reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-15. - Fees — Registration cards.

§ 31-3.1-15. Fees — Registration cards.
(a)
An application for a certificate of title shall be accompanied by the registration card, and the required fee when mailed or delivered to the division of motor vehicles.
(b)
An application for the naming of a lienholder or his assignee on a certificate of title shall be accompanied by the registration card and the required fee when mailed or delivered to the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 17, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-16. - Issuance of new certificate.

§ 31-3.1-16. Issuance of new certificate.
(a)
The division of motor vehicles, upon receipt of a properly assigned certificate of title, with an application for a new certificate of title, the required fee and any other documents and articles required by law, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner and mail it to the first lienholder named in it or, if none, to the owner.
(b)
The division of motor vehicles upon receipt of an application for a new certificate of title by a transferee other than by voluntary transfer, with proof of the transfer, the required fee and any other documents and articles required by law, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner. If the outstanding certificate of title is not delivered to it, the division of motor vehicles shall make demand for the certificate from its holder.
(c)
The division of motor vehicles shall file and retain for five (5) years every surrendered certificate of title, the file to be maintained so as to permit the tracing of title of the vehicle designated in it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-16.1. - Electronic recording of security interests.

§ 31-3.1-16.1. Electronic recording of security interests.
The registrar is authorized to develop, establish and maintain an electronic data and communications system with banks, credit or other financial institutions for the purpose of electronically recording the existence of security interests under the provisions of this chapter. Where an electronic lien recording method is employed, the registrar may waive the issuance and mailing of the certificate of title to the lienholder.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 639, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-17. - Scrapping, dismantling or destroying vehicle.

§ 31-3.1-17. Scrapping, dismantling or destroying vehicle.
Any individual, company, or corporation that scraps, dismantles, or destroys a vehicle at its final disposition site in this state shall immediately cause the certificate of title or the salvage certificate of title to be mailed or delivered to the division of motor vehicles for cancellation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 221, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-18. - Excepted liens and security interests.

§ 31-3.1-18. Excepted liens and security interests.
This chapter does not apply to or affect:
(1)
A lien given by statute or rule of law to a supplier of services or materials for the vehicle;
(2)
A lien given by statute to the United States, this state or any political subdivision of this state; or
(3)
A security interest in a vehicle created by a manufacturer or dealer who holds the vehicle for sale.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-19. - Perfection of security interests.

§ 31-3.1-19. Perfection of security interests.
(a)
Unless excepted by § 31-3.1-18, a security interest in a vehicle of a type for which a certificate of title is required is not valid against creditors of the owner or subsequent transferees or lienholders of the vehicle unless perfected as provided in this chapter.
(b)
A security interest is perfected by the delivery to the division of motor vehicles of the existing certificate of title, if any, an application for a certificate of title containing the name and address of the lienholder, and the date of his or her security agreement. A security interest may also be perfected by the execution of a security lien statement and the required fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) and registration card.
(c)
If a vehicle is subject to the security interest when brought into this state, the validity of the security interest is determined by the law of the jurisdiction where the vehicle was when the security interest attached, subject to the following:
(1)
If the parties understood at the time the security interest attached that the vehicle would be kept in this state and it was brought into this state within the following thirty (30) days for purposes other than transportation through this state, the validity of the security interest in this state is determined by the law of this state.
(2)
If the security interest was perfected under the law of the jurisdiction where the vehicle was when the security interest attached, the following rules apply:
(i)
If the name of the lienholder is shown on an existing certificate of title issued by that jurisdiction, his security interest continues perfected in this state.
(ii)
If the name of the lienholder is not shown on an existing certificate of title issued by that jurisdiction, the security interest continues perfected in this state for four (4) months after a first certificate of title of the vehicle is issued in this state and beyond that if, within the four (4) month period, it is perfected in this state. The security interest may also be perfected in this state after the expiration of the four (4) month period. If done at that time, perfection dates from the time of perfection in this state.
(3)
If the security interest was not perfected under the law of the jurisdiction where the vehicle was when the security interest attached, it may be perfected in this state. If done at that time, perfection dates from the time of perfection in this state.
(4)
A security interest may be perfected under subsection (c)(2)(ii) or subsection (c)(3) either as provided in subsection (b), or by the lienholder delivering to the division of motor vehicles a notice of security interest in the form the division of motor vehicles prescribes and the required fee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 46, § 2; P.L. 1975, ch. 245, § 2; P.L. 1990, ch. 13, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 15, art. 7, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 182, § 11; P.L. 2000, ch. 420, § 11; P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 9, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-20. - Security interest — Change of certificate.

