reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-108. - Special plate for The Rocky Point Foundation, Inc.

§ 31-3-108. Special plate for The Rocky Point Foundation, Inc.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for The Rocky Point Foundation, Inc. (hereafter referred to as “Rocky Point Foundation”). The plates shall be designed to reference Rocky Point Foundation.
(b)
The special plate shall be displayed upon the same registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued and shall be used in place of, and in the same manner as, the registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and returned to the division of motor vehicles. The registration certificate for the plates shall be carried in the vehicle in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for the special plates.
(c)
The Rocky Point Foundation motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed by the Rocky Point Foundation, in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with design approval by the Rhode Island state police.
(d)
The Rocky Point Foundation plates shall be subject to a minimum prepaid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of plates per plate type (i.e. passenger, commercial, etc.). The Rocky Point Foundation plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order(s) requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by the Rocky Point Foundation and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met and the proper paperwork submitted to the division.
(e)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall develop prepayment procedures and any other procedures deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(f)
In addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, the Rocky Point Foundation plates shall be subject to a forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge.
(g)
The forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge shall be allocated as follows: Twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be allocated to the general fund and the remaining twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be distributed annually to the Rocky Point Foundation in furtherance of its mission.
(h)
A ten-dollar ($10.00) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to the Rocky Point Foundation.
(i)
The Rocky Point Foundation shall be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.
(j)
There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Rocky Point Foundation plates.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 353, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-110. - Special plate for the Lupus Foundation New England.

§ 31-3-110. Special plate for the Lupus Foundation New England.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the Lupus Foundation New England. The plates shall be designed to reference the Lupus Foundation New England.
(b)
The special plate shall be displayed upon the same registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued and shall be used in place of, and in the same manner as, the registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and returned to the division of motor vehicles. The registration certificate for the plates shall be carried in the vehicle in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for the special plates.
(c)
The Lupus Foundation New England motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed by the Lupus Foundation New England, in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with design approval by the Rhode Island state police.
(d)
The Lupus Foundation New England plates shall be subject to a minimum prepaid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of plates per plate type (i.e. passenger, commercial, etc.). The Lupus Foundation New England plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order(s) requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by the Lupus Foundation New England and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met and the proper paperwork submitted to the division.
(e)
The administrator of motor vehicles shall develop prepayment procedures and any other procedures deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(f)
In addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, the Lupus Foundation New England plates shall be subject to a forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge.
(g)
The forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge shall be allocated as follows: twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be allocated to the general fund and the remaining twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be distributed annually to the Lupus Foundation New England in furtherance of its mission to assist charitable organizations in Rhode Island.
(h)
A ten-dollar ($10.00) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to the Lupus Foundation New England.
(i)
In consideration of the receipt of funds from the registration of Lupus Foundation New England license plates, the foundation must use any Rhode Island sources funds in, and for the benefit of, Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
(j)
Lupus Foundation New England will be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.
(k)
There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Lupus Foundation New England plates.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 372, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-111. - Gold Star Families.

§ 31-3-111. Gold Star Families.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the motor vehicles of all eligible members of a Gold Star Family.
(b)
For the purpose of this section, “Gold Star Family” means a person eligible to receive a gold star lapel button as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 1126; provided, the death was determined to be in the line of duty.
(c)
The Gold Star Family motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates, and shall be designed by Gold Star Family members who are Rhode Island residents in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with design approval by the Rhode Island state police.
(1)
[Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 190, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 248, § 1].
(2)
[Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 190, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 248, § 1].
(3)
[Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 190, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 248, § 1].
(d)
The applicant shall not be required to pay a service charge or a transfer charge for each plate.
(e)
Only one set of “Gold Star Family” plates shall be issued to an eligible family member and only after satisfactory documentation of eligibility is presented.
(f)
The owner of a motor vehicle eligible for registration as a commercial vehicle and having a gross weight of twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.) or less who is issued Gold Star Family plates shall continue to pay the appropriate commercial registration fee for those plates. The owner of a motor vehicle eligible for registration as a commercial vehicle having a gross weight of six thousand three hundred pounds (6,300 lbs.), but not more than twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.), shall sign an affidavit at the time of application for said plates stating that the vehicle is to be used for personal use only.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 9, § 3; P.L. 2017, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-112. - Special plate for Gaspee Days Committee.

