reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-15. - Lien for towing and storage charges.

§ 31-22-15. Lien for towing and storage charges.
Every licensed wrecker who shall render towing and storage services for the benefit of a motor vehicle owner shall have a lien on and may retain the possession of the motor vehicle until the charges for the towing and storage have been paid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 161, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-16. - Sale to enforce lien.

§ 31-22-16. Sale to enforce lien.
If the charges referred to in § 31-22-15 remain unpaid for a period of at least sixty (60) days from and after the towing, the wrecker may sell the motor vehicle at private or public sale and the proceeds, after first paying the expenses of the sale, shall be applied as follows:
(1)
In payment of the wrecker’s lien;
(2)
In satisfaction of any indebtedness secured by a financing statement filed with the secretary of state;
(3)
In satisfaction of any indebtedness secured by any subordinate security interest if written satisfaction of demand for it is received before distribution of the proceeds is completed;
(4)
After payment of any or all of the above sections, the proceeds if any, shall be paid to the registered owner, if known to the wrecker.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 161, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-17. - Notice of sale.

§ 31-22-17. Notice of sale.
Thirty (30) days before any sale pursuant to § 31-22-16 is held, notice in writing shall be given to the registered owner of the motor vehicle to be sold, if known to the wrecker, and to the holder of any security interest recorded with the secretary of state, of the amount owed for the storage and towing, and the time and place of sale. The notice shall be mailed, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the address of the registered owner on file at the division of motor vehicles, or the last known address of the owner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 161, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-18. - Newspaper advertisement of sale.

§ 31-22-18. Newspaper advertisement of sale.
Every licensed wrecker, after giving notice to the registered owner of the motor vehicle to be sold as prescribed in § 31-22-17, shall advertise notice of the sale for two (2) consecutive days at least ten (10) days but not more than fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the sale, in a daily newspaper of general circulation, the following information:
(1)
A general description of the motor vehicle to be sold, including its make, model, year, color, and motor or serial number;
(2)
The name and address of the registered owner and the license plate number, if known, to the wrecker; and
(3)
The place and date of the proposed sale.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 161, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-19. - House trailers.

§ 31-22-19. House trailers.
(a)
No person or persons shall occupy or otherwise be a passenger in a house trailer at any time while the house trailer is in transit or being moved in any manner upon the public highways of this state.
(b)
Any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this section shall be fined fifteen dollars ($15.00) for each offense.
(c)
For the purposes of this section, a “house trailer” is defined as a trailer or a semi-trailer which is designed, constructed, and equipped as a dwelling place, living abode, or sleeping place, either temporary or permanent and which is equipped for or capable of use as a conveyance on streets and highways.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 31-22-19; P.L. 1969, ch. 172, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-20. - Solicitation on roadways, permit required.

§ 31-22-20. Solicitation on roadways, permit required.
No person shall distribute literature to, request donations from, or in any other manner perform acts of solicitation of any type directed at the operator or any passenger of any motor vehicle in a travel lane, including motor vehicles stopped at intersections or in obedience to any traffic control device, or on any public street or highways within the state, without first obtaining from the city or town council of the municipality involved a permit to conduct the solicitation. Solicitation without a permit, or in violation of the terms and conditions of a permit, shall be subject to the penalties provided for by the city’s or town’s applicable code or ordinance for violations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 16, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 290, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-21. - Repealed.

§ 31-22-21. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 238, § 1; and P.L. 1984, ch. 121, §§ 1, 2; Repealed by P.L. 1999, ch. 382, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-21.1. - Presence of alcoholic beverages while operating or riding in a motor vehicle.

