reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-2.1. - Out-of-state motorized bicycles.

§ 31-3-2.1. Out-of-state motorized bicycles.
Out-of-state residents owning motorized bicycles, whose state of residence does not require the registration of those vehicles, shall register the vehicles in the state of Rhode Island and upon payment of the registration fee shall be issued stickers to be placed on the vehicle evidencing registration.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 327, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-2.2. - Registration of motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and motorized tricycles.

§ 31-3-2.2. Registration of motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and motorized tricycles.
(a)
Every motorcycle, motorized bicycle, and motorized tricycle owned by a resident of this state shall be subject to the registration provisions of chapters 3 — 9 of this title whether the motorcycle, motorized bicycle, or motorized tricycle is operated or drawn upon a highway within this state or upon private property. An electric personal assistive mobility device (“EPAMD”) and electric motorized bicycles shall not be required to register under this chapter; provided, however, that an EPAMD and/or electric motorized bicycles shall not be operated in this state by a person under the age of sixteen (16) years.
(b)
Notwithstanding any general law to the contrary, cities and towns are empowered to enact ordinances that permit the use and regulation of electric personal assistive mobility devices (“EPAMD”).
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 589, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 56, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 136, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 397, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 304, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-3.1. - Notice to division of motor vehicles of vehicle lease agreement.

§ 31-3-3.1. Notice to division of motor vehicles of vehicle lease agreement.
(a)
Every owner of a vehicle subject to registration or renewal of registration under this chapter shall notify the division of motor vehicles, at the time of registration of the vehicle on the proper registration form, of any agreement to lease the registered vehicle for a period of six (6) months duration, or longer, except for those commercial motor vehicles covered under the federal motor carrier safety regulations, 49 CFR Part 390 as may be amended from time to time.
(b)
The division of motor vehicles shall cause the name and address of the lessee as well as the owner of the vehicle to be entered on the division of motor vehicles records as provided in this chapter.
(c)
The name and address of both the owner and lessee shall be made available by the division of motor vehicles upon a registration inquiry from any law enforcement officer, department, or agency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 475, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 82, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-4. - Proof of payment of sales or use tax.

§ 31-3-4. Proof of payment of sales or use tax.
Each person, before obtaining an original or transferral registration for a motor vehicle in this state, shall furnish evidence that any tax due with reference to the motor vehicle pursuant to the provisions of chapters 18 and 19 of title 44 has been paid in accordance with regulations prescribed by the tax administrator, and on any forms that are approved by the tax administrator and the state administrator of the division of motor vehicles. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall, upon the request of the tax administrator, and after due hearing by the tax administrator, suspend or revoke a motor vehicle registration of any person who fails to pay any tax due in connection with the sale, storage, use, or other consumption of the motor vehicle pursuant to the provisions of chapters 18 and 19.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1887, art. 2, § 57; P.L. 1956, ch. 3740, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-5. - Grounds for refusal of registration.

§ 31-3-5. Grounds for refusal of registration.
The division of motor vehicles shall refuse registration or any transfer of registration upon any of the following grounds:
(1)
That the application contains any false or fraudulent statement, or that the applicant has failed to furnish required information, or reasonable additional information requested by the division of motor vehicles, or that the applicant is not entitled to the issuance of registration of the vehicle under chapters 3 — 9 of this title;
(2)
That the vehicle is mechanically unfit or unsafe to be operated upon the highways;
(3)
That the division of motor vehicles has reasonable ground to believe that the vehicle is a stolen or embezzled vehicle, or that the granting of registration would constitute a fraud against the rightful owner;
(4)
That the registration of the vehicle stands suspended or revoked for any reason as provided in the motor vehicle laws of this state;
(5)
That the vehicle has been reported by any city or town to the division of motor vehicles as having unpaid fines in the aggregate amount of two hundred dollars ($200) or more, including any and all interest, penalties, or other monetary amount that may be imposed for failure to pay the fines by a specified date; provided, the registration shall be issued upon presentation of proof of payment of the outstanding fines, including any and all interest, penalties, or other monetary amount owed to the cities or towns reporting the unpaid fines. When the division of motor vehicles denies a registration to any person pursuant to this subsection, the city or town requesting the denial of registration shall add a five-dollar ($5.00) fee to the aggregate value of the sum of the fines and, upon payment, shall transmit the fee to the division of motor vehicles. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any vehicle owned by a rental company, as defined in § 31-34.1-1;
(6)
That the vehicle does not comply with regulations promulgated pursuant to § 23-23-5(18);
(7)
That the vehicle does not comply with the provisions of chapter 47.1 of this title and any rules and regulations promulgated under that chapter;
(8)
That a commercial motor vehicle is being operated by a commercial motor carrier that has been prohibited from operating in interstate commerce by a federal agency with authority to do so under federal law; or
(9)
That the registered owner of a vehicle failed to pay the required toll amounts, administrative fees, and fines as prescribed in § 24-12-37.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-5; P.L. 1980, ch. 312, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 221, § 8; P.L. 1987, ch. 448, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 361, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 254, § 3; P.L. 2000, ch. 276, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 193, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 383, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 397, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 349, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-5.1. - Repealed.

