii) The airbag includes a part or object, including, but not limited to, a supplemental restraint system component installed in a motor vehicle to mislead the owner or operator of the motor vehicle into believing that a functional airbag has been installed; or

(iv) The airbag is subject to the prohibitions of 49 U.S.C. § 30120(j).

(5) Person means any natural person, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, or other entity.

(6) Salvaged airbag means an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) non-deployed airbag that has been removed from a motor vehicle for use in another vehicle.

(7) Supplemental restraint system, commonly referred to as an SRS, means a passive inflatable motor vehicle occupant crash protection system designed for use in conjunction with active restraint systems, as defined in 49 C.F.R. § 571.208. A supplemental restraint system includes one or more airbags and all components required to ensure that an airbag works as designed by the vehicle manufacturer, including both of the following:

(i) The airbag operates as designed in the event of a crash; and

(ii) The airbag is designed in accordance with federal motor vehicle safety standards for the specific make, model, and year of the vehicle in which it is or will be installed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-46 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-46
§ 31-10-46. Driver education course  Credit given.
Status: in_force

A driver education student who passes the driver education course but fails the learners permit examination shall be given credit for passing the driver education course and need not retake it provided the student within ten (10) days retakes the learners permit examination at the division of motor vehicles and passes it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-15-20 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-15 / Section 31-15-20
§ 31-15-20. Unsafe passing of a vulnerable road user.
Status: in_force

(a) For purposes of this section, vulnerable road user means:

(1) A pedestrian who is acting in compliance with chapter 18 of this title;

(2) A bicyclist who is acting in compliance with chapter 19 of this title;

(3) A police officer or emergency worker on duty when outside of a vehicle;

(4) A highway worker performing duties outside of a vehicle;

(5) A person riding on or driving a wheelchair, motorized or not, who is acting in compliance with chapter 18 of this title;

(6) A person using a skateboard, inline skates, or roller skates who is acting in compliance with chapter 19 of this title;

(7) A person riding on or driving an animal;

(8) A person riding on a scooter who is acting in compliance with chapter 19.1 of this title.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of the general or public laws to the contrary, any person, while operating a motor vehicle on a street or highway, who fails to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a vulnerable road user, who is the proximate cause of injury, serious injury, or death to the vulnerable road user, shall be guilty of an offense pursuant to this section and shall be sentenced, in addition to any other applicable criminal or civil statute, as follows:

(1) When bodily injury of a vulnerable road user is caused by a violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200).

(2) When serious bodily injury of a vulnerable road user is caused by a violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500), and the drivers license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months.

(3) When the death of a vulnerable road user is caused by a violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) and the drivers license shall be suspended for a period of one year.

(c) 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.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-51 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-51
§ 31-23-51. Earphones and headsets prohibited.
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall operate a bicycle or motor vehicle upon any highway while wearing earphones, a headset, headphone, or other listening device. Any person who violates this section shall be fined: (1) one hundred dollars ($100) for the first offense, (2) one hundred ten dollars ($110) for the second offense, and (3) one hundred forty dollars ($140) for the third and each subsequent offense.

(b) This section shall not apply to:

(1) Any emergency vehicle operator using an integrated intercom system;

(2) Any person operating a motorcycle who is using a headset installed in a helmet and worn so as to prevent the speakers from making direct contact with the users ears so that the user can hear surrounding sounds;

(3) Any person using a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear;

(4) Any person using a headset in conjunction with the communicating with the central base operation that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear;

(5) Any person using a hearing aid(s) or instrument for the improvement of hearing.

(c) The department of motor vehicles shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-1.2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-1.2
§ 31-27-1.2. Driving so as to endanger, resulting in physical injury.
Status: in_force

(a) When the physical injury of any person ensues as a proximate result of the operation of any vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others, including violations of § 31-27-22, the person so operating the vehicle shall be guilty of driving so as to endanger, resulting in physical injury.