§ 31-22-21.1. Presence of alcoholic beverages while operating or riding in a motor vehicle.
(a)
No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon the public highways with any unsealed alcoholic beverage container within the passenger section of the vehicle.
(b)
Any person found in violation of this section may be fined not more than two hundred dollars ($200) or have his or her driver’s license suspended for up to six (6) months, or both, for the first violation, and for each subsequent violation may be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or have his or her driver’s license suspended for up to one year, or both.
(c)
The operator of a rented limousine or bus shall not be subject to the provisions of this section provided neither the operator nor any passenger under the age of twenty-one (21) is in possession of any unsealed alcoholic beverage container.
(d)
The original jurisdiction of this section shall be exclusively in the traffic tribunal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 382, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-22.1. - Child passenger protection — Warnings of hazard and risk.

§ 31-22-22.1. Child passenger protection — Warnings of hazard and risk.
(a)
All law enforcement officers in this state are authorized to provide a verbal warning to any person who shall be deemed to have left a child under the age of seven (7) unattended in a motor vehicle. The warning shall apprise the offending person of the dangers of this practice including, but not limited to, the risk of kidnapping and/or abduction, and the dangers which may result from the accumulation of excessive temperatures within the motor vehicle.
(b)
No fine or sanction shall be imposed for a violation of this section, other than a verbal warning, and no record of any kind shall be maintained of the warning.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 208, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-23. - Tow trucks — Identification required.

§ 31-22-23. Tow trucks — Identification required.
(a)
Every motor vehicle used for the purpose of towing or assisting disabled motor vehicles shall display, in sharp color contrast to the background, and be of such size, shape, and color as to be readily legible during daylight hours, from a distance of fifty feet (50′) while the vehicle is not in motion; the name, address, and telephone number of the registered owner shall be displayed on both sides of the vehicle.
(b)
Any person violating this section shall be fined as provided in § 31-41.1-4.
(c)
Any vehicle, except those vehicles exempt from regulation pursuant to the provisions of § 39-12-3, which are used for the purpose of towing or assisting disabled motor vehicles, which does not have a towing certificate issued by the division of public utilities must have the words “Limited Towing” lettered upon the hood or fenders of the vehicle. The letters must be four inches (4") high in a color which contrasts with the vehicle color and must be on both sides of the hood or both sides of the front fender.
(d)
Any person who shall violate this provision shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100) upon conviction for a first offense, not more than two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) upon conviction for a second offense, and for each subsequent conviction may be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 270, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 106, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 346, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 58, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-24. - Interior lights to be operated before dawn and after dusk during police stop.

§ 31-22-24. Interior lights to be operated before dawn and after dusk during police stop.
The operator of any vehicle upon a highway within this state, upon the stopping of the vehicle by any law enforcement or police officer, shall, at any time from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, display and operate its interior lights until such time as the officer allows the vehicle to continue in its operation. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 261, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-25. - Approaching horses.

§ 31-22-25. Approaching horses.
Each operator of a vehicle approaching a horse on a public highway shall reduce speed, proceed with caution and stop if necessary to avoid endangering the equestrian, or frightening or striking the horse. An operator violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a civil violation and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first offense nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for second or subsequent offenses.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 296, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-26. - Noise in vicinity of horse.

§ 31-22-26. Noise in vicinity of horse.
No operator of a vehicle in the vicinity of an equestrian and horse may blow a horn, or cause loud or unusual noises, in a manner to startle or frighten the horse. An operator violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a civil violation and upon conviction shall be fined not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first offense nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for second or subsequent offenses.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 296, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-27. - Severability.

§ 31-22-27. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter, or the applicability of the provision to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or application of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 303, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-28. - Transporting animals.

§ 31-22-28. Transporting animals.
(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any animal or animals either for business or pleasure on or in an open air motor vehicle unless the animal or animals being transported:
(1)
Is kept in an enclosed area of the motor vehicle;
(2)
The animal or animals are under the physical control of a person other than the operator of the motor vehicle; or
(3)
The animal or animals are placed in the motor vehicle and safely restrained by a harness manufactured for the purpose of restraining animals by means other than neck restraints.
(b)
Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for a first offense, nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) for each subsequent offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 194, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22 - Miscellaneous Rules › Section 31-22-29. - Inspection of fire apparatus vehicles.