§ 31-3-5.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 163, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1978, ch. 341, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-6. - List of vehicles on which taxes delinquent — Denial of registration.

§ 31-3-6. List of vehicles on which taxes delinquent — Denial of registration.
(a)
On or before October 31 in each year, the collector of taxes of each city or town shall furnish the division of motor vehicles, with a listing showing the registration plate numbers, names, and addresses of the taxpayers of the city or town whose personal property and/or excise tax on motor vehicles, the assessment of which were made the prior December 31 in the case of the property tax, and the tax levied in the current year in the case of the excise tax, remained unpaid as of the date of the list. Subsequently, the collector of taxes in each city or town shall, at the times and in the manner prescribed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, furnish to the division of motor vehicles the names and addresses of those persons whose names appeared on that list who have subsequently paid the personal property, and/or excise taxes on motor vehicles, and the division shall remove from the list the names and addresses of those persons. No city or town treasurer or tax collector shall refuse to accept personal property, and/or excise taxes on a motor vehicle, or refuse to remove the names and addresses of the owners of the vehicle from the list because of any other taxes owing the city or town. No person, corporation, partnership, joint stock company, or association whose name appears on the list and whose name has not been subsequently removed from the list shall be permitted to register any motor vehicle until all the excise and attendant penalties have been paid in full and the payment has been certified to the division of motor vehicles by the tax collector. The provisions of this section shall not be construed so as to prevent the payment of taxes on motor vehicles in quarterly installments as provided in chapter 5 of title 44. The provisions of this section shall apply in all respects in the case of taxes assessed upon motor vehicles by any fire district.
(b)
The division of motor vehicles (the “division”) shall provide a written notice to those persons or other taxpayers (the “person”) whose name appears on the list generated in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a). This notice shall include:
(1)
The name of the municipality or other entity providing the person’s name to the division; and
(2)
A statement that the person identified on the list shall not be permitted to register any motor vehicle until the tax matter has been resolved and the person’s name is removed from the list as provided for under subsection (a).
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; P.L. 1956, ch. 3714, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3714, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-6; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 142, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 341, § 6; P.L. 1979, ch. 379, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 61; P.L. 2018, ch. 175, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 293, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-6.1.1. - Denial of registration — Denial of transfer of registration — Failure to file tax returns and/or pay taxes.

