reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-5. - Information furnished by fuel vehicle drivers — Inspection and sampling.

§ 31-37-5. Information furnished by fuel vehicle drivers — Inspection and sampling.
The operator or driver of any vehicle used for the transportation of fuels in this state shall furnish to the tax administrator or the administrator’s agents, on request, any information relative to the transportation of fuels in this state that may be required for the proper administration of the provisions of this chapter and chapter 36 of this title. For the purpose of securing the information the agents may stop on the highways of this state any vehicle which, they have reasonable cause to believe, is used for the transportation of fuels in this state. The agents may take samples of any fuels so transported or offered for sale in this state in sufficient quantity for the purpose of making an analysis of them.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 16; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 2; P.L. 1937, ch. 2510, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 11; P.L. 1940, ch. 871, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-6. - Method of testing for quality of fuels.

§ 31-37-6. Method of testing for quality of fuels.
All tests to determine the quality of gasoline shall be made by the materials section of the public works division in accordance with methods contained in “American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Specifications for Automotive Gasoline D-439-78”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 16; P.L. 1937, ch. 2510, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 11; P.L. 1940, ch. 871, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-6; P.L. 1976, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 177, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-7. - Weights and measures.

§ 31-37-7. Weights and measures.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to give false or insufficient weight or measure in the sale of fuels or lubricating oils.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 16; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 2; P.L. 1937, ch. 2510, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 11; P.L. 1940, ch. 871, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-7; P.L. 1976, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 324, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 71, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 78, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 1, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 2, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 43, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-7.1. - Minimum standards for gasoline.

§ 31-37-7.1. Minimum standards for gasoline.
(a)
Beginning June 1, 2007, no person shall sell, deliver for sale, import, or cause to be imported into the state for sale any gasoline containing methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) or other ether oxygenates in quantities greater than one-half of one percent (0.5%) by volume. For the purpose of this section, “other ether oxygenates” shall include the following gasoline additives: Methanol; Isopropanol; n-Propanol; N-Butonal; sec-Butanol; tert-Butanol; Tert-pentalol (tert-amylalcohol); Ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE); Diisopropylether (DIPE); Tertiary Butyl alcohol (TBA); Iso-butanol; and Tert-amymethylether (TAME). Nothing in this section shall prohibit the transshipment of gasoline containing the oxygenates within the state for disposition outside the state, including storage coincident to the transshipment.
(b)
No person shall sell, offer for sale, deliver, or have in the person’s possession for the purpose of sale, any article or product represented as gasoline for use in internal combustion engines used in motor vehicles that does not equal the most recent version of the “American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Specification for Automotive Gasoline D-4814.”
(c)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, it shall be the responsibility of the director of the department of environmental management to administer and enforce this section.
(d)
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 31-37-17, penalties for violations of this section shall be assessed pursuant to § 23-23-14 as administered by the department of environmental management. In addition, the department is hereby authorized to administer this section according to the provisions of chapter 12.1 of title 46 in conjunction with its authority relating to underground storage tanks.
(e)
The director of the department of environmental management shall have the authority to temporarily waive a control or prohibition respecting the use of a fuel or fuel additive required under this section to avoid a disruption in the supply of fuel to the state or to other states as a result of a natural disaster or other emergency. The director shall provide, in writing, the notice of waiver; the nature of the emergency; and the time frame for which the waiver shall remain in effect.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 181, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 291, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 37, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 43, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-8. - Peddler’s license.

§ 31-37-8. Peddler’s license.
Every peddler shall, before continuing or commencing to transact the business of a peddler, obtain from the division of taxation a license. Application for the license shall be made to the division of taxation on forms to be obtained from the division of taxation. The division of taxation, if satisfied as to the facts stated in the application, shall issue a license to the peddler, and it shall entitle the peddler to continue or commence to engage in the business within this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 14a; P.L. 1937, ch. 2509, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 12; P.L. 1940, ch. 871, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-9. - Peddler’s records of purchases and sales.