§ 31-3.1-20. Security interest — Change of certificate.
If an owner creates a security interest in a vehicle:
(1)
The owner shall immediately execute the application, in the space provided for it on the certificate of title or on a separate form the division of motor vehicles prescribes, to name the lienholder on the certificate, showing the name and address of the lienholder and the date of his security agreement, and cause the certificate of application and the required fee and registration card to be delivered to the lienholder.
(2)
The lienholder shall immediately cause the certificate, application, and the required fee and registration card to be mailed or delivered to the division of motor vehicles.
(3)
Upon request of the owner or subordinate lienholder, a lienholder in possession of the certificate of title shall either mail or deliver the certificate to the subordinate lienholder for delivery to the division of motor vehicles or, upon receipt from the subordinate lienholder of the owner’s application and the required fee and registration card, mail or deliver them to the division of motor vehicles with the certificate. The delivery of the certificate does not affect the rights of the first lienholder under his or her security agreement.
(4)
Upon receipt of the certificate of title, the application, the required fee of fifty dollars ($50.00), and the registration card, the division of motor vehicles shall either endorse on the certificate or issue a new certificate containing the name and address of the new lienholder, and mail the certificate to the first lienholder named in it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 15, art. 7, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 85, § 6; P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 9, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-21. - Assignment by lienholder.

§ 31-3.1-21. Assignment by lienholder.
(a)
A lienholder may assign, absolutely or otherwise, his or her security interest in the vehicle to a person other than the owner without affecting the interest of the owner or the validity of the security interest, but any person without notice of the assignment is protected in dealing with the lienholder as the holder of the security interest, and the lienholder remains liable for any obligations as lienholder until the assignee is named as lienholder on the certificate.
(b)
The assignee may, but need not to perfect the assignment, have the certificate of title endorsed or issued with the assignee named as lienholder, upon delivering to the division of motor vehicles the certificate and an assignment by the lienholder named in the certificate in the form the division of motor vehicles prescribes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-22. - Release of security interest.

§ 31-3.1-22. Release of security interest.
(a)
Upon the satisfaction of a security interest in a vehicle for which the certificate of title is in the possession of the lienholder, the lienholder shall, within fifteen (15) business days, execute a release of his or her security interest, in the space provided for it on the certificate or as the division of motor vehicles prescribes, and mail or deliver the certificate and release to the next lienholder named in it, or, if none, to the owner or any person who delivers to the lienholder an authorization from the owner to receive the certificate. The owner, other than a dealer holding the vehicle for resale, shall promptly cause the certificate and release to be mailed or delivered to the division of motor vehicles, which shall release the lienholder’s rights on the certificate or issue a new certificate.
(b)
Upon the satisfaction of a security interest in a vehicle for which the certificate of title is in the possession of a prior lienholder, the lienholder whose security interest is satisfied shall within ten (10) days execute a release in the form the division of motor vehicles prescribes and deliver the release to the owner or to any person who delivers to the lienholder an authorization from the owner to receive it. The lienholder in possession of the certificate of title shall either deliver the certificate to the owner, or the person authorized by him or her, for delivery to the division of motor vehicles, or, upon receipt of the release and registration card, mail or deliver them with the certificate to the division of motor vehicles which shall release the subordinate lienholder’s rights on the certificate or issue a new certificate.
(c)
It shall be unlawful for the lienholder to charge any fee for the delivery of the certificate and release.
(d)
Failure of the lienholder to provide the certificate and release as required by this section shall subject the lienholder to liability for any damages to the owner caused by that failure.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 377, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-23. - Duty of lienholder.