§ 31-3-112. Special plate for Gaspee Days Committee.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the Gaspee Days Committee (hereafter referred to as “the Gaspee Days committee”). The plates shall be designed to reference the Gaspee Days committee.
(b)
The special plate shall be displayed upon the same registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued and shall be used in place of, and in the same manner as, the registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and returned to the division of motor vehicles. The registration certificate for the plates shall be carried in the vehicle in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for the special plates.
(c)
The Gaspee Days committee motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed by the Gaspee Days committee, in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with design approval by the Rhode Island state police.
(d)
The Gaspee Days committee plates shall be subject to a minimum prepaid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of plates per plate type (i.e. passenger, commercial, etc.). The Gaspee Days committee plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order(s) requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by the Gaspee Days committee and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met and the proper paperwork submitted to the division.
(e)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall develop prepayment procedures and any other procedures deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(f)
In addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, the Gaspee Days committee plates shall be subject to a forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge.
(g)
The forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge shall be allocated as follows: Twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be allocated to the general fund and the remaining twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be distributed annually to the Gaspee Days committee in furtherance of its mission.
(h)
A ten-dollar ($10.00) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to the Gaspee Days committee.
(i)
In consideration of the receipt of funds from the registration of the Gaspee Days plates, the foundation must use any Rhode Island sourced funds, in, and for the benefit of, Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
(j)
The Gaspee Days committee shall be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.
(k)
There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Gaspee Days committee plates.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 231, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 332, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-113. - Special plate for Operation Stand Down RI.

§ 31-3-113. Special plate for Operation Stand Down RI.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for passenger vehicles based upon the not-for-profit entity Operation Stand Down RI.
(b)
The special plate shall be displayed upon the same registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued and shall be used in place of and in the same manner as the registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and the registration certificate for the plates shall be carried in the vehicle, in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for the special plate.
(c)
Operation Stand Down RI motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with design approval by the Rhode Island state police.
(d)
Operation Stand Down RI plates shall be subject to a minimum prepaid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of plates per plate type including, but not limited to, passenger and commercial. Operation Stand Down RI plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by Operation Stand Down RI and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order has been met and the proper paperwork submitted to the division. Subsequent Operation Stand Down RI plate orders will be handled by the division of motor vehicles.
(e)
The administrator of motor vehicles shall develop application forms, prepayment procedures, and any other procedures deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(f)
In addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, Operation Stand Down RI plates shall be subject to a forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge.
(g)
The forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge shall be allocated as follows: twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be allocated to the general fund and the remaining twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be distributed annually to Operation Stand Down RI in furtherance of its mission to “support our troops: in helping struggling and homeless veterans by offering housing and supportive services necessary to their well-being.”
(h)
A ten-dollar ($10.00) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to Operation Stand Down RI.
(i)
In consideration of the receipt of funds from the registration of Operation Stand Down RI plates, the organization must use any Rhode Island sourced funds in and for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
(j)
Operation Stand Down RI will be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.
(k)
There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Operation Stand Down RI plates.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 400, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-116. - Special plate for the Ocean State Animal Coalition.