§ 31-37-9. Peddler’s records of purchases and sales.
(a)
Every peddler, at its principal place of business within the state of Rhode Island, shall keep a record of the number of gallons of fuels purchased, sold, and used by the peddler, from whom purchased and the date of the purchases, to whom sold and the amount and date of the sales. These records shall be preserved for three (3) years and shall be open to the inspection of the investigators and examiners of division of taxation upon demand.
(b)
Every peddler shall keep, at its principal place of business, within the state of Rhode Island, for a period of three (3) years, a complete record of the purchases and sales of fuels. This record must contain the names and addresses of those from whom the peddler has purchased the fuels, and the names and addresses of those to whom the peddler has sold the fuels.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 14a; P.L. 1937, ch. 2509, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 12; P.L. 1940, ch. 871, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-9; P.L. 1967, ch. 181, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-10. - Term of licenses — Fee.

§ 31-37-10. Term of licenses — Fee.
(a)
Any license issued by the tax administrator to an owner for the operation of a retail filling station, or to a peddler of gasoline, shall, from the date of the issuance of the license, be and remain in full force and effect until or unless:
(1)
Suspended or revoked by the tax administrator;
(2)
The business with respect to which the license was issued shall change ownership; or
(3)
The owner or peddler shall cease to transact the business for which the license was issued.
(b)
In any of which cases the license shall expire and terminate, and its holder shall immediately return the license to the tax administrator. There shall be no fee for this license.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2093, § 1; P.L. 1952, ch. 3007, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-10; P.L. 1960, ch. 74, § 16; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 3, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-11. - Prices shown on pumps.

§ 31-37-11. Prices shown on pumps.
(a)
Every retail dealer shall conspicuously display and maintain on each pump or other dispensing device from which motor fuel is sold by the dealer at least one sign and not more than two (2) signs stating the price per gallon and if the sale is by liter, the price per gallon and per liter of each and every motor fuel sold by the dealer from the pump or device. The sign or signs shall be of a size not larger than twenty-four inches (24") by forty-eight inches (48") and shall clearly and legibly state in numbers of uniform size the selling price or prices per gallon, and if the sale is by liter, the price or prices per gallon and per liter of such gasoline sold or offered for sale from the pump or other dispensing device.
(1)
The amount of governmental tax to be collected in connection with the sale of the motor fuel shall be stated on the sign or signs separately and apart from the selling price or prices.
(2)
All figures upon the signs, except fractions, shall be of the same size. Where fractions are used, the numerator and denominator of the fraction combined shall be of the same size as the whole number used on the sign, and the numerator and denominator shall be of equal size in relation to each other.
(3)
All figures or numerals on each sign shall be at least two inches (2") high and all lines or marks used in the making of the figures or numerals shall be at least one-eighth inch (18") in width, and the over-all height of any figure or numeral, except the figure one, shall not be greater than three (3) times the over-all width of the figure or numeral.
(4)
Any figure or fraction used in any price computing mechanism, constituting a part of the pump or dispensing device, shall not be considered a sign under the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
Any retail dealer operating a full-service and self-service pump, who fails to post the signs as required by this section, shall not charge more for full service than the price listed for self-service pumps.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 13; P.L. 1940, ch. 822, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-11; P.L. 1982, ch. 394, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 37, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-12. - Unauthorized signs advertising price of fuel.

§ 31-37-12. Unauthorized signs advertising price of fuel.
No signs stating or relating to the price of motor fuel and no signs designed or calculated to cause the public to believe that they state or relate to the price of motor fuel other than the signs referred to in § 31-37-11 and required to be displayed upon pumps and other dispensing devices, shall be posted or displayed on or about the premises where motor fuel is sold at retail and within view of any public highway or reservation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 13; P.L. 1940, ch. 822, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-13. - Advertising statements to include taxes with price — Inclusion of all prices offered in advertisement.

§ 31-37-13. Advertising statements to include taxes with price — Inclusion of all prices offered in advertisement.
(a)
Any advertisement of motor fuel by a retail dealer which states, refers to, or relates to the price of motor fuel, shall state that the per gallon price includes all taxes imposed with respect to the manufacture or sale of the motor fuel, or shall state the amount of the taxes separately and apart from the selling price or prices.
(b)
To provide for truth in advertising, any retail dealer of motor fuel who chooses to advertise the price of any grade or type of motor fuel, in addition to the mandatory requirements of § 31-37-11, shall post in that advertisement (sign or otherwise) all of the prices of each and every grade or type of motor fuel offered by the dealer for sale. The numerals for every price offered for sale shall be equal in size and character.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 13; P.L. 1940, ch. 822, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-13; P.L. 1984, ch. 282, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-14. - Repealed.

§ 31-37-14. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 13; P.L. 1940, ch. 822, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-14; Repealed by P.L. 1992, ch. 287, § 1, effective July 21, 1992.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-15. - Repealed.