§ 31-22-29. Inspection of fire apparatus vehicles.
Any motor vehicle bearing fire apparatus plates shall be subject to a yearly inspection in accordance with the criteria listed in the national fire protection association (NFPA) standard 1915, 2000 edition.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 309, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 327, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22.1 - Pupil Transportation Vehicles › Section 31-22.1-1. - Pupil transportation vehicle — Definition.

§ 31-22.1-1. Pupil transportation vehicle — Definition.
A pupil transportation vehicle is a motor vehicle designed and constructed to seat not more than eight (8) passengers including the operator, used by a school committee to provide the transportation services required by law or regulation to students being conveyed along a fixed school transportation route. In particular, such vehicles may be used to provide the transportation services required by § 16-21-1, § 16-21.1-1, et seq., and § 16-24-4 on routes in which only small numbers of students are being conveyed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 207, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 10, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22.1 - Pupil Transportation Vehicles › Section 31-22.1-2. - Pupil transportation vehicle — Vehicle standards.

§ 31-22.1-2. Pupil transportation vehicle — Vehicle standards.
Vans, sport utility vehicles, and heavy automobiles as defined by applicable federal regulations may be used as pupil transportation vehicles provided that these vehicles meet the highest federal crashworthiness standards for these categories of vehicles. Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein, the provisions of § 31-20-4, et seq. (Special Stops Required) shall be applicable to pupil transportation vehicles. The provisions of § 31-23-42 (First aid kit and heating equipment), § 31-23-42.2 (Power equipment on school buses), § 31-23-54 (Fire extinguishers), and § 31-23-55 (Speedometer and odometer) shall be applicable to pupil transportation vehicles. A pupil transportation vehicle shall not be required to be painted school bus yellow provided it carries a sign in school bus yellow visible from forward and from in back of the vehicle containing the lettering required by § 31-20-11.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 207, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 10, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-22.1 - Pupil Transportation Vehicles › Section 31-22.1-4. - Operation of pupil transportation vehicles.

§ 31-22.1-4. Operation of pupil transportation vehicles.
No pupil transportation vehicle shall be operated, under the provisions of this chapter, for purposes of transporting students prior to September 1, 2007.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 207, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-2. - Additional parts and accessories.

§ 31-23-2. Additional parts and accessories.
(a)
Nothing contained in this chapter or chapter 24 of this title shall be construed to prohibit the use of additional parts and accessories on any vehicle not inconsistent with the provisions of these chapters.
(b)
No person shall install or adjust any equipment, part, or accessory on a motor vehicle that is intended for use on any highway, which would result in the motor vehicle or its operation being inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter or chapter 24 of this title and could result in the issuance of a notice pursuant to § 31-38-2. The penalty for the first violation of the provisions of the subsection shall be a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), for the second violation a fine of five hundred dollars ($500), and for the third and subsequent violations a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-2; P.L. 2008, ch. 249, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 311, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-3. - Farm and road machinery exempt.

§ 31-23-3. Farm and road machinery exempt.
The provisions of this chapter and chapter 24 of this title with respect to equipment on vehicles shall not apply to farm vehicles, road machinery, road rollers, or farm tractors except as made applicable in these chapters.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-5. - Performance ability of brakes.

§ 31-23-5. Performance ability of brakes.
Every motor vehicle or combination of motor-drawn vehicles shall be capable at all times, and under all conditions of loading, of being stopped on a dry, smooth, level road free from loose material, upon application of the service (foot) brake within the distances specified below, or shall be capable of being decelerated at a sustained rate corresponding to these distances:
Feet to stop
Deceleration
from 20 miles
in feet per
per hour
second per
second
Vehicles or combination of vehicles having brakes on all wheels
30
14
Vehicles or combinations of vehicles not having brakes on all wheels
40
10.7
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, ch. 34, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-6. - Maintenance of brakes.

§ 31-23-6. Maintenance of brakes.
All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. The brake fluid in hydraulic brakes shall conform to minimum S.A.E. (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-6; P.L. 1960, ch. 101, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-7. - Brakes on motor-driven cycles.