(b) Any person charged with a violation of this section shall upon conviction be imprisoned for not more than two (2) years and have his or her license to operate a motor vehicle be suspended for no more than one year.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-26 / Section 31-26-8
§ 31-26-8. Reports by owner when driver incapable.
Status: in_force

Whenever the driver is physically incapable of making a written report of an accident as required in § 31-26-6 and the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, then the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident shall within twenty one (21) days after learning of the accident make the report not made by the driver.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-45 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-10 / Section 31-10-45
§ 31-10-45. Safety belts.
Status: in_force

Each licensee of a driver school shall equip the front seats of school training vehicles with safety belts for the instructor and the student, and the student shall wear a safety belt during road instruction.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-18 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-18
§ 31-24-18. Side cowl and fender lamps.
Status: in_force

Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two (2) side cowl or fender lamps which shall emit an amber or white light without glare. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-44-11 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-44 / Section 31-44-11
§ 31-44-11. Fiscal autonomy.
Status: in_force

All license and permit fees collected pursuant to this chapter, and any fines collected by the department of business regulation for violations related to licenses and permits shall be held and used as specified under § 31-44-1.6. Any revenue received in excess of the departments expenses used as specified in this chapter shall be carried forward as specified under § 31-44-1.6(c).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-35 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-35
§ 31-24-35. Lamps on animal-drawn, farm, and road vehicles.
Status: in_force

All vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles and including those referred to in § 31-23-3 not specifically required by this chapter to be equipped with lamps, shall at the times specified in § 31-24-1 be equipped with at least one lighted lamp or lantern exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500²) to the front of the vehicle and with a lamp or lantern exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500²) to the rear. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-28-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-28 / Section 31-28-2
§ 31-28-2. Ordinances authorizing parking meters and meter zones.
Status: in_force

(a) Any town or city council may enact ordinances authorizing the installation, operation, maintenance, policing, and supervision of parking meters on the public highways, and fix and provide for the payment of a fee for the purpose of parking by requiring the operator of any vehicle parking in the zone to deposit in the meter in the zone or adjacent to it, a coin of the United States as the council shall determine to be necessary for the purpose of regulating parking. Any fee established for parking shall bear a reasonable relation to the actual cost incurred by the town or city in the installation, operation, maintenance, policing, and supervision of the parking meter system and the parking of motor vehicles on the public highways.

(b) The commissioner of public safety for the city of Providence and the council of any other city or town may establish parking meter zones for the purpose of regulating the parking of motor vehicles on the public highways.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-29-2 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-29 / Section 31-29-2
§ 31-29-2. Entry into reciprocal agreements  Scope of agreements.
Status: in_force

The governor is authorized, with the advice of the board, 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, or of any province in the dominion of Canada, with respect to all fees or taxes imposed by this state and by any other state, or the District of Columbia, or any province of Canada, on motor vehicles, or on the operation of motor vehicles, or upon any transaction incident to the operation of motor vehicles. It shall be the duty of the board to study and advise the governor with respect to all matters affecting any reciprocal agreements.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-7 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-7
§ 31-23-7. Brakes on motor-driven cycles.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to require an inspection of the brake on any motor-driven cycle and to disapprove any brake which he or she finds will not comply with the performance ability standard set forth in § 31-23-5, or which in his or her opinion is not designed or constructed as to insure reasonable and reliable performance in actual use.

(b) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles may refuse to register or may suspend or revoke the registration of any vehicle referred to in this section when he or she determines that the brake on it does not comply with the provisions of this section.

(c) No person shall operate on any highway any vehicle referred to in this section in the event the administrator of the division of motor vehicles has disapproved the brake equipment upon the vehicle or type of vehicle.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-27 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-2 / Section 31-2-27
§ 31-2-27. Technology surcharge fee.
Status: in_force

(a) The division of motor vehicles shall collect a technology surcharge fee of three dollars and fifty cents ($3.50) per transaction for every division of motor vehicles fee transaction, except as otherwise provided by law and provided no surcharge fee is assessed on motor vehicle inspection transactions conducted pursuant to § 31-38-4. All technology surcharge fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into a restricted-receipt account managed by the division of motor vehicles and restricted to the project-related payments and/or ongoing maintenance of and enhancements to the division of motor vehicles computer system.