§ 31-37-15. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 14; P.L. 1940, ch. 822, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-15; Repealed by P.L. 2010, ch. 50, § 1, and by P.L. 2010, ch. 78, § 1, effective June 12, 2010.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-16. - Brand names to be displayed.

§ 31-37-16. Brand names to be displayed.
All aboveground equipment for storing or dispensing motor fuel or lubricating oil operated by a retail dealer shall bear in a conspicuous place the trademark and the name of the distributor of the product stored therein or sold or dispensed therefrom. If the motor fuel or lubricating oil stored in or sold or dispensed from the aboveground equipment by a retail dealer has no brand name or trademark, the container or dispensing equipment shall have conspicuously displayed on it the name of the distributor and the words “No brand.”
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 14; P.L. 1940, ch. 822, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-16.1. - No smoking signs to be displayed.

§ 31-37-16.1. No smoking signs to be displayed.
Every retail dealer shall display and maintain on each island upon which is located a device from which motor fuel is dispensed and sold, at least one sign containing the words “no smoking.” The sign or signs shall be of a size not smaller than six inches (6") in height by eighteen inches (18") in length.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 88, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-16.2. - Air pumps.

§ 31-37-16.2. Air pumps.
(a)
Every retail dealer shall display and maintain a compressed air pump which shall be available during the hours the business is open whether the business is an attended or self service gas station. The division of motor vehicles of motor vehicles, safety and emission control unit, shall be responsible for the enforcement of this section and the bringing of complaints under § 31-37-17.
(b)
The provisions of § 31-37-18 shall apply to the division of motor vehicles, and any of its agents in the enforcement of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 236, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 253, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 371, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 23, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-16.3. - Additives.

§ 31-37-16.3. Additives.
Every retail dealer shall display and maintain on at least two (2) sides of each pump or other dispensing device from which motor fuel is sold at least one sign in a conspicuous place stating the maximum percent of alcohol, greater than one percent (1%) contained in the product to the nearest whole percent. In the case of methanol blends, the maximum percentage of co-solvent contained in the motor fuel must be stated separately.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 256, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-17. - Penalties for violations.

§ 31-37-17. Penalties for violations.
Whoever, himself or herself or by his or her agent or servant, violates any provision of this chapter, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000). Upon the second finding against any licensee of a violation, whether by himself or herself or by his or her agent or servant, the director may suspend the right of the licensee to engage in the business of selling motor fuel at retail for a period not exceeding three (3) months. Upon the third or subsequent finding against any licensee of a violation, whether by himself or herself or by his or her agent or servant, the director may suspend the right for a period not exceeding one year.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 15; P.L. 1940, ch. 822, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-17; P.L. 1984, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 44, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-18. - Costs on prosecution of violations.

§ 31-37-18. Costs on prosecution of violations.
Whenever a complaint is made by the tax administrator or by any of the administrator’s agents of any violations of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 36 of this title, the administrator shall not be required to furnish surety for costs or be liable for costs on the complaint.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 11; P.L. 1940, ch. 871, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-19. - Ordinances controlling location of pumps.

§ 31-37-19. Ordinances controlling location of pumps.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall affect the validity of any ordinance or other local regulation respecting the location of any pump.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 18; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 17; P.L. 1940, ch. 822, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-20. - Severability.

§ 31-37-20. Severability.
If any part of this chapter or chapter 36 of this title shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the unconstitutionality or invalidity shall in no way affect the validity of any other portion of it which can be given reasonable effect without the part so declared unconstitutional or invalid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 17; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 16; P.L. 1940, ch. 822, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-37 - Retail Sale of Gasoline › Section 31-37-21. - Enforcement.

§ 31-37-21. Enforcement.
The tax administrator shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and chapter 36 of this title, except that the director of labor and training shall enforce the provisions of §§ 31-37-11 — 31-37-17 and §§ 11-18-13 — 11-18-18. The department of labor and training shall cause any violation subject to its jurisdiction under this chapter to be referred to law enforcement officials in the city or town where the violation has or is occurring for prosecution.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 71; P.L. 1936, ch. 2336, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 15; P.L. 1940, ch. 871, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 18; P.L. 1940, ch. 822, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-37-21; P.L. 1984, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 3, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-1. - Vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition — Inspection sticker for used cars for sale required.