§ 31-23-7. Brakes on motor-driven cycles.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to require an inspection of the brake on any motor-driven cycle and to disapprove any brake which he or she finds will not comply with the performance ability standard set forth in § 31-23-5, or which in his or her opinion is not designed or constructed as to insure reasonable and reliable performance in actual use.
(b)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles may refuse to register or may suspend or revoke the registration of any vehicle referred to in this section when he or she determines that the brake on it does not comply with the provisions of this section.
(c)
No person shall operate on any highway any vehicle referred to in this section in the event the administrator of the division of motor vehicles has disapproved the brake equipment upon the vehicle or type of vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-8. - Horn required.

§ 31-23-8. Horn required.
Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than two hundred feet (200′). However, no horn or other warning device shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle. The driver of a motor vehicle shall when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation give audible warning with his or her horn but shall not otherwise use the horn when upon a highway. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art 34, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-8; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-9. - Theft alarm signals.

§ 31-23-9. Theft alarm signals.
It is permissible but not required that any vehicle be equipped with a theft alarm signal device which is so arranged that it cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-9; P.L. 1972, ch. 25, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-10. - Sirens, bells, and whistles prohibited.

§ 31-23-10. Sirens, bells, and whistles prohibited.
No vehicle shall be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a vehicle any siren, whistle, or bell, except as permitted in §§ 31-23-9, 31-23-11 and 31-23-12. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-10; P.L. 1972, ch. 25, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-11. - Warning devices on emergency vehicles.

§ 31-23-11. Warning devices on emergency vehicles.
Any authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell, capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than five hundred feet (500′) and of a type approved by the registry. The siren shall not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which latter events, the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of its approach.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-11.1. - Warning lights on private vehicles.

§ 31-23-11.1. Warning lights on private vehicles.
(a)
A joint committee for volunteer permits, three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the president of the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs and two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the president of the Rhode Island Association of Police Chiefs, shall take responsibility for the following actions regarding warning lights on privately owned vehicles:
(1)
Develop procedures for the design, issuance, transfer and revocation of permit stickers;
(2)
Develop rules and regulations for the use of warning lights;
(3)
Develop minimum training standards for drivers;
(4)
Develop procedures to govern the board’s activities.
(b)
The fire chief or commander of a municipal or non-profit fire, rescue, or ambulance department shall take responsibility for the following actions regarding warning lights on privately owned vehicles:
(1)
Make application for permits to joint committee on volunteer permits;
(2)
Maintain a listing of vehicle registrations and vehicle identification numbers for which warning lights are issued;
(3)
Ensure that permits are removed from vehicles upon transfer of ownership;
(4)
Post in a conspicuous place at all times, standard operating guidelines for the proper use of warning lights.
(c)
The chief or commander of any fire, rescue, or ambulance department shall limit the use of warning lights to chief officers, deputy chiefs, assistant chiefs, captains, or other members deemed necessary and appropriate by written justification to the joint committee on volunteer permits.
(d)
The fire, rescue, or ambulance department must own any warning lights issued by the fire chief or commander of the department.
(e)
Each authorized volunteer member of a fire, rescue, or ambulance department must affix a permit sticker on any vehicle utilizing warning lights in accordance with rules and regulations developed by the joint committee on volunteer permits. Authorized members shall only utilize these warning lights within their department jurisdiction as the members respond to an emergency or to provide protection while parked at the scene of an emergency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 209, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 447, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-12. - Salvation Army vehicle.

§ 31-23-12. Salvation Army vehicle.
The motor vehicle equipment (station wagon) of the Salvation Army, with headquarters located in Providence, Rhode Island, is declared to be an authorized emergency vehicle and may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell as provided in § 31-23-11.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 32; P.L. 1953, ch. 3067, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-13. - Muffler.