§ 31-3-116. Special plate for the Ocean State Animal Coalition.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available a special motor vehicle registration plate for the Ocean State Animal Coalition.
(b)
The special plate shall be displayed upon the same registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued, and shall be used in place of, and in the same manner, as the registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and returned to the division of motor vehicles. The registration certificate for the plates shall be carried in the vehicle, in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for the special plate.
(c)
The Ocean State Animal Coalition motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates and shall be designed in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles with the design approved by the Rhode Island state police.
(d)
The Ocean State Animal Coalition motor vehicle plates shall be subject to a minimum pre-paid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of plates per plate type. The Ocean State Animal Coalition plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order requirements are met. The initial order shall be handled by the Ocean State Animal Coalition and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met and the proper paperwork submitted to the division.
(e)
The administrator shall develop prepayment procedures and any other procedures deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(f)
In addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, the Ocean State Animal Coalition motor vehicle plates shall be subject to a forty-dollar ($40) issuance surcharge.
(g)
The forty-dollar issuance ($40) surcharge shall be allocated as follows: twenty dollars ($20) shall be allocated to the general fund, and the remaining twenty dollars ($20) shall be distributed annually to the Ocean State Animal Coalition in furtherance of its mission to improve the status and well-being of animals in Rhode Island, including subsidizing spay and neuter services for cats and dogs.
(h)
The Ocean State Animal Coalition shall distribute the funds it receives as referenced in subsection (g) of this section to Rhode Island-based municipal animal shelters and other humane organizations pursuant to procedures developed in accordance with subsection (e) of this section.
(i)
The Ocean State Animal Coalition shall be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.
(j)
A ten-dollar ($10) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to the Ocean State Animal Coalition.
(k)
There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Ocean State Animal Coalition motor vehicle plates.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 408, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 417, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-119. - Special plate for Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America.

§ 31-3-119. Special plate for Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the not-for-profit corporation Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America. The plates shall be designed to reference Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America.
(b)
The special plate shall be displayed upon the same registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued, and shall be used in place of and in the same manner as the registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and returned to the division of motor vehicles. The registration certificate for the plates shall be carried in the vehicle, in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for the special plate.
(c)
The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates, and shall be designed by the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with the design approved by the Rhode Island state police.
(d)
The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America plates shall be subject to a minimum pre-paid order of at least nine hundred (900) sets of plates per plate type (i.e. passenger, commercial, etc.). The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order(s) requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America, and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met and the proper paperwork submitted to the division.
(e)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall develop application forms, pre-payment procedures, and any other procedures deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(f)
In addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America plates shall be subject to a forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge.
(g)
The forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge shall be allocated as follows:
Twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be allocated to the general fund and the remaining twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be distributed annually to the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America to assist in the furtherance of its programs in the state of Rhode Island.
(h)
The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America will be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.
(i)
There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Rhode Island Boy Scout plates.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 107, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 112, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-120. - Police chief emeritus — Gary Malikowski.

§ 31-3-120. Police chief emeritus — Gary Malikowski.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the motor vehicle of the former police chief of the town of West Greenwich, Gary Malikowski. This plate is to bear the identification “Police Chief Emeritus,” along with an appropriate designation number imprinted on it and shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Gary Malikowski may desire.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 314, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 344, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-121. - Judge emeritus — Stephen J. Capineri.

§ 31-3-121. Judge emeritus — Stephen J. Capineri.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized and directed to issue a special registration plate for the motor vehicle of the former judge of the Rhode Island family court, Stephen J. Capineri. This plate is to bear the identification “Judge Emeritus,” along with an appropriate designation number imprinted on it and shall be furnished without additional registration charge for such period of time as Stephen J. Capineri may desire.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 300, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 301, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-123. - Special plate for Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

§ 31-3-123. Special plate for Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the not-for-profit corporation Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (“RISPCA”). The plates shall be designed to reference Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, commemorating its one hundred fifty (150) years of service.
(b)
The special plate shall be displayed upon the same registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued, and shall be used in place of and in the same manner as the registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and returned to the division of motor vehicles. The registration certificate for the plates shall be carried in the vehicle, in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for the special plate.
(c)
The RISPCA motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates, and shall be designed by the RISPCA in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with the design approved by the Rhode Island state police.
(d)
The RISPCA plates shall be subject to a minimum pre-paid order of at least six hundred (600) sets of plates per plate type (i.e., passenger, commercial, etc.). The RISPCA plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order(s) requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by the RISPCA, and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met and the proper paperwork submitted to the division.
(e)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall develop pre-payment procedures, and any other procedures deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(f)
In addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, the RISPCA plates shall be subject to a forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge.
(g)
The forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge shall be allocated as follows:
Twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be allocated to the general fund and the remaining twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be distributed annually to the RISPCA to assist in the furtherance of its programs in the state of Rhode Island.
(h)
A ten-dollar ($10.00) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals shall be allocated to the RISPCA.
(i)
In consideration of the receipt of funds from the registration of RISPCA plates, the foundation must use any Rhode Island sourced funds in, and for the benefit of, Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
(j)
The RISPCA will be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.
(k)
There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of RISPCA plates.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 426, § 1, effective December 30, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3 - Registration of Vehicles › Section 31-3-126. - Special plate for Atlantic Shark Institute.