§ 31-38-1. Vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition — Inspection sticker for used cars for sale required.
(a)
No person shall sell at retail, drive, or move on any highway any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer or any combination of them unless the equipment upon the vehicle is in good working order and adjustment as required in this title, and the vehicle is in such safe mechanical condition as not to endanger the driver or other occupant or any person upon the highway.
(b)
No dealer of used vehicles, as defined by § 31-1-19(b), shall sell at retail a used motor vehicle unless a new inspection of the vehicle conforming to the standards set pursuant to this chapter and chapter 47.1 of this title has been conducted and the vehicle has a new certificate of inspection affixed to the windshield at the time of sale, except used cars sold “for parts only” and clearly identified accordingly on the bill of sale.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 71, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 222, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 96; P.L. 1990, ch. 239, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 327, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-2. - Inspection by any proper officer.

§ 31-38-2. Inspection by any proper officer.
(a)
The director of the department of revenue, members of the state and local police, and any other officers and employees of the division of motor vehicles as the director of the department of revenue may designate, may at any time require the seller at retail or driver of the vehicle to stop and submit the vehicle to an inspection and test with reference to it as may be appropriate.
(b)
In the event the vehicle is found to be in unsafe condition or any required part or equipment is not in proper repair and adjustment, the officer shall give a written notice to the seller at retail or driver and shall send a copy to the director of the department of revenue. The notice shall require that the vehicle be placed in safe condition and its equipment in proper repair and adjustment, specifying the particulars with reference to it, and that the notice be approved within five (5) days.
(c)
The director of the department of revenue, or the director’s designee, upon written notice, may require the seller at retail, owner, or driver to submit the vehicle to the state inspection facility for inspection. If the notice is not complied with, the director may suspend the registration of the vehicle described in the notice.
(d)
If three (3) notices are issued in a twelve (12) month period for any motor vehicle for the same or substantially the same unsafe condition or required part or equipment not being in proper repair and adjustment, the director shall suspend the registration of the vehicle described in the notice, and the owner shall be subject for each violation to fines enumerated in § 31-41.4-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 249, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 311, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-3. - Owners and drivers to comply with inspection laws.

§ 31-38-3. Owners and drivers to comply with inspection laws.
(a)
No seller at retail or person driving a vehicle shall refuse to submit the vehicle to an inspection and test as required by § 31-38-2.
(b)
Every seller at retail, owner, or driver, upon receiving a notice as provided in § 31-38-2, shall comply with it and shall within five (5) days forward the approved notice to the department of revenue. In the event of noncompliance with this subsection, the vehicle shall not be operated on any highways of this state.
(c)
Any vehicle which is found to be in such unsafe condition as to the brakes, steering, or other equipment as to be hazardous to permit it to be sold or driven from the place of inspection, then the vehicle shall not be permitted to be operated under its own power. The registration shall be immediately suspended by the department of revenue and the plates and certificates immediately returned to the department of revenue.
(d)
In the event repair or adjustment of any vehicle or its equipment is found necessary upon inspection, the seller at retail or owner of the vehicle may obtain the repair or adjustment at any place he or she may choose, but in every event an approval shall be obtained, otherwise the vehicle shall not be operated upon the highways of this state.
(e)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 125; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-5. - Inspection of vehicles purchased outside the state.

§ 31-38-5. Inspection of vehicles purchased outside the state.
When a motor vehicle is purchased out of state by a resident of this state, the owner of the vehicle shall have five (5) business days from the date of registering the vehicle to obtain a certificate of inspection as required by the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-7. - Operation of official stations.