§ 31-3.1-23. Duty of lienholder.
A lienholder named in a certificate of title shall, upon written request of the owner or of another lienholder named on the certificate, disclose any pertinent information as to his or her security agreement and the indebtedness secured by it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-24. - Exclusiveness of procedure.

§ 31-3.1-24. Exclusiveness of procedure.
The method provided in this chapter of perfecting and giving notice of security interests subject to the chapter is exclusive. Security interests subject to this chapter are exempted from the provisions of law which prescribe technical requirements in execution or acknowledgment of or otherwise require or relate to the filing of instruments creating or evidencing security interests.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-25. - Suspension or revocation of certificates.

§ 31-3.1-25. Suspension or revocation of certificates.
(a)
The division of motor vehicles shall suspend or revoke a certificate of title, upon notice and reasonable opportunity to be heard in accordance with § 31-3.1-36, when authorized by any other provision of law or if it finds:
(1)
The certificate of title was fraudulently procured or erroneously issued;
(2)
The vehicle has been scrapped, dismantled or destroyed; or
(3)
Upon request of the tax administrator after notice and reasonable opportunity to be heard by the tax administrator, that the taxes specified in § 31-3.1-10(4) have not been paid.
(b)
Suspension or revocation of a certificate of title does not, in itself, affect the validity of a security interest noted on it.
(c)
When the division of motor vehicles suspends or revokes a certificate of title, the owner or person in possession of it shall, immediately upon receiving notice of the suspension or revocation, mail or deliver the certificate to the division of motor vehicles.
(d)
The division of motor vehicles may seize and impound any certificate of title which has been suspended or revoked.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 263, art. VI, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-26. - Powers of division of motor vehicles.

§ 31-3.1-26. Powers of division of motor vehicles.
(a)
The division of motor vehicles shall prescribe and provide suitable forms of applications, certificates of title, notices of security interests, and all other notices and forms necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
The division of motor vehicles may:
(1)
Make necessary investigations to procure information required to carry out the provisions of this chapter;
(2)
Assign a new identifying number to a vehicle if it has none, or its identifying number is destroyed or obliterated, or its motor is changed and shall either issue a new certificate of title showing the new identifying number or make an appropriate endorsement on the original certificate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-27. - Vehicle leases that are not sales or security interests.

§ 31-3.1-27. Vehicle leases that are not sales or security interests.
In the case of motor vehicles or trailers, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a transaction does not create a sale or security interest merely because it provides that the rental price is permitted or required to be adjusted under the agreement either upward or downward by reference to the amount realized upon sale or other disposition of the motor vehicle or trailer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 305, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-36. - Court review.

§ 31-3.1-36. Court review.
A person aggrieved by an act or omission to act of the division of motor vehicles under this chapter is entitled to a review by the sixth division of the district court in accordance with the administrative procedure act of this state. A party aggrieved by a final order of the court may seek review in the supreme court by writ of certiorari in accordance with the procedures contained in § 42-35-16.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-37. - Passage of title upon death of owner.

