reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-19. - Types of business.

§ 31-1-19. Types of business.
(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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-19; P.L. 1960, ch. 155, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 189, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-20. - Established place of business.

§ 31-1-20. Established place of business.
“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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-21. - Enforcement officers.

§ 31-1-21. Enforcement officers.
(a)
“Police officer” means every officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations or the administrator of the division of motor vehicles and up to five (5) subordinates designated by the administrator under the provisions of § 31-2-3.
(b)
“Proper officer” means for the purposes of chapters 1 — 50 of this title, any member of the state or municipal police, deputy sheriff, city or town sergeant, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, or any subordinate appointed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles under the provisions of § 31-2-3.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-21; P.L. 1975, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 60.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-22. - Local authorities.

§ 31-1-22. Local authorities.
“Local authorities” means every city, town, or other local board or body having authority to enact laws relating to traffic under the constitution and laws of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-23. - Types of roads.

§ 31-1-23. Types of roads.
(a)
“Bicycle lane” means a portion of highway right-of-way designated by the state and identified by official traffic control devices (pavement markings) for the exclusive use of bicyclists. The operation and parking of motor vehicles is prohibited within the lane identified for exclusive use by bicyclists, except when making a turn, entering or leaving the roadway or a parking lane, or when required in the course of official duty.
(b)
“Bicycle route” means a shared right-of-way along a highway, designated by the state and identified by official traffic control devices (signs) for use by bicyclists.
(c)
“Bicycle trail or path” means a bikeway physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. Bicycle trails or paths may also be used by pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, joggers and other nonmotorized users.
(d)
“Laned roadway” means a roadway which is divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic.
(e)
“Limited access highway” means every highway, street, or roadway to or from which owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right of access except at those points and in that manner determined by the public authority having jurisdiction over it.
(f)
“Local highway” means every street or highway other than a state highway, private road, or driveway.
(g)
“Private road or driveway” means every way or place in private ownership that is used for vehicular travel only by the owner and by those others having express or implied permission from the owner.
(h)
“Roadway” means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, excluding the sidewalk, berm, or shoulder even when used by persons riding bicycles. In the event a highway includes two (2) or more separate roadways, “roadway” refers to the roadway separately and not the roadways collectively.
(i)
“Sidewalk” means that portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of pedestrians.
(j)
“State highway” means every street or highway constructed and/or maintained by the director of public works and the division of roads and bridges.
(k)
“Street or highway” means the entire width between boundary lines of every way when any part of it is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic.
(l)
“Through highway” means every highway or portion of a highway having entrances from intersecting highways at which vehicular traffic is required by law to stop before entering or crossing, and where stop signs are erected under the provisions of chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 22; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, §§ 5, 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-23; P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 3; P.L. 1982, ch. 302, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 64, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 67, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 640, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-24. - Intersection.

§ 31-1-24. Intersection.
(a)
“Intersection” means the area embraced within the prelongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two (2) highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.
(b)
Where a highway includes two (2) roadways thirty feet (30′) or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of that divided highway by an intersecting highway is to be regarded as a separate intersection. When the intersecting highway also includes two (2) roadways thirty feet (30′) or more apart, then every crossing of the two (2) roadways of that highway is to be regarded as a separate intersection.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 23; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-25. - Crosswalk.

§ 31-1-25. Crosswalk.
“Crosswalk” means:
(1)
That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs, or in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway; or
(2)
Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-26. - Safety zone.

§ 31-1-26. Safety zone.
“Safety zone” means the area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians, and which is protected or is marked or indicated by adequate signs to be plainly visible at all times while set apart as a safety zone.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-27. - Business and residence districts.