§ 31-38-7. Operation of official stations.
(a)
No permit for an official station shall be assigned or transferred or used at any location other than designated in it, and the permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the designated location.
(b)
The state-certified person operating an official inspection station shall issue a certificate of inspection and approval upon an official form to the owner of a vehicle upon inspection of the vehicle and determining that its equipment required under the provisions of this chapter is in good condition and proper adjustment, otherwise, no certificate shall be issued. A record and report shall be made of every inspection and every certificate issued. The records shall be kept available for review by those employees of the department of revenue that the director may designate.
(c)
The following fees shall be charged for inspection and issuance of certificate of inspection and approval:
(1)
For every vehicle with a registered gross weight of not more than eight thousand five hundred pounds (8,500 lbs.), the fee shall be included with the fee charged pursuant to § 31-47.1-11;
(2)
For every vehicle of a registered gross weight of more than eight thousand five hundred pounds (8,500 lbs.) or more, except trailers, fifteen dollars ($15.00);
(3)
For every motorcycle and electrically powered vehicle, eleven dollars ($11.00);
(4)
For every trailer or semi-trailer with a registered gross weight of more than one thousand pounds (1,000 lbs.), eleven dollars ($11.00); and
(5)
Provided, that for the inspection of vehicles used for the transportation of persons for hire, as provided in § 31-22-12, and subject to an inspection pursuant to chapter 47.1 of this title, the fee shall be included with the fee charged pursuant to § 31-47.1-11.
(d)
The director of the department of revenue may establish a state inspection facility at which any motor vehicle may be reinspected at no cost to the owner. The state inspection facility may inspect all public conveyance vehicles or these inspections may be otherwise provided for by the director, or any other vehicles which, in the opinion of the director of revenue, or his or her designee, require specific testing to ensure for the health and safety of the general public.
(e)
Any other inspections or activities which may be required to be performed at a state inspection facility may be performed at any official inspection station if determined by the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 1989, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 13, § 5; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 44, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 23, § 3; P.L. 1996, ch. 389, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 327, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-8. - Improper representation as official station.

§ 31-38-8. Improper representation as official station.
(a)
No person shall in any manner represent any place as an official inspection station unless the station is operating under a valid permit issued by the director of the department of revenue or the director’s designee.
(b)
No person other than a state certified employee of an inspection station shall issue a certificate of inspection and approval.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-9. - False certificates.

§ 31-38-9. False certificates.
(a)
No person shall make, issue, or knowingly use any imitation or counterfeit of an official certificate of inspection.
(b)
No person shall display or cause or permit to be displayed, upon any vehicle any certificate of inspection and approval knowing the certificate to be fictitious or issued for another vehicle or issued without an inspection having been made.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-10. - Grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of permit.

§ 31-38-10. Grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of permit.
The director may deny an application for a permit or suspend or revoke a permit after it has been granted for any of the following reasons:
(1)
On proof of unfitness of the applicant to do business as a motor vehicle inspection station;
(2)
For any misstatement by the applicant in the application for the permit;
(3)
For any failure to comply with the provisions of this section or with any rule or regulation promulgated by the director of the department of revenue;
(4)
For defrauding any customer;
(5)
For dismantling any vehicle for repair without the authorization of the owner;
(6)
For refusal to surrender any vehicle to its owner upon tender of payment of the proper charges for towing and/or work done on the vehicle;
(7)
For having indulged in any unconscionable practice relating to the business as a motor vehicle inspection station;
(8)
For willful failure to perform work as contracted for;
(9)
For failure to comply with the safety standards of the industry;
(10)
For failure to properly equip and/or conduct the inspection station;
(11)
For failure to pay the required fees as provided in this chapter;
(12)
For providing an inspection sticker to a motor vehicle which is equipped with a sunscreening device which does not comply with the provisions of chapter 23.3 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 250, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 408, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-11. - Penalty for violation.

§ 31-38-11. Penalty for violation.
Any person violating any of the provisions of §§ 31-38-1 — 31-38-10 of this chapter, or of the rules and regulations established by the director of the department of revenue as provided in this chapter, shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) days or by both a fine and imprisonment. The director of the department of revenue shall revoke the permit of any inspection station who shall be convicted more than once for violations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-12. - Fee for inspection certificates.

§ 31-38-12. Fee for inspection certificates.
(a)
The director of the department of revenue, or his or her designee, shall collect a fee of four dollars ($4.00) for each certificate of inspection issued, and the monies received shall be turned over to the general treasurer to be deposited in the general funds of the state.
(b)
Unused inspection stickers purchased by inspection stations shall be re-purchased by the state if returned in good condition to the director of the department of revenue or his or her designee within three (3) months of the inspection year for which the sticker was issued.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 1989, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 13, § 5; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-13. - Fleet operators.

§ 31-38-13. Fleet operators.
Every person who shall provide maintenance facilities for the servicing of vehicles used in his or her business, except licensed motor vehicle dealers, which facilities shall be approved by the director of the department of revenue, and shall maintain any records and follow any procedures that shall be established by the director, shall be qualified as an official inspection station for the vehicles. The person shall not issue inspection certificates for any vehicle not used in the operation of the business.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-14. - Vehicles exempt from inspections.