§ 31-3.1-37. Passage of title upon death of owner.
Unless otherwise provided in the last will and testament of a decedent, any motor vehicle(s) owned by the decedent shall belong, and title to them shall pass, to the surviving spouse.
(1)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall register the motor vehicle(s) in the name of the surviving spouse upon presentation to the division of motor vehicles of:
(i)
A certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse;
(ii)
Registration(s) of the motor vehicle(s) of the deceased spouse.
(2)
No fee shall be charged to the surviving spouse for issuance of a new certificate of title.
(3)
A surviving spouse shall not be charged a registration fee during the year he or she is registering the vehicle(s) in his or her name and having a new certificate of title issued,
(i)
Where the deceased spouse registered that motor vehicle(s) with the division of motor vehicles; and
(ii)
Paid the registration fees provided in § 31-6-1 for the motor vehicle(s) for the year.
(4)
Where the deceased spouse did not register the motor vehicle(s) or failed to pay a registration fee pursuant to § 31-6-1 for the year in which the surviving spouse appears to register the motor vehicle(s) and have a new title certificate issued in his or her name, then the surviving spouse shall pay a pro rata amount of the annual registration fee for the remaining months of the year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 285, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-38. - Effective dates — Applicability. [Effective until January 1, 2024.]

§ 31-3.1-38. Effective dates — Applicability. [Effective until January 1, 2024.]
This chapter shall apply to all model vehicles designated as 2001 models and all subsequent model year vehicles. All vehicles designated as model years prior to 2001 shall be excluded from these provisions.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 118, art. 23, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 132, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 58; P.L. 2010, ch. 23, art. 9, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 7, § 4.
§ 31-3.1-38. Effective dates — Applicability. [Effective January 1, 2024.]
This chapter shall apply to all model vehicles; provided, however, that all vehicles designated as model years prior to 2001 shall not be required to be issued a title certificate until ownership is transferred or the current owner creates a security interest in the vehicle; provided, further that, nothing herein shall prohibit the issuance of a title certificate to the current owner upon application and payment of a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 118, art. 23, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 132, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 58; P.L. 2010, ch. 23, art. 9, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 7, § 4; P.L. 2023, ch. 210, § 1, effective January 1, 2024; P.L. 2023, ch. 225, § 1, effective January 1, 2024.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-1. - Definitions.

§ 31-3.2-1. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the following meanings ascribed to them:
(1)
“Dealer” means a person, partnership, or corporation engaged in the business of selling snowmobiles or recreational vehicles at wholesale or retail.
(2)
“Director” means the director of the department of environmental management acting directly or through his or her authorized agent.
(3)
“Manufacturer” means a person, partnership or corporation engaged in the business of manufacturing snowmobiles or recreational vehicles.
(4)
“Operate” means to ride in, on, and control the operation of a snowmobile or recreational vehicle.
(5)
“Operator” means every person who operates or is in actual physical control of a snowmobile or recreational vehicle.
(6)
“Owner” means a person, other than a lienholder, having the property in or title to a snowmobile or to a recreational vehicle or entitled to the use or possession of one.
(7)
“Person” includes an individual, partnership, corporation, the state and its agencies and subdivisions, and any body of persons, whether incorporated or not.
(8)
“Recreational vehicle” means a motor vehicle including minibikes designed to travel over unimproved terrain and which has been determined by the division of motor vehicles as unsuitable for operation on the public way and not eligible for registration for such use. This shall not be construed to include golf mobiles or golf carts, riding lawn mowers, or garden tractors, which are not registered as farm vehicles, but shall include any three (3) wheel driven vehicle and any other four (4) wheel driven vehicle, regardless of type or design, including all classes of all-terrain vehicles.
(9)
“Register” means the act of assigning a registration number of a snowmobile or recreational vehicle.
(10)
“Roadway” means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.
(11)
“Snowmobile” means a motor vehicle designed to travel over ice or snow supported in whole or in part by skis, belts, cleats, or low-pressure tires.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 85, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 334, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 412, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 413, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-3. - Disposition of fees.

§ 31-3.2-3. Disposition of fees.
All fees from registration of snowmobiles or recreational vehicles shall be deposited as general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 102.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-4. - Transfer or termination of ownership.

§ 31-3.2-4. Transfer or termination of ownership.
Within fifteen (15) days after the transfer of ownership, or any part of it, other than a security interest, or the destruction or abandonment of any snowmobile or recreational vehicle, written notice of that transfer or destruction shall be given to the director in any form that he or she shall prescribe.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 117, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-4.1. - Operation of snowmobile or recreational vehicle without permission — Penalty.