§ 31-1-27. Business and residence districts.
(a)
“Business district” means the territory contiguous to and including a highway when within any six hundred feet (600′) along that highway there are buildings in use for business or industrial purposes, including but not limited to hotels, banks or office buildings, railroad stations, and public buildings which occupy at least three hundred feet (300′) of frontage on one side or three hundred feet (300′) collectively on both sides of the highway.
(b)
“Residence district” means the territory, contiguous to and including a highway but not comprising a business district, when for a distance of three hundred feet (300′) or more the property is in the main improved with residences or residences and buildings in use for business.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-28. - Types of traffic control devices.

§ 31-1-28. Types of traffic control devices.
(a)
“Official traffic control devices” means all signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent with chapters 1 — 27 of this title placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.
(b)
“Railroad sign or signal” means any sign, signal, or device erected by authority of a public body or official or by a railroad and intended to give notice of the presence of railroad tracks or the approach of a railroad train.
(c)
“Traffic control signs” means any device, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-28.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-29. - Traffic.

§ 31-1-29. Traffic.
“Traffic” means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, and other conveyances either singly or together while using any highway for purposes of travel.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-30. - Right-of-way.

§ 31-1-30. Right-of-way.
“Right-of-way” means the privilege of the immediate use of the highway.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-30.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-31. - Types of stops.

§ 31-1-31. Types of stops.
(a)
“Park” means, when prohibited, the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading.
(b)
“Stop” means, when required, a complete cessation from movement.
(c)
“Stop, stopping or standing” means, when prohibited, any stopping or standing of a vehicle whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic control sign or signal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-32. - Severability.

§ 31-1-32. Severability.
If any part or parts of this title are held to be unconstitutional that unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity of the remaining parts of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2295, art. 39, § 2; P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-32; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 324, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-1. - Establishment — Duties — Chief of division.

§ 31-2-1. Establishment — Duties — Chief of division.
Within the department of revenue there shall be a division of motor vehicles. The division will be responsible for activities assigned to it by law, including, but not limited to, motor vehicle registration, testing and licensing of motor vehicle operators, inspection of motor vehicles, and enforcement of laws relating to the issuance, suspension and revocation of motor vehicle registrations and drivers’ licenses. The division shall administer the financial responsibility law. The chief of the division shall use the title and designation “registrar” or “administrator” on all licenses, registrations, orders of suspensions, financial responsibility notices or orders, or any other official documents issued or promulgated by the division. He or she shall exercise all powers and duties prescribed by chapters 1 — 27 of this title and shall supervise and direct the promotion of highway traffic safety.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 22; P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 77; P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 38, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-2. - Subordinates and investigators.

§ 31-2-2. Subordinates and investigators.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall appoint any subordinates that he or she may require for the proper performance of his or her duties. He or she shall appoint investigators who shall be empowered to investigate the application for any motor vehicle license or registration in order to ascertain the truth of the statements made in it, to seize or recover the license or registration certificate and number plates of any person whose license or registration shall have been suspended or revoked, and to perform any other duties not inconsistent with the law as the administrator may direct.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 23; P.L. 1939, ch. 678, § 1; P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-3. - Enforcement duties of administrator.

§ 31-2-3. Enforcement duties of administrator.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is vested with the power and is charged with the duty of observing, administering, and enforcing the provisions of chapters 1 — 50 of this title and of all laws regulating the operation of vehicles, or the use of the highways, the enforcement or administration of which is now or hereafter vested in the division of motor vehicles.
(b)
The administrator shall appoint any subordinates he or she may require for the proper performance of his or her duties. The administrator, and any subordinates designated by the administrator, shall have and exercise throughout this state the same authority to make arrests for violations of statutes relating to motor vehicles and to enforce those statutes as police or town constables have in their respective jurisdictions, including the power of arrest without warrant for any violation of title 31. The administrator, and any subordinates designated by the administrator, may serve all process lawfully issued by the administrator. Whenever a complaint is made of any violation of the provisions of the aforementioned chapters by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, or those subordinates designated by him or her to enforce these provisions, he or she shall not be required to furnish surety for cost or be liable for cost upon any complaint. The administrator, and any subordinates he or she may designate, may bear and use firearms and may be equipped with uniforms as prescribed by the administrator of motor vehicles in accordance with the policing and enforcing provisions as prescribed by this section.
(c)
The administrator may provide for training for those persons designated with authority to make arrests and shall issue to each such person credentials showing his or her identity and these credentials shall be carried upon their person while in the discharge of his or her duties.
(d)
At no time may any subordinate authorized to make arrests stop a motorist for any violation of the motor vehicle law while the motorist is operating a vehicle upon any highway of this state, unless that subordinate is operating or riding in a division of motor vehicles vehicle that is plainly marked “Division of motor vehicles” or unless the motorist is fleeing from pursuit by a division of motor vehicles officer.
(e)
The administrator may adopt any further regulations that he or she may deem necessary to implement this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-3; P.L. 1975, ch. 121, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 32; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-4. - Rules and regulations — Exception to authority.