§ 31-38-14. Vehicles exempt from inspections.
(a)
The following vehicles shall be exempt from inspections:
(1)
All trailers or semi-trailers having a gross weight of one thousand pounds (1,000 lbs.) or less;
(2)
Any special mobile equipment which is not required to be registered; and
(3)
Vehicles that are limited in their scope of operation as determined by the director of the department of revenue.
(b)
The exemption in this section does not relieve the owner of the vehicle from the obligation of having a safe vehicle on the public highways.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-15. - [Repealed.]

§ 31-38-15. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 349, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 68; P.L. 2006, ch. 14, § 5; P.L. 2006, ch. 16, § 5; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26; Repealed by P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 8, effective July 5, 2019.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-16. - [Repealed.]

§ 31-38-16. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 8, effective July 5, 2019.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-17. - Procedure for a review of an order of the director of revenue.

§ 31-38-17. Procedure for a review of an order of the director of revenue.
(a)
Any person aggrieved by an order of the director of revenue pertaining to either a suspension, revocation, or denial of an application for a permit may appeal from the order of the director by filing a notice of request for review of the director’s order with the sixth division of the district court pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 42-35-15.
(b)
The filing of a petition to review shall not operate as a stay of the order of the director of revenue and the order shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of the review.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 453, § 12; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 5, § 14; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-18. - Conduct of hearings.

§ 31-38-18. Conduct of hearings.
The director of the department of revenue shall hold and conduct hearings in accordance with § 31-38-17. These hearings shall be governed by rules to be adopted by the director of the department of revenue, and the director of the department of revenue shall not be bound by technical rules of evidence. The director of the department of revenue may subpoena witnesses and require the producing of documental evidence in order to make decisions affecting the interest of the motor vehicle inspection owner and/or operator.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-19. - Severability.

§ 31-38-19. Severability.
The provisions of this chapter will be severable and if any of the provisions shall be held to be invalid the decision of the court respecting the provision or provisions shall not affect the validity of any other provision which can be given effect without the invalid provision.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles › Section 31-38-20. - Appropriations and disbursements.

§ 31-38-20. Appropriations and disbursements.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate, out of any money not otherwise appropriated, any sums that it may deem necessary for the purpose of this chapter. The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum, or so much of it that may be required from time to time, upon receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers approved by the director of the department of revenue.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-39 - Auto Wrecking and Salvage Yards [Repealed.] › Section 31-39-1 - — 31-39-22. Repealed.

§ 31-39-1 — 31-39-22. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 213, § 3; P.L. 1972, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 349, §§ 3, 5; Repealed by P.L. 1980, ch. 225, § 3. For present comparable provisions, see § 42-14.2-1 et seq.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-1. - Declaration of policy.

§ 31-40-1. Declaration of policy.
It is declared to be the policy of Rhode Island:
(1)
To provide maximum safety for all persons who travel or otherwise use the public highways of the state;
(2)
To deny the privilege of operating motor vehicles on the highways to persons who, by their conduct and record have demonstrated their indifference for the safety and welfare of others and their disrespect for the laws of the state of Rhode Island, the orders of its courts, and the statutorily required acts of its administrative agencies; and
(3)
To discourage the repetition of criminal acts by individuals against the peace and dignity of the state of Rhode Island and its political subdivisions, and to impose increased and added deprivation of the privilege to operate motor vehicles upon habitual offenders who have been convicted repeatedly of violations of traffic laws.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-3. - Transcript or abstract of conviction record.

§ 31-40-3. Transcript or abstract of conviction record.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall certify three (3) transcripts or abstracts of the conviction record as maintained in the office of the division of motor vehicles of any person whose record brings him or her within the definition of an habitual offender, as defined in § 31-40-2, to the attorney general. The transcript or abstract shall be prima facie evidence that the person named in it was duly convicted or found delinquent or wayward in the case of a juvenile, by the court wherein the conviction or finding was made, of each offense shown by the transcript or abstract. If the person shall deny any of the facts as stated in it, he or she shall have the burden of proving that the fact is untrue.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-4. - Complaint to be filed by attorney general.

§ 31-40-4. Complaint to be filed by attorney general.
The attorney general upon receiving the habitual offender transcripts or abstracts from the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall immediately file a complaint against the person named in it in the district court having jurisdiction of criminal offenses in the city or town in which the person resides. In the event the person is a nonresident of this state, the attorney general shall file a complaint against the accused person in the district court of the sixth judicial district.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-5. - Show cause order — Service — Procedure where conviction denied.