§ 31-3.2-4.1. Operation of snowmobile or recreational vehicle without permission — Penalty.
(a)
No person shall operate any snowmobile or recreational vehicle upon any property or premises owned by another person without the consent in writing of the owner of the property or premises.
(b)
No person shall operate any snowmobile or recreational vehicle which is owned by another person without the consent in writing of the owner.
(c) Penalties.
Any person who shall violate the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a civil violation and be subject to a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 413, § 3; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-5. - Licensing by political subdivisions.

§ 31-3.2-5. Licensing by political subdivisions.
No political subdivision of this state shall require licensing or registration of snowmobiles or recreational vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 117, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-6. - Rules and regulations.

§ 31-3.2-6. Rules and regulations.
(a)
With a view of achieving maximum use of snowmobiles and/or recreational vehicles, the director of natural resources shall adopt rules and regulations for the following purposes:
(1)
Registration of snowmobiles and recreational vehicles and display of registration numbers.
(2)
Use of snowmobiles and recreational vehicles insofar as game and fish resources are affected.
(3)
Use of snowmobiles and recreational vehicles on public lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the director.
(4)
Uniform signs to be used by the state, counties, cities and towns, which are necessary or desirable to control, direct, or regulate the operation and use of snowmobiles and recreational vehicles.
(5)
Specifications relating to snowmobiles and recreational vehicles’ mufflers.
(b)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles may adopt rules and regulations not inconsistent with this chapter in the manner provided by this title regulating the use of snowmobiles and recreational vehicles on streets and highways.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 127, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-7.1. - Operation prohibited within valley marshes.

§ 31-3.2-7.1. Operation prohibited within valley marshes.
No person shall operate a motorcycle, recreational vehicle or other motorized vehicle within the Blackstone Valley Flood Plains or Marshes, also known as the “Valley Marshes.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 127, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-8. - Mufflers.

§ 31-3.2-8. Mufflers.
Except as provided in this section, every snowmobile or recreational vehicle shall be equipped at all times with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the overall snowmobile or recreational vehicle noise and is in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise. The exhaust system shall not emit or produce a sharp popping or crackling sound. This section does not apply to organized races or similar competitive events held on:
(1)
Private lands, with the permission of the owner, lessee or custodian of the land;
(2)
Public lands and water under the jurisdiction of the director, with the director’s permission; or
(3)
Other public lands, with the consent of the public agency owning the land. No person shall have for sale, sell, or offer for sale on any new snowmobile or recreational vehicle any muffler that fails to comply with the specifications required by the rules and regulations of the director after the effective date of the rules and regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 324, § 10; P.L. 2008, ch. 127, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-9. - Crossing of highways by youthful operators — Prohibitions.

§ 31-3.2-9. Crossing of highways by youthful operators — Prohibitions.
(a)
No person under sixteen (16) years of age shall make a direct crossing of a state highway as the operator of a snowmobile or recreational vehicle. A person sixteen (16) years of age or older, but less than eighteen (18) years of age, may make a direct crossing of a highway only if he or she has in his or her immediate possession a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
(b)
No one shall carry a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in or on a snow vehicle, a recreational vehicle, or on a trailer or sled attached to one unless such firearm, rifle, or shotgun is unloaded and in an enclosed case, unless he or she is a law enforcement officer or other person authorized to carry arms.
(c)
It is unlawful for the owner of a snowmobile or recreational vehicle to permit the snowmobile or recreational vehicle to be operated contrary to the provisions of this section. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to supersede the powers of any department of the state, nor of any city, town, commission, or body having authority to regulate the use of lands, waters, or ways within their respective control, or jurisdiction from adopting rules, regulations, ordinances, or by-laws not repugnant to law as to the operation of snow vehicles or recreational vehicles on such lands, waters, or ways, including the prohibition of such operation. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to constitute a license to operate snow vehicles or recreational vehicles on private land. Any person who operates a snowmobile upon the land of another shall stop and identify himself or herself upon the request of the landowner or his or her duly authorized representative, and if requested to do so by the owner or representative, shall promptly remove the snowmobile from the premises.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 117, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-10. - Penalties.