§ 31-3-6.1.1. Denial of registration — Denial of transfer of registration — Failure to file tax returns and/or pay taxes.
(a)
On or before October 31 in each year and at least quarterly thereafter, the tax administrator shall furnish the division of motor vehicles, with a list of the names, addresses and social security numbers of persons who have neglected or refused to file a tax return(s) and/or to pay any tax administered by the tax administrator and that there is no administrative or appellate review pending regarding such tax matter.
(b)
Thereafter, the tax administrator, at the times and in the manner mutually agreed to by the tax administrator and the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, shall furnish to the division of motor vehicles the names, addresses and social security numbers of those persons whose names appear on that list but who have subsequently filed all required returns and paid all required taxes, interest and attendant penalties in full or entered into a time payment agreement satisfactory to the tax administrator. Upon receipt of said information, said names, addresses and social security numbers of said persons shall be removed from the list.
(c)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall not register any motor vehicle or transfer the registration of any motor vehicle for any person whose name appears on a list provided by the tax administrator pursuant to subsection (a) above until all state taxes, interest and attendant penalties have been paid in full and the payment has been certified to the division of motor vehicles by the tax administrator.
(d)
If the person thereafter files an overdue return and/or remits past taxes due or enters into a satisfactory time payment agreement with respect to any and all returns due and taxes payable, the tax administrator shall, within five (5) business days of the person’s request, provide the division of motor vehicles with a certificate of good standing specified in § 5-76-5. Within five (5) business days of receiving such a certificate, the division of motor vehicles shall register or transfer the person’s registration.
(e)
If a person files an overdue return and/or remits past due taxes in order to register a motor vehicle or transfer the registration of a motor vehicle, said late filing and/or payment shall not be an admission of a violation of any criminal tax statute regarding late filing and/or late payment. The tax administrator shall not refer such person to the attorney general for prosecution based solely upon said late filing and/or payment of past due taxes.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 12, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-7. - Registration — Indexing of records.

§ 31-3-7. Registration — Indexing of records.
The division of motor vehicles shall file each application received and when satisfied as to its genuineness and regularity, and that the applicant is entitled to register the vehicle, shall register the vehicle and keep a record of it in suitable books or on index cards as follows:
(1)
Under a distinctive regulation number assigned to the vehicle;
(2)
Alphabetically, under the name of the owner;
(3)
Under the motor number if available, otherwise any other identifying number of the vehicle; and
(4)
In the discretion of the division of motor vehicles, in any other manner it may deem desirable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-7; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-8. - Registration card — Contents.

§ 31-3-8. Registration card — Contents.
The division of motor vehicles, upon registering a vehicle, shall issue a registration card. The registration card shall be delivered to the owner and shall contain upon the its face, the date issued, the name and address of the owner, the registration number assigned to the vehicle, and such description of the vehicle as determined by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, and, upon its reverse side, a form for endorsement of notice to the division of motor vehicles upon transfer of the vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-9. - Registration card carried in vehicle.

§ 31-3-9. Registration card carried in vehicle.
(a)
Every registration card shall at all times be carried in the vehicle to which it refers, or shall be carried by the person driving or in control of such vehicle who shall display it upon demand of a proper officer.
(b)
The provisions of this section requiring that a registration card be carried in the vehicle to which it refers or by the person driving the vehicle shall not apply to vehicles bearing dealer or bailee registration plates, or when the card is used for the purpose of making a transfer of registration of the vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-10. - Issuance of registration plates.

§ 31-3-10. Issuance of registration plates.
The division of motor vehicles, upon registering a vehicle, shall issue to the owner one fully reflective registration plate for each motorcycle, trailer, semi-trailer, in-transit vehicle, transporter, bailee vehicle, or a dealer vehicle and two (2) fully reflective registration plates for every other motor vehicle. Application for and issuance of so-called commercial registration plates shall be provided at all offices maintained by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles under § 31-2-6.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-10; P.L. 1970, ch. 108, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 135, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-11. - Contents of registration plate.

§ 31-3-11. Contents of registration plate.
(a)
Every registration plate shall have displayed upon it the registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it is issued, the name of the state of Rhode Island along the top, which may be abbreviated “R.I.”, and the year number for which it is issued or the date of its expiration. Registration plates shall also have printed on them along the bottom the words “Ocean State”.
(b)
The provision requiring the printing of the words “Ocean State” along the bottom of these plates shall only pertain to private passenger plates. Registration plates for all other plate types shall have the plate type printed on the plate along the bottom.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-11; P.L. 1971, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 345, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 45, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 46, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-11.1. - Permanent registration and plates.