§ 31-40-5. Show cause order — Service — Procedure where conviction denied.
(a)
The court in which the complaint is filed shall enter an order, which incorporates the habitual offender transcript or abstract and is directed to the person named in it, to show cause why he or she should not be barred from operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state. A copy of the show cause order and the transcript or abstract shall be served on the person named in it in the manner prescribed by law for the service of a complaint. Service on any nonresident of this state may be made on the administrator of the division of motor vehicles in the same manner as in any action or proceeding arising out of a collision on the highways of this state.
(b)
If the person denies having been convicted, or in the case of a juvenile denies that he or she was found delinquent or wayward, of any offense necessary for a holding that he or she is an habitual offender, and if the court cannot, on the evidence available to it, make the determination, the court may certify the decision of the issue to the court in which the conviction or finding of delinquency or waywardness was made. The court to which the certification is made shall immediately conduct a hearing to determine the issue and send a certified copy of its final order determining the issue to the court in which the complaint was filed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-6. - Order of court.

§ 31-40-6. Order of court.
If the court finds that the person is not the same person named in the habitual offender transcript or abstract, or that the person is not an habitual offender under this chapter, the proceeding shall be dismissed. But if the court finds that the person is the person named in the habitual offender transcript or abstract and that the person is an habitual offender, the court shall find and by appropriate order direct the person not to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of the state of Rhode Island, and to surrender to the court all licenses or permits to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of this state. The clerk of the court shall file with the division of motor vehicles a copy of the order which shall become a part of the permanent records of the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-7. - Period during which habitual offender not to be licensed.

§ 31-40-7. Period during which habitual offender not to be licensed.
No license to operate motor vehicles in Rhode Island shall be reissued to an habitual offender, subsequent to an order of the court as provided in § 31-40-6:
(1)
For a period of not less than one year nor more than five (5) years from the date of the order of the court finding the person to be an habitual offender; and
(2)
Until the privilege of the person to operate a motor vehicle in this state has been restored by an order of the court of record entered in a proceeding as provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 173, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-8. - Operation of motor vehicle by habitual offender prohibited — Penalty — Enforcement of section.

§ 31-40-8. Operation of motor vehicle by habitual offender prohibited — Penalty — Enforcement of section.
(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle in this state while the order of the court prohibiting the operation is in effect. The operation may be punished by imprisonment of not more than five (5) years. No portion of the sentence shall be suspended or deferred, except that in cases where the operation is necessitated in situations of apparent extreme emergency which require the operation to save life or limb, the sentence, or any part of it may be suspended or deferred.
(b)
For the purpose of enforcing this section, in any case in which the accused is charged with driving a motor vehicle while his or her license, permit, or privilege to drive is suspended or revoked, or who is charged with driving without a license, the court before hearing the charge shall determine whether the person has been held an habitual offender and by reason of the holding, is barred from operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 219, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-9. - Restoration of privilege of operating motor vehicle.

§ 31-40-9. Restoration of privilege of operating motor vehicle.
At the expiration of the time of suspension set by the court under § 31-40-7 after the date of any final order of a court entered under the provisions of this chapter, finding a person to be an habitual offender and directing him or her not to operate a motor vehicle in this state, the person may petition that court, or any district court having criminal jurisdiction in the political subdivision in which the person then resides, for restoration of his or her privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state. Upon the petition, and for good cause shown, the court may, in its discretion, restore to the person the privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state upon any terms and conditions that the court may prescribe, subject to other provisions of law relating to the issuance of operators’ or chauffeurs’ licenses.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 224, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-10. - Appeals.

§ 31-40-10. Appeals.
An appeal may be had from any final action or order of a court entered under the provisions of this chapter in the same manner and form as such an appeal would be claimed and adjudicated in any criminal case.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-40 - Habitual Offenders › Section 31-40-11. - Construction of chapter.

§ 31-40-11. Construction of chapter.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as amending, modifying, or repealing any existing law of Rhode Island or any existing ordinance of any city or town relating to the operation of motor vehicles, the licensing of persons to operate motor vehicles, or providing penalties for the violation of provisions regarding them, or shall be construed to preclude the exercise of the regulatory powers of any division, agency, department, or political subdivision of the state having the statutory power to regulate this operation and licensing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1.