§ 31-2-4. Rules and regulations — Exception to authority.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-4; P.L. 1979, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 398, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-5. - Official seal.

§ 31-2-5. Official seal.
The administrator may adopt an official seal for the use of the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-6. - Offices.

§ 31-2-6. Offices.
The administrator shall maintain offices in those places in the state that he or she may deem necessary to properly carry out the powers and duties vested in the division of motor vehicles. The administrator shall provide direct, in-person services in the towns of Warren and Westerly and keep the services in Warren available for business at least three (3) days per week and keep the services in Westerly available at least one day per week.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-6; P.L. 1976, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 37, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 322, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 391, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 231, art. 3, § 11, effective June 27, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-7. - Forms.

§ 31-2-7. Forms.
The administrator shall prescribe and provide suitable forms of applications, registration cards, operators’ and chauffeurs’ licenses, and all other forms requisite or deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of chapters 1 — 50 of this title and any other laws, the enforcement and administration of which are vested in the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-8. - Oaths and acknowledgments.

§ 31-2-8. Oaths and acknowledgments.
Officers and employees of the division of motor vehicles designated by the administrator are, for the purpose of administering the motor vehicle laws, authorized to administer oaths and acknowledge signatures, and shall do so without fee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-9. - Certified copies of licenses, applications and certificates.

§ 31-2-9. Certified copies of licenses, applications and certificates.
The administrator and any officers of the division of motor vehicles that he or she may designate are authorized to prepare under the seal of the division of motor vehicles and deliver upon request a certified copy of the application for operator’s license or registration, or operator’s license or registration, charging a fee of ten dollars ($10.00) for each document so authenticated, and every such certified copy shall be admissible in any proceeding in any court in like manner as the original.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-9; P.L. 1960, ch. 75, § 3; P.L. 1980, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-10. - Abstracts of operator’s records.

§ 31-2-10. Abstracts of operator’s records.
The administrator shall upon request furnish a certified abstract of the record of any operator on file fully designating the motor vehicles, if any, registered in the name of the operator, the record of all convictions of the operator of any of the provisions of this title, and the record of all the operator’s involvements in accidents required to be reported under the provisions of § 31-33-1. If the operator has no such record, the administrator shall so certify. The administrator shall collect for each certificate the sum of sixteen dollars ($16.00); however, if the request for the certificate is made by any governmental agency, bureau, or department for use in its official capacity, the administrator shall collect no fee. The requirement of this section that the certificate shall be furnished shall not make the certificate admissible as evidence in any legal proceeding or in any trial, whether criminal or civil.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-10; P.L. 1960, ch. 75, § 3; P.L. 1960, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 15, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 2, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 453, § 8; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 85, § 7; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 35, § 6; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 10, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-11. - Records open for inspection — Admissibility of certified copies of records as evidence.