§ 31-3-11.1. Permanent registration and plates.
(a)
Every vehicle owned by the state of Rhode Island and any fire apparatus for which no fee is assessed shall be issued permanent registration and registration plates. The permanent registration and plates shall remain on the vehicles to which they are assigned without expiration until the vehicle is replaced or disposed of.
(b)
This section does not apply to certain vehicles owned by state law enforcement agencies.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 39, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-12. - Visibility of plates.

§ 31-3-12. Visibility of plates.
Each registration plate and the required letters and numerals on it, except the year number for which issued, shall be of sufficient size to be plainly readable from a distance of one hundred feet (100′) during daylight. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-12; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 103.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-13. - Plates for rental or leased vehicles.

§ 31-3-13. Plates for rental or leased vehicles.
The division of motor vehicles shall issue for every passenger motor vehicle rented or leased without a driver, the same type of registration plates as the type of plates issued for private passenger vehicles. However, if the renter or lessee uses his or her own registration plate on the rented or leased vehicle, that registration plate shall be promptly returned to him or her upon termination of the rental or lease agreement. Should the registration plate not be returned, the division of motor vehicles may be notified by the renter or lessor and the registration shall be cancelled by the division of motor vehicles and the registration plate shall be reissued to the person who rented or leased the motor vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-13; P.L. 1986, ch. 223, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-14. - Bailee and in transit plates.

§ 31-3-14. Bailee and in transit plates.
(a) Bailee plates.
The division of motor vehicles shall issue plates designated as “bailee plates” to garages, automobile repairers, or any person in the business requiring repossession of motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers.
(b) In transit plates.
The division of motor vehicles shall issue plates designated as “in transit” plates for use on special mobile equipment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-14; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-15. - Special plates for state officers and mayors.

§ 31-3-15. Special plates for state officers and mayors.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles has the right to issue a special registration plate for the use of the governor, the lieutenant governor, the secretary of state, the attorney general, the state treasurer, the president pro tem of the senate, the speaker of the house, and mayors of Rhode Island cities. The plates will be furnished without additional cost. If mayors of Rhode Island cities choose to use city motor vehicle registration plates, the mayors may place on the plates the official seals of the respective city in a manner that does not obstruct the numbering or lettering.
(b)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue, in addition to a regular registration plate, a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle of each former speaker of the house of representatives, each former majority and minority leader of the house of representatives, and of each former majority and minority leader of the senate and president of the senate. Each of these plates is to bear the identification “house speaker emeritus”, “house majority leader emeritus”, “house minority leader emeritus”, “senate majority leader emeritus”, “senate minority leader emeritus”, or “senate president emeritus” with a seal of the state imprinted on the plate and shall be financed without additional registration charge for a period of time as each former speaker and senate majority leader and president of the senate desires.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-15; P.L. 1974, ch. 208, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 430, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 350, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 65; P.L. 2006, ch. 310, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-16. - General assembly plates.

§ 31-3-16. General assembly plates.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is directed to make available to each duly elected member of the senate and of the house of representatives of the general assembly of the state of Rhode Island, so long as the member is serving during the term for which he or she has been elected as a member of the general assembly and no longer, two (2) special motor vehicle registration plates carrying on the first plate as a courtesy the word “senate” in the case of the senate, and the word “house” in the case of the house of representatives. On the second set of plates, in addition to the wording above, the letter “a” denoting auxiliary shall be placed on the plates. The plates are to have special identifying numbers corresponding to the number of the senatorial or representative district from which the member was elected.
(b)
The special motor vehicle registration plates shall carry thereon the design and the seal of the state of Rhode Island and shall be designed, sold, and attached to the motor vehicle without cost to the state.
(c)
Each member of any general assembly, at the expiration of his or her term as member, unless reelected, may retain the special motor vehicle registration plates in his or her own keeping, provided he or she does not display the plates upon any motor vehicle or any other form of transportation owned or operated by the member.
(d)
Any violation of the provisions of subsection (c) of this section shall be deemed a civil violation, and any person displaying a special motor vehicle registration plate upon any vehicle shall, upon conviction, be fined ten dollars ($10.00) for each offense.
(e)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall reserve for the future use of each member of the general assembly the private registration plates which he or she turns into the division of motor vehicles in return for legislator’s plates. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall annually, during the month of January, submit a written notice to each member of the general assembly notifying him or her of the private registration plates which are being reserved for his or her future use. The notice shall indicate the registration plate designation and the legislator for which it is being reserved.
(f)
In a state of emergency, any member of the general assembly driving a vehicle bearing a special motor vehicle registration plate shall be authorized and empowered to travel upon the highways of the state notwithstanding any driving ban imposed by any state or municipal authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-16; P.L. 1967, ch. 6, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 13, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 310, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-17. - Volunteer fire company plates.