§ 31-3.2-10. Penalties.
Any person who violates any provisions of this chapter or any regulation of the director of the department of environmental management or the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for a first offense and be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or both, and shall be required to take or retake a safety education certificate course that has been approved by the director; for a second offense, be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or both; and for a third or subsequent offense, be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or both. The director may suspend or revoke the registration of a snow vehicle or a recreational vehicle, after a hearing, for good cause which shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
Nonownership by the applicant;
(2)
The failure of the vehicle to meet equipment standards after the owner has received notice to comply with the standards;
(3)
Operation of the vehicle improperly or in such a manner as to cause damage to any property or death or injury to any person, or that the registrant has allowed or permitted the vehicle to be so operated.
(4)
Repeat violations of this chapter or any associated regulation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 127, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.2 - Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles › Section 31-3.2-11. - Liability for negligence.

§ 31-3.2-11. Liability for negligence.
Negligence in the use of operation of a recreational vehicle shall be attributable to the owner. Every owner of a recreational vehicle used or operated in this state shall be liable and responsible for injury or death or damage to property resulting from negligence in the use or operation of such vehicle by any person using or operating the same with the permission, express or implied, of such owner; provided, however, that such operator’s negligence shall not be attributed to the owner as to any claim or cause of action accruing to the operator or his legal representative for such injuries or death.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 127, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 179, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.3 - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations › Section 31-3.3-1. - Accessibility of charging stations for electric vehicles.

§ 31-3.3-1. Accessibility of charging stations for electric vehicles.
The department of transportation, along with the division of motor vehicles and the office of energy resources, shall develop, no later than January 1, 2022, a plan for a statewide electric vehicle charging station infrastructure in order to make electric vehicle charging stations more accessible to the public.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 389, § 1, effective July 13, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 390, § 1, effective July 13, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-1. - Expiration of registration by transfer of interest in vehicle — Disposition of plates.

§ 31-4-1. Expiration of registration by transfer of interest in vehicle — Disposition of plates.
Whenever the owner of a registered vehicle transfers or assigns his or her title or interest in ownership, or whenever he or she shall request the transfer of the registration to another vehicle owned by him or her, or shall remove the vehicle from the highways of this state to be used solely upon his or her property, the registration of the vehicle shall expire. The owner shall remove the registration plates from the vehicle and forward them to the division of motor vehicles, or may have such plates and the registration number thereon assigned to another vehicle upon payment of the fees required by law and subject to the rules and regulations of the division of motor vehicles. Any corporation or limited liability company in the business of providing vehicle leasing or vehicle rental may cancel a registration by submitting a sworn, notarized affidavit to the division of motor vehicles stating that the registration plates are unavailable due to loss, theft, or other reasons.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 4, § 1; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-4-1; P.L. 1999, ch. 495, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 362, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-2. - Endorsement and forwarding of registration card.

§ 31-4-2. Endorsement and forwarding of registration card.
The owner shall also endorse the name and address of the transferee and the date of transfer upon the reverse side of the registration card issued for the vehicle and shall immediately forward the card to the division of motor vehicles. However, the number plates need not be returned if the owner shall, within ten (10) days of such transfer or assignment, secure the registration of another vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 4, § 1; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 8; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-4-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-3. - Temporary registration — Invoice voucher issued by dealer.