(b) [Deleted by P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 7, § 1.]

(c) [Deleted by P.L. 2025, ch. 278, art. 11, § 1.]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-4-6.1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-4 / Section 31-4-6.1
§ 31-4-6.1. Transfer of interest between spouses.
Status: in_force

Whenever a person transfers his or her interest or title in or to a registered vehicle to his or her spouse, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall not transfer the registration unless the application is accompanied by a separate signed and notarized statement from the transferor indicating his or her approval of the transfer.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-15 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-11 / Section 31-11-15
§ 31-11-15. Appeal from administrators order.
Status: in_force

Any person aggrieved by any order of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles may appeal that order to the sixth division of the district court by filing, within ten (10) days from the date of the notice to that person of the issuance of the order, a petition in that court stating the grounds upon which the appeal is taken. Upon the filing of the petition and tendering a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) filing fee, the court shall cause thirty (30) days notice of the pendency of the hearing to be given to the division of motor vehicles by serving the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, in the manner in which subpoenas in equity are served, with a certified copy of the petition. The petition shall follow the course of equity so far as it is applicable. Upon hearing this petition the court may review the evidence taken at a hearing, investigators reports, or other information upon which the administrators action was taken, and may in its discretion, affirm, or overrule or modify the order of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. However, the taking of the appeal shall not operate as a stay of the order of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles from which the appeal is taken, and the order shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of the appeal. A party aggrieved by a final order of the court may seek appellate review of the order pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 42-35-16.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-17-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-17 / Section 31-17-8
§ 31-17-8. Right-of-way at rotary.
Status: in_force

(a) In the absence of any traffic control device or sign, the driver of a vehicle about to enter a rotary, regardless of the direction from which the vehicle is approaching, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles already in the rotary. The state traffic commission shall determine the location of yield signs at rotaries. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4, unless bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death occurs to any person other than the offending operator under this section.

(b) When bodily injury of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200). When serious bodily injury of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) and his/her drivers license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months. When the death of any person other than the offending operator of any motor vehicle is caused by violation of this section, the offending operator shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) and his/her drivers license shall be suspended for a period of one year.

(c) 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.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-14 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-14
§ 31-32-14. Duration of suspension for unsatisfied judgment.
Status: in_force

The license, registration, and nonresidents operating privilege shall remain so suspended and shall not be renewed, nor shall the license or registration be thereafter issued in the name of the person, including any person not previously licensed, unless and until the judgment is stayed, satisfied in full, or to the extent provided in this chapter, and until the person gives proof of financial responsibility subject to the exemptions stated in §§ 31-32-12, 31-32-13, and 31-32-17.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-29 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-23 / Section 31-23-29
§ 31-23-29. Flares and warning devices.
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall operate any truck, truck/tractor or passenger bus upon any highway unless there shall be carried flares and/or warning devices for stopped and/or disabled vehicles.

(b) These flares and/or warning devices shall conform and be displayed according to regulations set forth in 49 CFR Parts 390-399, as amended.

(c) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-21 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-11 / Section 31-11-21
§ 31-11-21. Employment of unlicensed chauffeur prohibited.
Status: in_force

No person shall employ as a chauffeur of a motor vehicle any person not then licensed as provided in chapter 10 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-20-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-20 / Section 31-20-1
§ 31-20-1. When railroad crossing stops required of all vehicles.
Status: in_force

Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this section the driver of the vehicle shall stop within fifty feet (50²) but not less than fifteen feet (15²) from the nearest rail of the railroad, and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely. These foregoing requirements shall apply when:

(1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train;

(2) A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train;

(3) A railroad train approaching within approximately one thousand five hundred feet (1,500²) of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from that distance, and the railroad train, by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing, is an immediate hazard;

(4) An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.