§ 31-2-11. Records open for inspection — Admissibility of certified copies of records as evidence.
(a)
All records of the division of motor vehicles, other than those declared by law to be confidential for the use of the division of motor vehicles, shall be open to public inspection during office hours. Any copies or photostatic copies of any records, books, papers, documents, and rulings of the division of motor vehicles when certified to be correct by an employee of the division of motor vehicles who is designated for this purpose by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall be acceptable as evidence in the courts of this state with the same force and effect as the originals, in all cases where such original records, books, papers, documents, and rulings would be admitted in evidence.
(b)
Whenever any subpoena duces tecum is issued to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles for the production in court of the records, books, papers, documents, or rulings of the division of motor vehicles it shall not be necessary for the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to whom the subpoena is issued to appear personally, and a copy or photostat duly certified under the seal of the department by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles of the records, books, papers, documents, or rulings of the division of motor vehicles submitted as described in this section shall be full compliance with the subpoena. Under the application to the court and for good cause shown, the court may compel the attendance of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles or the supervisor or an assistant who is charged with the care and custody of the official records or any investigator of the division of motor vehicles to answer the subpoena duces tecum.
(c)
For the purposes outlined in this section, the person designated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall be the official “keeper of records” for the division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-11; P.L. 1968, ch. 155, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 133, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-12. - Destruction of obsolete records.

§ 31-2-12. Destruction of obsolete records.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles may destroy any records of the division of motor vehicles that have been maintained on file for three (3) years which are obsolete and of no further service in carrying out the powers and duties of the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-13. - [Repealed.]

§ 31-2-13. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; P.L. 1950 (s.s.), ch. 2639, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3714, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-13; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 142, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 341, § 5; repealed by P.L. 2023, ch. 203, § 5, effective July 1, 2023; repealed by P.L. 2023, ch. 204, § 5, effective July 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-14. - Investigation of applications — Rejection.

§ 31-2-14. Investigation of applications — Rejection.
The division of motor vehicles shall examine and determine the genuineness, regularity, and legality of every application for registration of a vehicle, and for an operator’s or chauffeur’s license and of any other application lawfully made to the division of motor vehicles, and may in all cases make investigation as may be deemed necessary or require additional information, and shall reject any application if not satisfied of the genuineness, regularity, or legality of the application or the truth of any statement contained in it, or for any other reason, when authorized by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-15. - Seizure of documents and plates.

§ 31-2-15. Seizure of documents and plates.
The division of motor vehicles is authorized to take possession of any registration card, permit, license, or registration plate issued by it upon expiration, revocation, cancellation, or suspension, or which is fictitious, or which has been unlawfully or erroneously issued.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-16. - Publication of laws.

§ 31-2-16. Publication of laws.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-17. - Summons of witnesses — Taking of testimony.

§ 31-2-17. Summons of witnesses — Taking of testimony.
(a)
In the performance of their duties under this title, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, or any duly authorized assistant, or hearing officer or officers appointed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, may summon witnesses in behalf of the state and may administer oaths and take testimony.
(b)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles, assistant, or hearing officer may also cause depositions to be taken and may order the production of books, papers, agreements, and documents. Failure, without justifiable cause, to appear and testify when summoned in accordance with this section shall be deemed a misdemeanor.
(c)
The fees for the attendance and travel of witnesses shall be the same as for witnesses before the district court. The sixth division of the district court shall have jurisdiction in equity upon application of the division of motor vehicles to enforce all lawful orders of the division of motor vehicles under this section. A party aggrieved by an order of the court may appeal the order to the supreme court in accordance with the procedures contained in the rules of appellate procedure of the supreme court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-17; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-18. - Service of notice.

§ 31-2-18. Service of notice.
Whenever, by virtue of § 31-2-17, notice to any person, firm, or corporation is required, or in any other instance when notice may be required, the notice shall consist of personal delivery to the person, firm, or corporation involved, or by mailing of a registered or certified letter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 12; impl. am. P.L. 1956, ch. 3717, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-19. - Appeal from administrator of the division of motor vehicles.