§ 31-4-3. Temporary registration — Invoice voucher issued by dealer.
(a)
Any person who purchases a motor vehicle from a bona fide licensed dealer and who presently has a motor vehicle registered in this state, may operate the newly acquired motor vehicle for a period of thirty (30) days following the date of the original dated voucher. During this period any operator of the newly acquired vehicle shall carry the original dated bill of sale or invoice voucher which shall be accompanied by a numbered state sales tax form. The voucher or bill of sale shall recite the registration number to be transferred from the former vehicle to the newly acquired vehicle.
(b)
The bill of sale or invoice voucher shall be sequentially and numerically identified, dated on the day of sale, and shall be valid for not more than thirty (30) days following the date of the original dated voucher. No dealer or any other person shall extend or alter the date nor shall a new bill of sale be issued to the purchaser as a means to circumvent this section.
(c)
Every dealer shall keep a sequential record of each temporary certificate issued and those records shall be available during business hours for examination by any police officer or inspector of the division of motor vehicles as designated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
(d)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 4, § 1; P.L. 1951, ch. 2698, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-4-3; P.L. 1962, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 91, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 104; P.L. 2022, ch. 249, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 250, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-4. - Registration by transferee.

§ 31-4-4. Registration by transferee.
The transferee before operating or permitting the operation of an acquired vehicle upon a highway shall apply for and obtain the registration for it, as upon an original registration, except as otherwise permitted in §§ 31-4-5 — 31-4-7.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 4, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-4-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-5. - Dealers exempt from new registration.

§ 31-4-5. Dealers exempt from new registration.
When the transferee of a vehicle is a dealer who holds the vehicle for resale and lawfully operates the vehicle under dealers’ number plates or when the transferee does not drive the vehicle or permit it to be driven upon the highways, the transferee shall not be required to obtain a new registration of the vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 4, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-4-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-6. - Transfer of interest by operation of law.

§ 31-4-6. Transfer of interest by operation of law.
Whenever the title or interest of an owner in or to a registered vehicle shall pass to another otherwise than by voluntary transfer, the registration for the vehicle shall expire and the vehicle shall not be operated upon any highway unless and until the person entitled to possession of the vehicle shall apply for and obtain the registration for it. However, when the title or interest of the owner passes to another by reason of death, insolvency, or bankruptcy, the vehicle may continue to be operated under the registration previously issued for it until the possession of the vehicle has been transferred by the legal representative, assignee, receiver, or trustee in bankruptcy, or until the registration shall expire, whichever shall first occur.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 4, § 4; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-4-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-6.1. - Transfer of interest between spouses.

§ 31-4-6.1. Transfer of interest between spouses.
Whenever a person transfers his or her interest or title in or to a registered vehicle to his or her spouse, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall not transfer the registration unless the application is accompanied by a separate signed and notarized statement from the transferor indicating his or her approval of the transfer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 90, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-7. - Repossession of vehicle.

§ 31-4-7. Repossession of vehicle.
In the event of repossession of a motor vehicle under a rental agreement, lease, contract of conditional sale, or other title retention agreement, or in the event title becomes vested in the holder of a lien, mortgage, or encumbrance upon a motor vehicle, the person repossessing or so obtaining title may apply to the division of motor vehicles for and obtain bailee registration plates, and may operate the vehicle under those special plates only for purposes of transporting the same to a garage or warehouse, or for purposes of demonstrating or selling the same. Whoever shall so obtain possession of a vehicle shall return the registration plates found on the vehicle and the registration card, if available, to the division of motor vehicles within five (5) days thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 4, § 4; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-4-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-8. - Dismantled vehicles.

§ 31-4-8. Dismantled vehicles.
(a)
Any owner dismantling or wrecking any registered vehicle shall immediately forward to the division of motor vehicles, the registration card, and the registration plate or plates last issued for that vehicle.
(b)
Any motor vehicle, if repaired must be inspected and approved by the motor vehicles enforcement division prior to registration and, if required, reissuance of a new Rhode Island vehicle identification plate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 4, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 31-4-8; P.L. 1974, ch. 207, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 229, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 221, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-8.1. - Penalties.

§ 31-4-8.1. Penalties.
Any individual, company, corporation, owner, or any insurance firm or representative thereof who violates any of the provisions of § 31-4-8 shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, or a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 229, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 324, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-9. - Out-of-state purchases.