§ 31-23-13. Muffler.
Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke. No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway. Any exhaust system shall be deemed defective if any changes, modifications, alterations, deletions, or adjustments have been made which would cause the exhaust system to generate a higher or louder sound level than would be generated by the exhaust system customarily installed by the manufacturer as original equipment. The defective exhaust system shall be replaced or repaired to restore the exhaust system to the performance specifications of the original equipment. Failure to replace or restore the exhaust system as required in this section within five (5) days shall be deemed a civil violation and violators are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-13; P.L. 1967, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 11; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-13.1. - Altering height of or operating a motor vehicle with an altered height prohibited.

§ 31-23-13.1. Altering height of or operating a motor vehicle with an altered height prohibited.
No person shall alter the height of or operate a motor vehicle with an altered height that has an original manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of up to and including ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.), by elevating or lowering the chassis or body by more than four inches (4") from the original manufacturers’ specified height by use of so called “shackle lift kits” for leaf springs or by use of lift kits for coil springs, tires, or any other means or device. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall establish rules and regulations for motor vehicle heights including exceptions for vehicles used for farming or forestry. No motor vehicle that has been so altered, modified, or changed beyond the provisions of this section or the rules and regulations established by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, shall be operated on any highway. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 541, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-14. - Prevention of excessive fumes or smoke.

§ 31-23-14. Prevention of excessive fumes or smoke.
The engine and power mechanism of every motor vehicle shall be so equipped and adjusted as to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-14; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-14.1. - Fire extinguishers.

§ 31-23-14.1. Fire extinguishers.
Every truck operated, owned, or leased by the state of Rhode Island or a political subdivision of the state shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher shall contain a potassium bicarbonate base dry chemical fire extinguishing agent having an underwriter’s laboratory rating of six (6) B:C, and a capacity of not less than two and one-half pounds (21/2 lbs.).
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 65, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-15. - Rear-view mirror.

§ 31-23-15. Rear-view mirror.
(a)
Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver’s view to the rear of it from the driver’s position shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet (200′) to the rear of the vehicle.
(b)
Every motor vehicle, the primary function of which is the carrying of passengers, shall be equipped with a rear-view mirror on the left front door or fender, so located as to reflect a view of the highway for at least two hundred feet (200′) to the rear of the vehicle.
(c)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-15; P.L. 1967, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-16. - Windshield and window stickers — Obstructions to clear view — Snow and ice on vehicle.

§ 31-23-16. Windshield and window stickers — Obstructions to clear view — Snow and ice on vehicle.
(a)
No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material, or dirt, snow, or ice upon the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows of the vehicle which obstructs the driver’s clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway; provided, that the administrator of the division of motor vehicles may permit the placing of special stickers upon the windshield or any of the windows of a motor vehicle in the manner specified by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
(b)
No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any significant amounts of snow or ice upon the vehicle. The term “significant” is construed as any amount of accumulation which might reasonably be expected, when blowing off the vehicle while driving, to obscure the vision of an operator of another vehicle. However, the natural accumulation of snow while driving during adverse weather conditions shall not constitute a violation of this section. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 35; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-16; P.L. 1983, ch. 255, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 415, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-17. - Windshield wipers.

§ 31-23-17. Windshield wipers.
(a)
The windshield on every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield, which device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle.
(b)
Every windshield wiper upon a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order.
(c)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 35; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-17; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-18. - Solid rubber tires.

§ 31-23-18. Solid rubber tires.
Every solid rubber tire on a vehicle shall have rubber on its entire traction surface at least one inch thick above the edge of the flange of the entire periphery.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-19. - Metal tires prohibited.

§ 31-23-19. Metal tires prohibited.
No person shall operate or move on any highway any motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer having any metal tire in contact with the roadway. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-19; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-20. - Protuberances on tires.

§ 31-23-20. Protuberances on tires.
No tires on a vehicle moved on a highway shall have on its periphery any block, flange, cleat, or pointed spike or other protuberance of any material other than rubber which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire except that:
(1)
It shall be permissible to use tires with flat-headed studs projecting one-sixteenth inch (1/16") or less beyond the tread of the traction surface from the fifteenth day of November to the first day of April;
(2)
It shall be permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway; and
(3)
It shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.
(4)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-20; P.L. 1965, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 7, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-21. - Permits for operation of vehicles having tracks with transverse corrugations.