§ 31-3-126. Special plate for Atlantic Shark Institute.
(a)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is empowered to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the nonprofit Atlantic Shark Institute. The plates shall be designed to reference Atlantic Shark Institute.
(b)
The special plate shall be displayed upon the same registration number assigned to the vehicle for which it was issued, and shall be used in place of and in the same manner as the registration plates issued to the vehicle. The original registration plates for the vehicle shall be removed from the vehicle and returned to the division of motor vehicles. The registration certificate for the plates shall be carried in the vehicle, in accordance with § 31-3-9. The registration certificate shall be in effect for the special plate.
(c)
Atlantic Shark Institute motor vehicle plates shall be the same size as regular motor vehicle plates, and shall be designed by Atlantic Shark Institute in conjunction with the division of motor vehicles, with the design approved by the Rhode Island state police.
(d)
Atlantic Shark Institute plates shall be subject to a minimum prepaid order of at least six hundred (600) sets of plates per plate type (i.e., passenger, commercial, etc.). Atlantic Shark Institute plates shall not be issued unless the minimum order(s) requirements are met. The initial order will be handled by Atlantic Shark Institute and shall not be submitted to the division of motor vehicles for production until the minimum order(s) have been met and the proper paperwork submitted to the division.
(e)
The administrator of motor vehicles shall develop prepayment procedures, and any other procedures deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(f)
In addition to the regular prescribed motor vehicle registration fee, Atlantic Shark Institute plates shall be subject to a forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge.
(g)
The forty-dollar ($40.00) issuance surcharge shall be allocated as follows: Twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be allocated to the general fund and the remaining twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be distributed annually to Atlantic Shark Institute to assist in the fiscal needs and in furtherance of its mission.
(h)
A ten-dollar ($10) surcharge for subsequent registration renewals will go to Atlantic Shark Institute.
(i)
In consideration of the receipt of funds from the registration of Atlantic Shark Institute plates, the organization must use any Rhode Island-sourced funds in and for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
(j)
Atlantic Shark Institute will be required to submit an annual accounting report before such monies are distributed.
(k)
There shall be no refunds for early cancellation of Atlantic Shark Institute motor vehicle license plates.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 320, § 1, effective January 6, 2023; P.L. 2022, ch. 322, § 1, effective January 6, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-1. - Certificate of title required.

§ 31-3.1-1. Certificate of title required.
(a)
Except as provided in § 31-3.1-2, every owner of a vehicle which is in this state and for which no certificate of title has been issued by the division of motor vehicles shall make application to the division for a certificate of title of the vehicle.
(b)
The division of motor vehicles shall not register or renew the registration of a vehicle unless a certificate of title has been issued by the division to the owner or an application for title has been delivered by the owner to the division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-2. - Exclusions.

§ 31-3.1-2. Exclusions.
No certificate of title need be obtained for:
(1)
A vehicle owned by the United States unless it is registered in this state;
(2)
A vehicle owned by a manufacturer or dealer and held for sale, even though incidentally moved on the highway, or used for purposes of testing or demonstration; or a vehicle used by a manufacturer solely for testing;
(3)
A vehicle owned by a nonresident of this state and not required by law to be registered in this state;
(4)
A vehicle regularly engaged in the interstate transportation of persons or property for which a currently effective certificate of title has been issued in another state;
(5)
A vehicle moved solely by human or animal power;
(6)
An implement of husbandry;
(7)
Special mobile equipment;
(8)
A self-propelled wheelchair or tricycle for a person with a disability;
(9)
A trailer without motive power and designed for carrying property, to be drawn by a motor vehicle and having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less. As used herein, the term “trailer” does not include a travel trailer, a fifth-wheel trailer, or park trailer, as defined in § 31-1-3;
(10)
Motorized bicycles; and
(11)
A mobile home or other nonmotorized dwelling unit built on a chassis greater than eight feet six inches (8′ 6″) in width or sixty feet (60′) in length and containing complete electrical, plumbing, and sanitary facilities, and designed to be installed on a temporary or permanent foundation for permanent living quarters.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 123, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 58, § 4; P.L. 1978, ch. 382, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 219, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 13, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 21, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 308, art. 2, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-3. - Optional certificate of title.