§ 31-4-9. Out-of-state purchases.
Any person who purchases a motor vehicle outside the state of Rhode Island from a bona fide licensed dealer and who presently has a motor vehicle registered in this state may, when the new vehicle purchased has the same number of wheels as the presently owned and registered vehicle, operate the newly acquired motor vehicle for a period of thirty (30) days following the date of transfer provided that the number plates issued upon registration of the transferred motor vehicle are attached to the newly acquired vehicle. During this period any operator of the newly acquired vehicle shall carry an original dated copy of the bill of sale reciting the registration number to be transferred from the former vehicle to the newly acquired vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 7, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 249, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 250, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-10. - Temporary transfer of registration.

§ 31-4-10. Temporary transfer of registration.
(a)
A person who transfers the ownership of a registered motor vehicle or trailer owned by him or her to another or who loses possession of it and who intends to transfer the registration of the motor vehicle or trailer to a newly acquired vehicle may, subject to other provisions of this title, operate the newly acquired motor vehicle or trailer for a period of thirty (30) days following the date of transfer within the period of which the transferred vehicle was registered, provided that the number plates issued upon registration of the transferred motor vehicle are attached to the newly acquired vehicle.
(b)
During these periods, any operator of a newly acquired vehicle shall carry an original copy of the bill of sale reciting the registration number to be transferred from the former vehicle to the newly acquired vehicle, the date of the sale or transfer, the make and identification number of the vehicle, and the signature and address of the seller.
(c)
This section shall apply only to transfer of registration between vehicles with the same number of wheels.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 249, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 250, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-4 - Transfer of Vehicles › Section 31-4-11. - Sale of automobiles — Required equipment.

§ 31-4-11. Sale of automobiles — Required equipment.
(a)
No automobile shall be sold, whether new or used, by a dealer, at wholesale or retail, unless the automobile is equipped with a spare tire and a jack, both of which must be functional and operational. The provisions of this section shall not apply:
(1)
To an automobile equipped with tires that without any tire air inflation permit vehicle operation for at least fifty (50) miles at speeds up to at least fifty-five (55) miles per hour; or
(2)
An automobile equipped with a factory installed tire repair and inflation system.
(b)
A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 82, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 286, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-5 - Dealers’, Manufacturers’, and Rental Licenses › Section 31-5-1. - Definitions.

§ 31-5-1. Definitions.
(a)
Whenever the words “licensor” and/or “department” are used in chapters 5 and 5.1 of this title, they shall mean the “department of revenue”.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, an electric motorized bicycle as defined in § 31-1-3(g) is not considered a motor vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 7, § 13; P.L. 1953, ch. 3232, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-5-1; P.L. 1991, ch. 44, art. 14, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 21, § 4; P.L. 2002, ch. 56, § 5; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 5; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-5 - Dealers’, Manufacturers’, and Rental Licenses › Section 31-5-2. - Duties of department of revenue.

§ 31-5-2. Duties of department of revenue.
The department of revenue shall issue the licenses provided for in §§ 31-5-5 — 31-5-9 and § 31-5-34. The department of revenue shall have supervision over the licenses in respect to all the provisions of §§ 31-5-1 — 31-5-20 and §§ 31-5-33 — 31-5-39, and shall have power to make and to issue rules and regulations to fulfill the purposes of those chapters and to protect public interest. The department shall have power to set from time to time the maximum number of plates to be issued to each dealer after due investigation and after giving due consideration to the number of plates reasonably required for the operation of the business by the dealer. The department shall also have the power to define unfair practices by licensees. All the provisions of §§ 31-5-1 — 31-5-20, and §§ 31-5-33 — 31-5-39 shall be administered by the department.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 7, § 1; P.L. 1953, ch. 3232, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3367, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-5-2; P.L. 1964, ch. 165, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 135, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 334, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 44, art. 14, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 21, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 5; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 5.