§ 31-23-21. Permits for operation of vehicles having tracks with transverse corrugations.
The department of revenue and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may in their discretion issue special permits authorizing the operation upon a highway of traction engines or tractors having movable tracks with transverse corrugations upon the periphery of the movable tracks or farm tractors or other farm machinery, the operation of which upon a highway would otherwise be prohibited under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 36; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-21; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 19; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-22. - Safety glass in new vehicles.

§ 31-23-22. Safety glass in new vehicles.
(a)
No person shall sell any new motor vehicle as specified in this section, nor shall any new motor vehicle as specified in this section be registered, unless the vehicle is equipped with safety glass of a type approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles wherever glass is used in doors, windows, and windshields.
(b)
The provisions of this section shall apply to all passenger type motor vehicles, including passenger buses and school buses, but in respect to trucks, including truck tractors, the requirements as to safety glass shall apply to all glass used in doors, windows, and windshields in the drivers’ compartments of those vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-23. - Replacement with safety glass.

§ 31-23-23. Replacement with safety glass.
No person shall replace any glass on any motor vehicle at a place where safety glass is required unless the replacement is made with safety glass approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-24. - “Safety glass” defined.

§ 31-23-24. “Safety glass” defined.
“Safety glass” means any product composed of glass manufactured, fabricated, or treated as substantially to prevent shattering and flying of the glass when struck or broken, or any other or similar product that may be approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-25. - List of approved types of glass — Enforcement of requirements.

§ 31-23-25. List of approved types of glass — Enforcement of requirements.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall compile and publish a list of types of glass by name approved by him or her as meeting the requirements of §§ 31-23-22 — 31-23-24. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall not register any motor vehicle which is subject to the provisions of this chapter unless it is equipped with an approved type of safety glass, and he or she shall subsequently suspend the registration of any motor vehicle subject to this chapter which he or she finds is not so equipped until it is made to conform to the requirements of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-26. - Fenders and wheel flaps required.

§ 31-23-26. Fenders and wheel flaps required.
No person shall operate any motor vehicle on any public highway of this state unless the vehicle is equipped with fenders covering the front wheels of the motor vehicle, or operate any passenger motor vehicle on any public highway equipped with tires which extend beyond the fenders or body of the vehicle unless it is also equipped with flaps or suitable guards to reduce spray or splash to the rear and sides. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 41; P.L. 1955, ch. 3539, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-26; P.L. 1973, ch. 265, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-27. - Rear wheel flaps on buses, trucks, and trailers.

§ 31-23-27. Rear wheel flaps on buses, trucks, and trailers.
No person shall operate or cause to be operated any bus, truck, full trailer or semi-trailer, of registered gross weight exceeding three (3) tons, on any public highway in this state unless it is equipped with suitable metal protectors or substantial flexible flaps behind the rearmost wheels. In case the rear wheels are not covered at the top and rear by fender, body, or other parts of the vehicle, the rear wheels shall be covered at the top and rear by protective means of a standard type or design and so installed as to reduce, as far as practicable, the wheels from throwing dirt, water, or other materials on the windshields of following vehicles, except in cases in which the motor vehicle is so designed and constructed that the requirements of this section are accomplished by reason of the fender or body construction or other means of enclosure. However, §§ 31-23-26 — 31-23-28 shall not apply to vehicles where their construction is such that complete freedom around the wheel area is necessary to secure the designed use of the vehicle. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 41; P.L. 1955, ch. 3539, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-27; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-28. - Failure to have fenders or wheel flaps.

§ 31-23-28. Failure to have fenders or wheel flaps.
Any person who violates any provision of §§ 31-23-26 and 31-23-27 shall be fined not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) or imprisoned not more than thirty (30) days, or both fine and imprisonment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 41; P.L. 1955, ch. 3539, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-28.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-29. - Flares and warning devices.