(5) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-33-15 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-33 / Section 31-33-15
§ 31-33-15. Suspension of fraudulent registration of vehicle owned by minor.
Status: in_force

The division of motor vehicles shall immediately suspend the registration of any motor vehicle if it appears to the division of motor vehicles that the motor vehicle is owned by a person under eighteen (18) years of age and that the person has secured the registration by a false statement of his or her age or that the motor vehicle has been registered in the name of a person not the true owner of it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-1 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-11 / Section 31-11-1
§ 31-11-1. Authority of division of motor vehicles to cancel license.
Status: in_force

(a) The division of motor vehicles is authorized to cancel any operators or chauffeurs license upon determining that the licensee was not entitled to its issuance pursuant to this title or that the licensee failed to give the required or correct information in his or her application, or committed any fraud in making the application.

(b) Upon the cancellation, the licensee must surrender the cancelled license to the division of motor vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-21 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-21
§ 31-27-21. Community restitution.
Status: in_force

The general assembly declares that the words public community service which appear throughout this chapter shall now be substituted with and referred to as public community restitution.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-31.4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-31.4
§ 31-3-31.4. Registration of forestry vehicles  Use of farm plates.
Status: in_force

(a) Forestry vehicles, equipped with rubber tires while being used in forestry and operated on highways, shall be registered on a form furnished by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles and shall be assigned a special number farm plate pursuant to the provisions of § 31-3-31 with a suitable symbol or letter indicating the usage of the forestry vehicle.

(b) As used in this section:

(1) Forest land shall have the same meaning as defined in § 2-27-2.

(2) Forest product operations means any and all trade occupations involving the harvesting, production, maintaining, and sale of forest products originating in the state including, but not limited to:

(i) Arboriculture and logging; and

(ii) Kiln drying, operations of firewood, saw milling, lumber, pallets, biochar, mulch, compost, biomass, wood chips, saw dust, timbers, posts, beams, shingles, and artisan tree carvings, seasonal greens, and berries.

(3) Forestry vehicle means every vehicle which is designed for and used for forest product operations 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 forestry product operations, which use shall include the delivery of forest products produced by the forester but shall not include commercial hire for non-forestry product operation uses including, but not limited to, hauling of sand and gravel, and snow plowing, other than directly on the vehicle owners forest land.

(c) This section is only applicable to forest product operations with annual revenue of no greater than two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-46-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-46 / Section 31-46-3
§ 31-46-3. Salvage by non-insurer.
Status: in_force

If the total cost of repairs to rebuild or reconstruct the motor vehicle to its condition immediately before it was wrecked, destroyed or damaged, and for legal operations on the roads or highways, exceeds seventy-five percent (75%) of the fair market value of the motor vehicle immediately preceding the time it was wrecked, destroyed or damaged, and the motor vehicle is less than seven (7) years beyond the date of manufacture, the owner shall return within ten (10) days to the division of motor vehicles, the certificate of title of that vehicle and obtain a salvage certificate of title for that vehicle as prescribed for by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. For the purposes of this section, fair market value shall mean the retail value of a motor vehicle as set forth in a current edition of any nationally recognized compilation of retail values, including automated databases, or from publications commonly used by the automotive industry to establish the values of motor vehicles, or determined pursuant to market survey of comparable vehicles with regard to condition and equipment. If any person, individual, or corporation or other owner sells the motor vehicle for any reason, that owner shall make application for a salvage certificate of title. The division of motor vehicles shall issue the salvage certificate of title on a form prescribed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles that shall be of a color easily distinguished from the original certificate of title and shall bear the same number and information as the original certificate of title. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall charge the owner a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) for the cost of processing each salvage certificate of title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-2 / Section 31-2-4
§ 31-2-4. Rules and regulations  Exception to authority.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles, department of revenue is authorized to adopt and enforce those rules and regulations that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of chapters 1  27 of this title, and any other laws the enforcement and administration of which are vested in the division of motor vehicles, including rules and regulations concerning specialized testing and standards for operators of commercial vehicles; provided, however, that nothing contained in this section shall be construed to authorize the administrator to charge any monetary fee for a license or permit to utilize a flashing light by any volunteer fire department or volunteer ambulance squad.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-12.4 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-27 / Section 31-27-12.4
§ 31-27-12.4. Disposition of complaint only by court.
Status: in_force

Upon the deposit of the complaint and the division of motor vehicle record of a violation with the court having jurisdiction of the alleged violations, the complaint of the violation shall be disposed of only by trial in the court or by other official action by a judge of the court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-116 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-116
§ 31-3-116. Special plate for the Ocean State Animal Coalition.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available a special motor vehicle registration plate for the Ocean State Animal Coalition.