§ 31-3-17. Volunteer fire company plates.
(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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-17; P.L. 1992, ch. 38, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-17.2. - Civil defense plates.

§ 31-3-17.2. Civil defense plates.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 212, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-17.3. - Temporary plates.

§ 31-3-17.3. Temporary plates.
(a)
The administrator of motor vehicles may design and issue, under such regulations as he or she shall deem appropriate, temporary registration plates. Any vehicle issued a temporary plate may be operated on the public highways for a period of five (5) days from the date of issuance.
(b)
The administrator of motor vehicles shall design and issue, under such regulations as he or she shall deem appropriate, temporary registration plates to be issued by horse trailer dealers for the use on horse trailers. Any horse trailer issued a temporary plate may be operated on the public highways for a period of twenty (20) days from the date of issuance.
(c)
Temporary plates shall be issued at a charge of ten dollars ($10.00) per plate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 285, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 29, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 328, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 178, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 296, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 113, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 122, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-17.4. - Firefighter plates.

§ 31-3-17.4. Firefighter plates.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered and authorized to make available to all active firefighters and retired firefighters a special motor vehicle registration plate for any motor vehicle eligible for registration as an automobile, or commercial vehicle having a gross weight of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) or less, or vehicle eligible for a combination registration plate, pursuant to § 31-3-64.
(b)
The special motor vehicle registration plate shall carry on it the designation “Firefighter” and a Maltese cross with the design provided by the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs.
(c)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue the plate upon payment of a service charge of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and a transfer charge of five dollars ($5.00) for the plate, of which fifteen dollars ($15.00) shall be deposited to the division of motor vehicles manufacturing account.
(d)
For the purpose of this section, an active or retired member of any fire department shall be defined as any person certified by the chief of the fire department as currently a member of said department with at least one year active service or retired under honorable condition as a firefighter.
(e)
In a state of emergency, any active member of a fire department driving a vehicle bearing the special motor vehicle registration plate shall be authorized and empowered to travel upon the highways of the state notwithstanding any driving ban imposed by the state or municipal authority in accordance with their official duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 605, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 378, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 394, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-18. - Display of plates — Penalties.

§ 31-3-18. Display of plates — Penalties.
(a)
Registration plates issued for a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, trailer, transporter vehicle, in-transit vehicle, or a bailee engaged in a business as defined in § 31-1-17(a), or other than a motor vehicle owned by a duly authorized dealer in motor vehicles and which is used in the dealer’s business shall be attached thereto one in the front and the other in the rear. The registration plate issued for a motorcycle, trailer, bailee, or a dealer’s motor vehicle as defined in this subsection shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle.
(b)
Every registration plate shall at all times be securely fastened in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which it is issued so as to prevent the plate from swinging at a height of not less than twelve inches (12") from the ground, measuring from the bottom of the plate; in a place and position to be clearly visible and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible.
(c) Penalties.
Any person who shall violate the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation and subject to a fine as enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
(d)
All vehicles registered as passenger, commercial, trailer, motorcycle, suburban, farm, combination, taxi, radio operator, camper, public, racer tow, jitney, and antique must have displayed on them the registration plate(s) as described in § 31-3-11. This subsection does not apply to those registrants in possession of an alternative design plate as described in § 31-3-60 or any other specially authorized plate described in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 9, G.L. 1956, § 31-3-18; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 108, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 386, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 45, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 56; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 7; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 5; P.L. 2009, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 261, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-19. - Registration of race cars.