§ 31-2-19. Appeal from administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
Any person aggrieved by any order of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles may appeal the order to the sixth division district court by filing, within ten (10) days from the date of the notice to such person of the issuance of the order appealed from, a petition in said court stating the grounds upon which the appeal is taken. Upon the filing of such petition and tendering a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) filing fee, the court shall give thirty (30) days’ notice of the pendency of the petition to the administrator of 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 and the petition shall follow the course of equity so far as it is applicable. Upon hearing the petition, the court may review the evidence taken at a hearing or investigator’s reports, or other information upon which the administrator’s action was taken, and may in its discretion, affirm, overrule, or modify the order of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. The taking of such appeal shall not operate as a stay of the order of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles from which appeal is taken, and such 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 pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 42-35-15.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-19; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 12; P.L. 1992, ch. 453, § 8; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-20. - Registration and license information — Fee.

§ 31-2-20. Registration and license information — Fee.
The division of motor vehicles, department of revenue shall, upon request, furnish registration and license information to the public. The division shall collect ten dollars ($10.00) for each request. However, if the request is made by any governmental agency, bureau or department, the division shall collect no fee. All nongovernmental inquiries must be accompanied by a written statement of purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 10, art. 1, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-21. - Record of hearings.

§ 31-2-21. Record of hearings.
In all administrative hearings conducted by personnel of the division of motor vehicles involving the issuance, revocation, or suspension of licenses to operate vehicles or the registration of vehicles, a taped recording of that hearing may be made part of the record. In case of appeal to a court, copies of those tapes in lieu of a transcript shall be made available without charge to the operator, owner, or his or her representative.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-22. - Authority to enter into reciprocity agreements.

§ 31-2-22. Authority to enter into reciprocity agreements.
(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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 294, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-23. - Denial of license or registrations for nonpayment of delinquent child support.

§ 31-2-23. Denial of license or registrations for nonpayment of delinquent child support.
(a)
The department of human services, child support enforcement shall periodically within each year furnish the division of motor vehicles, department of revenue with a list or compilation of names of individuals, together with such other identifying information and in such form as the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall require, who as of the date of the list or compilation, have an unpaid child support order arrearage in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) as shown on the Rhode Island family court/department of human services, child support enforcement computer system (“CSE system”). For purposes of this section, the terms used in this section shall be given the meaning and definitions specified in § 15-16-2. The department of human services shall, at times and in the manner prescribed by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, furnish to the division of motor vehicles information relating to the subsequent payment of those child support order arrearages by or on behalf of the individuals, and the division shall remove the name of the individual(s) from the list.
(b)
No individual whose name appears on the list or compilation referred to in subsection (a) of this section, and whose name has not been subsequently removed from the list, shall be permitted to (1) register or renew a registration of any motor vehicle and/or (2) obtain an original license or renewal of a license to operate a motor vehicle, until all child support order arrearages have been paid in full or a satisfactory arrangement for payment has been made with the family court, and payment has been certified to the division of motor vehicles by the department of human services, child support enforcement.
(c)
The identifying information furnished by the department of human services, child support enforcement to the division of motor vehicles shall not include individuals’ social security numbers.
(d)
A refusal by the division of motor vehicles to register or renew a registration of any motor vehicle and/or issue an original license or renew a license to operate a motor vehicle is a final determination for purposes of chapter 35 of title 42.
[See § 12-1-15 of the General Laws.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 29, § 11; P.L. 1995, ch. 374, § 11; P.L. 1997, ch. 170, § 19; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-24. - Service fees on returned checks.

§ 31-2-24. Service fees on returned checks.
The division of motor vehicles is authorized to impose a fee on returned checks, which shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per returned check.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 19, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-25. - Surrender of suspended license.

§ 31-2-25. Surrender of suspended license.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a licensee whose license has been suspended shall not be required to surrender the license to the division of motor vehicles for the period of suspension. In the event a licensee is found to be operating a motor vehicle while under suspension, the license shall be seized by the proper officer and returned to the division of motor vehicles for the remainder of the suspension period.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 375, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-26. - Surrender of suspended registration.