§ 31-23-29. Flares and warning devices.
(a)
No person shall operate any truck, truck/tractor or passenger bus upon any highway unless there shall be carried flares and/or warning devices for stopped and/or disabled vehicles.
(b)
These flares and/or warning devices shall conform and be displayed according to regulations set forth in 49 CFR Parts 390-399, as amended.
(c)
Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 361, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-30 - — 31-23-36. Repealed.

§ 31-23-30 — 31-23-36. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, §§ 38, 39; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 14; G.L. 1956, §§ 31-23-30 — 31-23-36; Repealed by P.L. 1988, ch. 361, § 1, effective June 19, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-37. - Transporting hazardous substances.

§ 31-23-37. Transporting hazardous substances.
(a)
For the purpose of this section, “explosives and other hazardous materials” is defined as those materials and substances described and classified as such by the hazardous materials regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (parts of the Code of Federal Regulations as prescribed under Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 831, 836, as amended).
(b)
No person, corporation, or other agency shall ship in its own vehicle or tender to any carrier any shipment of explosives or other hazardous materials unless the shipments are made in full compliance with the regulations cited in subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
No person, corporation, or other agency shall operate upon any highway in this state a vehicle carrying explosives or other hazardous materials unless the vehicle is in compliance in all respects with the regulations applicable to the transportation of such materials or substances cited in subsection (a) of this section.
(d)(1)
Any person, corporation, or other agency convicted of violating this section shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisoned for one year, for the first offense, and shall be fined not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or imprisoned for one year for each subsequent offense.
(2)
If death or injury results from any violation of this section, the fine shall be not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and the period of imprisonment not more than ten (10) years.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 34, § 40; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-37; P.L. 1962, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 10, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 75, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 101, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-38. - Television receivers prohibited.

§ 31-23-38. Television receivers prohibited.
(a)
No television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast shall be located in the field of view of the operator of the motor vehicle. Any person who drives or causes to be driven any motor vehicle in violation of the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100).
(b)
This section does not prohibit the use of an electronic display used exclusively for safety or in conjunction with a vehicle navigation system.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2611, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-23-38; P.L. 1999, ch. 293, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-39. - Safety seat belts in new vehicles.

§ 31-23-39. Safety seat belts in new vehicles.
It is unlawful for any person to buy, sell, lease, trade, or transfer from or to Rhode Island residents at retail an automobile, which is manufactured or assembled commencing with the 1964 models, unless the vehicle is equipped with safety belts installed for use in the left front and right front seat.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 98, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-40. - Approved types of seat belts — Enforcement of requirements.

§ 31-23-40. Approved types of seat belts — Enforcement of requirements.
All safety belts must be of a type and must be installed in a manner approved by the division of motor vehicles. The division of motor vehicles shall establish specifications and requirements for approved types of safety belts and attachments to them. The division of motor vehicles will accept, as approved, all seat belt installations and the belt and anchor meeting the Society of Automotive Engineers’ specifications. No new passenger motor vehicle shall be registered unless it is equipped with an approved type of safety seat belt. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall suspend the registration of any motor vehicle not so equipped until it is made to conform to the requirements of this section. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-23 - Equipment and Accessories Generally › Section 31-23-41. - Safety belts in public service vehicles.

§ 31-23-41. Safety belts in public service vehicles.
Every jitney, bus, private bus, school bus, and trackless trolley coach, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with a driver’s seat safety belt device sufficiently anchored and attached and so constructed, designed, and installed as to support a loop-load strength of not less than five thousand pounds (5,000 lbs.) and a buckle or closing device which shall be of a construction and design that it can be released with one hand with a pull of less than forty-five pounds (45 lbs.). Every person when driving any vehicle of this kind shall use and have his or her body anchored by the seat safety belt. Violation of this section shall constitute a civil violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 5; P.L. 1986, ch. 424, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 11.