§ 31-3-19. Registration of race cars.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to issue a special registration certificate and marker for any motor vehicle constructed to be used for racing, and that must be towed over the public highways to and from such places where those vehicles are to be raced; however, these motor vehicles shall be equipped with adequate brakes and a rear light that shows a red light to the rear and also provides a source of white light to illuminate the rear number plate or marker. The fee for this registration shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00), and the registration shall expire March 31st following the date of issue. The registration plate or marker issued for this motor vehicle shall, in addition to the number assigned, bear a symbol to indicate that the vehicle is to be towed while on the public highways.
History of Section.
P.L. 1949, ch. 2299, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-19; P.L. 1960, ch. 75, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-21. - Use of bailee, transporter, and in transit plates.

§ 31-3-21. Use of bailee, transporter, and in transit plates.
(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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-21; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 2; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-22. - Service vehicles owned by dealer.

§ 31-3-22. Service vehicles owned by dealer.
The provisions of §§ 31-3-20 — 31-3-27 shall not apply to work or service vehicles owned by a manufacturer, bailee, transporter, or dealer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-22; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-23. - Application for dealer’s plates.

§ 31-3-23. Application for dealer’s plates.
Any manufacturer, bailee, transporter, or dealer may apply to the division of motor vehicles on the appropriate form to obtain a certificate containing a general distinguishing number and for one or more special plates as appropriate to various types of vehicles subject to registration pursuant to this chapter. The applicant shall also submit proof of his or her status as a bona fide manufacturer, bailee, transporter, or dealer as may reasonably be required by the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-23; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 4; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-23.1. - Limitation on number of plates.

§ 31-3-23.1. Limitation on number of plates.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the motor vehicle dealers’ license commission shall limit the number of plates allowable to any dealer in accordance with the provisions of §§ 31-5-1 — 31-5-20, and the plates shall be issued by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles up to such limit upon application by the dealer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-24. - Dealer’s certificate.

§ 31-3-24. Dealer’s certificate.
The division of motor vehicles, upon granting any application shall issue to the applicant a certificate containing the applicant’s name and address and the general distinguishing number assigned to the applicant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-25. - Issuance of dealer’s plates.

§ 31-3-25. Issuance of dealer’s plates.
(a)
The division of motor vehicles shall issue special “dealer’s plates” as applied for, which shall have displayed on them the general distinguishing number assigned to the applicant. Each plate so issued shall also contain a number or symbol identifying the plate from every other plate bearing the same general distinguishing number. The division of motor vehicles shall issue dealer’s plates every three (3) years in clearly distinguishable colors, one color to be used by new vehicle dealers, another color for used vehicles dealers, and another color for transporter and bailee plates. The color for each category enumerated in this section shall be changed every three (3) years with the issuance of the plates, and vehicle identification devices will be provided annually.
(b)
The dealer plate issuance scheduled for January 1, 2017, shall be deferred until January 1, 2018 to coincide with the dealer license renewal cycle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-25; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 122, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 150, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 356, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 409, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-25.1. - Cost of dealer’s plates.

§ 31-3-25.1. Cost of dealer’s plates.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 122, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-25.2. - Issuance of motorcycle dealer’s plates.

§ 31-3-25.2. Issuance of motorcycle dealer’s plates.
The division of motor vehicles shall issue special motorcycle dealer’s plates as applied for, which shall bear the following: “motorcycle dealer”. The provisions of this chapter regarding application for, and display of “dealer’s plates” shall apply to motorcycle dealer’s plates. The plates shall be issued annually at a charge of twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) per plate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 22, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-25.3. - Issuance of boat dealer’s plates.

§ 31-3-25.3. Issuance of boat dealer’s plates.
The division of motor vehicles shall issue special boat dealer’s plates as applied for, which shall bear the following: “boat dealer”. The “boat dealer” plates shall be used only on boat trailers used by the boat dealer in the course of his or her business. With respect to trailers, the provisions of this chapter regarding application for, operation with, and display of “dealer’s plates” shall apply to boat dealer’s plates. Without limiting the general applicability of the preceding provisions, §§ 31-3-40 and 31-4-3 shall apply to boat dealers with respect to trailers. The plates shall be issued annually at a charge of twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) per plate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 325, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-26. - Expiration of dealer’s plates.