(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 Ocean State Animal Coalition motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles with the design approved by the Rhode Island state police.

(d) The Ocean State Animal Coalition motor vehicle plates shall be subject to a minimum pre-paid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of plates per plate type. The Ocean State Animal Coalition plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order requirements are met. The initial order shall be handled by the Ocean State Animal Coalition and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met and the proper paperwork submitted to the division.

(e) The administrator 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, the Ocean State Animal Coalition motor vehicle plates shall be subject to a forty-dollar ($40) issuance surcharge.

(g) The forty-dollar issuance ($40) surcharge shall be allocated as follows: twenty dollars ($20) shall be allocated to the general fund, and the remaining twenty dollars ($20) shall be distributed annually to the Ocean State Animal Coalition in furtherance of its mission to improve the status and well-being of animals in Rhode Island, including subsidizing spay and neuter services for cats and dogs.

(h) The Ocean State Animal Coalition shall distribute the funds it receives as referenced in subsection (g) of this section to Rhode Island-based municipal animal shelters and other humane organizations pursuant to procedures developed in accordance with subsection (e) of this section.

(i) The Ocean State Animal Coalition shall be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.

(j) A ten-dollar ($10) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to the Ocean State Animal Coalition.

(k) There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Ocean State Animal Coalition motor vehicle plates.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-24-37 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-24 / Section 31-24-37
§ 31-24-37. Clearance and marker lamps and reflectors.
Status: in_force

In addition to other equipment required in chapters 1  27 of this title, the following vehicles shall be equipped as follows under the conditions stated in § 31-24-36.

(1) On every bus or truck, whatever its size, there shall be the following:

(i) On the rear, two (2) reflectors, one at each side; and

(ii) On the rear, one stop light.

(2) On every bus or truck eighty inches (80") or more in overall width, in addition to the requirements in subdivision (1) of this section:

(i) On the front, two (2) clearance lamps, one at each side;

(ii) On the rear, two (2) clearance lamps, one at each side;

(iii) On each side, two (2) side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear;

(iv) On each side, two (2) reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.

(3) On every truck tractor:

(i) On the front, two (2) clearance lamps, one at each side;

(ii) On the rear, one stop light.

(4) On every trailer or semi-trailer having a gross weight in excess of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.):

(i) On the front, two (2) clearance lamps, one at each side;

(ii) On each side, two (2) side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear;

(iii) On each side, two (2) reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear;

(iv) On the rear, two (2) clearance lamps, one at each side;

(v) On the rear, two (2) reflectors, one at each side; and

(vi) On the rear, one stop light.

(5) On every pole trailer in excess of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) gross weight:

(i) On each side, one side marker lamp and one clearance lamp which may be in combination, to show to the front, side, and rear.

(ii) On the rear of the pole trailer or load, two (2) reflectors, one at each side.

(6) On every trailer, semi-trailer, or pole trailer weighing three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) gross or less:

(i) On the rear, two (2) reflectors, one on each side. If any trailer or semi-trailer is so loaded or is of such dimensions as to obscure the stop light on the towing vehicle, then the vehicle shall also be equipped with one stop light.

(7) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-32-11 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-32 / Section 31-32-11
§ 31-32-11. Exception in relation to certain vehicles.
Status: in_force

The provisions of § 31-32-10 shall not apply with respect to any judgment arising out of an accident caused by the ownership or operation, with permission, of a vehicle owned or leased to the United States, this state, or a municipality of it, any ambulance owned by a hospital, or any motor propelled fire engines or other fire apparatus owned by volunteer fire companies whether incorporated or not, any motor vehicle owned by volunteer fire companies whether incorporated or not, any motor vehicle owned by a representative of a foreign country duly accredited to the United States government, nor any motor vehicle which is subject to the requirements of any of chapters 12  14 of title 39.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-4-9 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-4 / Section 31-4-9
§ 31-4-9. Out-of-state purchases.
Status: in_force