§ 31-2-26. Surrender of suspended registration.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a motorist whose registration has been suspended shall not be required to surrender the registration plates to the division of motor vehicles for the period of suspension. In the event a motorist is found to be operating a motor vehicle while the registration is suspended, the registration plates shall be seized by the proper officer and returned to the division of motor vehicles for the remainder of the suspension period.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 375, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-27. - Technology surcharge fee.

§ 31-2-27. Technology surcharge fee.
(a)
The division of motor vehicles shall collect a technology surcharge fee of two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) 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. One dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) of each two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the information technology investment fund established pursuant to § 42-11-2.5 and shall be used for project-related payments and/or ongoing maintenance of and enhancements to the division of motor vehicles’ computer system and to reimburse the information technology investment fund for advances made to cover project-related payments. The remaining one dollar ($1.00) 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)
Beginning July 1, 2022, the full two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) shall be deposited into the division of motor vehicles restricted account and restricted to the project-related payments and/or ongoing maintenance of and enhancements to the division of motor vehicles’ computer system.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 4, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 7, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2 - Division of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-2-28. - Expiration dates.

§ 31-2-28. Expiration dates.
Notwithstanding any provisions of the general or public laws to the contrary, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles may extend the expiration date of any permit, license, registration, certificate, placard, or other privilege issued by the division of motor vehicles for a period of up to ninety (90) days when the administrator’s ability to properly perform their duties is prevented, hindered, impaired, or otherwise delayed by:
(1)
Any upgrade, replacement, or modification of existing technology systems that requires significant time for implementation;
(2)
A disaster, as defined in § 30-15-3, that has occurred, or the occurrence of which, or the threat thereof, is imminent; or
(3)
The occurrence of any other similar event that warrants such extension.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 98, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-2.1 - Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Program › Section 31-2.1-1. - Motor vehicle theft prevention program — Informed consent statement of owner — Issuance of vehicle decals — Authority to request production of valid driver’s license and registration.

§ 31-2.1-1. Motor vehicle theft prevention program — Informed consent statement of owner — Issuance of vehicle decals — Authority to request production of valid driver’s license and registration.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles, department of administration, in consultation with the superintendent of state police, shall establish a motor vehicle theft prevention program which shall include the issuance of official decals to identify motor vehicles that are not normally operated between the hours of 1:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M. Participation in the program shall be voluntary in nature and shall involve the following:
(a)
In the presence of a duly authorized police officer in any municipality participating in the program, the registered owner of a motor vehicle shall sign an informed consent statement indicating that the motor vehicle registered to the owner is not normally operated between the hours of 1:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M. The form of an informed consent statement shall be promulgated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
(b)(i)
Upon signing an informed consent statement, the registered owner shall be issued a decal approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles and the decal shall be affixed to the owner’s vehicle in a conspicuous place as prescribed by the administrator. The decal shall be issued and affixed by the police officer in the municipality participating in the program.
(ii)
The police officer issuing the decal shall make a record of the decal number issued to each registered owner. These records shall be maintained by the police department of any city or town participating in the program and shall be available to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, to the superintendent of state police, and to local law enforcement agencies.
(c)
Informed consent statement forms shall be available at all division of motor vehicles offices, state police headquarters, and city and town police departments.
(d)
Whenever any police officer sees a motor vehicle displaying a decal issued pursuant to the provisions of this section operated on any public highway in the state between the hours of 1:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M., the officer is authorized to request the driver to produce a valid driver’s license and motor vehicle registration. Whenever the operator of the motor vehicle during such hours is unable to produce a driver’s license and registration, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the person operating the vehicle is not the registered owner and does not have the authorization of the owner to operate the vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 318, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-1. - Operation of unregistered vehicle.

§ 31-3-1. Operation of unregistered vehicle.
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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 201, § 1.