§ 31-3-26. Expiration of dealer’s plates.
Every special plate issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire at midnight on the thirty-first (31st) day of December of each year. A new plate or plates for the ensuing year may be obtained by the person to whom any expired plate or plates was issued by applying to the division of motor vehicles and paying the fee provided by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-26; P.L. 1984, ch. 296, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-27. - Responsibility for use of dealer’s plates.

§ 31-3-27. Responsibility for use of dealer’s plates.
Every manufacturer, bailee, transporter, or dealer shall be at all times fully responsible and aware as to the use of special plates and the identity of the vehicles to which they are attached, and shall make this information immediately available to any proper officer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 6, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-27; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-28. - Rules and regulations as to plates.

§ 31-3-28. Rules and regulations as to plates.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and empowered to make, alter, or amend, such rules and regulations that he or she may deem necessary, pertaining to the use, size, design, color scheme, and the material to be used in the manufacture of the number plates to be displayed on automobiles, motor trucks, trailers, semi-trailers, or other motor vehicles, except that at the next general issuance and each subsequent issuance. To promote safety and to facilitate the identification of registration plate letters and numerals at night, the department of revenue shall require that all registration plates shall be treated with special materials so as to make the background fully reflective and the letters and numerals on them readable at night for a minimum distance of one hundred feet (100′) with other illumination. An additional fee of one dollar ($1.00) shall be payable upon the initial issuance of the above described illuminated plates.
(b)
All rules and regulations made under the provisions of this section shall, after being approved by the governor and published at least once in each county of the state, have the effect of law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1943, ch. 1302, §§ 1-3; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-28; P.L. 1971, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-29. - Licensing of tow cars and tow trucks.

§ 31-3-29. Licensing of tow cars and tow trucks.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall require that every tow car or tow truck shall be licensed with a special registration certificate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 10, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-30. - Accident chasing by tow trucks.

§ 31-3-30. Accident chasing by tow trucks.
It shall be unlawful for any tow car or tow truck to be at the scene of a motor vehicle accident unless summoned by the participants in that accident or by the owners of the respective vehicles involved in that accident. Any owner of any tow car or tow truck or his or her duly authorized agent, if found guilty of violating the provisions of this section, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) for the first offense and for any subsequent offense shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) and have his or her special registration certificate suspended by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles for such period as the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall determine.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 10, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-30.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-31. - Registration of farm vehicles.

§ 31-3-31. Registration of farm vehicles.
(a)
Farm vehicles, as defined in § 31-1-8, equipped with rubber tires while being used in farming 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 plate with a suitable symbol or letter indicating the usage of the farm vehicle.
(b)
The director of the department of revenue shall promulgate rules and regulations for the inspection of farm vehicles.
(c)
Farm plates may not be utilized on: (1) Vehicles eligible for registration as private passenger automobiles; provided, however, that any vehicle eligible for registration as a private passenger and registered with farm plates prior to July 1, 2002, may continue to be registered with farm plates by the owner to whom the farm plates were issued; or (2) On any vehicle that is not a farm vehicle as defined in § 31-1-8.
(d)
Farm plates may be displayed on vehicles used in the delivery of agricultural products produced by the farmer; however, farm plates shall not be displayed on vehicles used for deliveries by persons, as defined in § 31-1-17(g), that do not raise agricultural products.
(e)
Any farm vehicle, as defined in § 31-1-8, that is not required to be registered and that is covered by an insurance policy applicable to farm property and operations and that includes liability coverage, shall be deemed to have liability insurance as required by § 31-3-3(c) and to meet liability insurance requirements set forth in this title as long as such a policy is in effect. Documentation of such insurance, including the name of the carrier, policy, number, and effective date, may be required by the division for the registration of said vehicle and for the renewal of such registration.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 11, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-31; P.L. 1984, ch. 287, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 404, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 399, § 1.