Any person who purchases a motor vehicle outside the state of Rhode Island from a bona fide licensed dealer and who presently has a motor vehicle registered in this state may, when the new vehicle purchased has the same number of wheels as the presently owned and registered vehicle, operate the newly acquired motor vehicle for a period of thirty (30) days following the date of transfer provided that the number plates issued upon registration of the transferred motor vehicle are attached to the newly acquired vehicle. During this period any operator of the newly acquired vehicle shall carry an original dated copy of the bill of sale reciting the registration number to be transferred from the former vehicle to the newly acquired vehicle.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-38 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-38
§ 31-3-38. Change of engines.
Status: in_force

The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to adopt and enforce such registration rules and regulations that are deemed necessary and compatible with the public interest with respect to the change or substitution of one engine in place of another in any motor vehicle.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-17 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-3 / Section 31-3-17
§ 31-3-17. Volunteer fire company plates.
Status: in_force

(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall, upon approved application, issue annually to any member of any duly incorporated volunteer fire company in this state, so long as he or she remains a member of the volunteer fire company, a special identifying number plate which shall be attached to the motor vehicle of the member of the volunteer fire company in conjunction with the regular number plates assigned to the member of the fire company at the time of the registration of the vehicle. There shall be a one time charge of ten dollars ($10.00) for these special number plates, of which five dollars ($5.00) shall be deposited to the division of motor vehicles manufacturing account. The member of the volunteer fire company shall attach and display the special identifying number plate in accordance with such rules and regulations as the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall promulgate.

(b) The design of the plates shall be provided by the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs, and shall be approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.

(c) Every plate issued shall bear an individual number to identify the vehicle to which it is attached. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to promulgate any rules and regulations that are required in determining the manner by which the individual numbers will be selected and issued.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-18-5 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-18 / Section 31-18-5
§ 31-18-5. Crossing other than at crosswalks.
Status: in_force

Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-14-3 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-14 / Section 31-14-3
§ 31-14-3. Conditions requiring reduced speed.
Status: in_force

(a) The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements of §31-14-1, drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing; when approaching and going around a curve; when approaching a hill crest; when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway; when a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions; and in the presence of emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights as provided in §31-24-31, tow trucks, transporter trucks, highway maintenance equipment displaying flashing lights (while performing maintenance operations), roadside assistance vehicles displaying flashing amber lights while assisting a disabled motor vehicle, and any nonemergency vehicle that is stationary and located on the shoulder or breakdown lane of a roadway or highway. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in §31-41.1-4.

(b) When an authorized vehicle, as described in subsection (a), is parked or standing within twelve feet (12²) of a roadway and, if required pursuant to subsection (a), is giving a warning signal by appropriate light, the driver of every other approaching vehicle shall, as soon as it is safe, and when not otherwise directed by an individual lawfully directing traffic, do one of the following:

(1) Move the vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest the parked or standing authorized highway maintenance equipment displaying flashing lights (while performing maintenance operations), tow truck, transporter trucks, roadside assistance vehicles, emergency vehicle, or nonemergency vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear of the authorized highway maintenance equipment displaying flashing lights (while performing maintenance operations), tow truck, transporter trucks, roadside assistance vehicles, emergency vehicle, or nonemergency vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has at least two (2) lanes for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle and if the approaching vehicle may change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic; or

(2) Slow the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the vehicle at a reduced speed until completely past the authorized highway maintenance equipment displaying flashing lights (while performing maintenance operations), tow truck, transporter trucks, roadside assistance vehicle, emergency vehicle, or nonemergency vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has only one lane for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle or if the approaching vehicle may not change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.

Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in §31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-34-8 — RI Code / Title 31 / Chapter 31-34 / Section 31-34-8
§ 31-34-8. Basis of charges.
Status: in_force

Every automobile rental company shall compute rental charges, with the exception of rental charges for temporary replacement vehicles after an accident, based solely on a twenty-four (24) hour period, rather than on a calendar day basis.