§ 31-3.1-3. Optional certificate of title.
The owner of an implement of husbandry or special mobile equipment may apply for and obtain a certificate of title on it. All of the provisions of this chapter are applicable to a certificate of title so issued, except that a person who receives a transfer of an interest in the vehicle without knowledge of the certificate of title is not prejudiced by reason of the existence of the certificate, and the perfection of a security interest under this chapter is not effective until the lienholder has complied with the provisions of applicable law which otherwise relate to the perfection of security interests in personal property.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-5. - Examination of records.

§ 31-3.1-5. Examination of records.
The division of motor vehicles, receiving application for a first certificate of title, shall check the identifying number of the vehicle shown in the application against the records of vehicles required to be maintained by § 31-3.1-6 and against the record of stolen and converted vehicles required to be maintained by § 31-9-9.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-6. - Issuance and records.

§ 31-3.1-6. Issuance and records.
(a)
The division of motor vehicles shall file each application received and, when satisfied as to its genuineness and regularity and that the applicant is entitled to the issuance of a certificate of title, shall issue, upon payment of a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00), a certificate of title of the vehicle.
(b)
The division of motor vehicles shall maintain a record of all certificates of title issued by it:
(1)
Under a distinctive title number assigned to the vehicle;
(2)
Under the identifying number of the vehicle;
(3)
Alphabetically, under the name of the owner; and
(4)
At the discretion of the division of motor vehicles, in any other method it determines.
(c)
Title searches, lien searches, and other transactions not cited and involving titles shall be conducted upon payment of a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00).
(d)
Beginning in fiscal year 2015 all fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Rhode Island highway maintenance account.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 13, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 15, art. 7, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 9, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 21, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-7. - Contents and effect of certificate.

§ 31-3.1-7. Contents and effect of certificate.
(a)
Each certificate of title issued by the division of motor vehicles shall contain:
(1)
The date issued;
(2)
The name and address of the owner;
(3)
The names and addresses of any lienholders, in the order of priority as shown on the application or, if the application is based on a certificate of title, as shown on the certificate;
(4)
The title number assigned to the vehicle;
(5)
A description of the vehicle including, so far as the following data exists: its make, model, identifying number, type of body, number of cylinders, whether new or used, and, if a new vehicle, the date of the first sale of the vehicle for use; and
(6)
Any other data the division of motor vehicles prescribes.
(b)
Unless a bond is filed as provided in § 31-3.1-9(2), a distinctive certificate of title shall be issued for a vehicle last previously registered in another state or country the laws of which do not require that lienholders be named on a certificate of title to perfect their security interests. The certificate shall contain the legend “this vehicle may be subject to an undisclosed lien” and may contain any other information the division of motor vehicles prescribes. If no notice of a security interest in the vehicle is received by the division within four (4) months from the issuance of the distinctive certificate of title, it shall, upon application and surrender of the distinctive certificate, issue a certificate of title in ordinary form.
(c)
The certificate of title shall contain forms for assignment and warranty of title by the owner, and for assignment and warranty of title by a dealer, and may contain forms for application for a certificate of title by a transferee, the naming of a lienholder, and the assignment or release of the security interest of a lienholder.
(d)
A certificate of title issued by the division of motor vehicles is prima facie evidence of the facts appearing on it.
(e)
A certificate of title for a vehicle is not subject to garnishment, attachment, execution, or other judicial process, but this subsection does not prevent a lawful levy upon the vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-8. - Delivery.

§ 31-3.1-8. Delivery.
The certificate of title shall be mailed to the first lienholder named in it or, if none, to the owner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-9. - Registration without certificate of title — Bond.

§ 31-3.1-9. Registration without certificate of title — Bond.
If the division of motor vehicles is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or that there are no undisclosed security interests in it, the division of motor vehicles may register the vehicle but shall either:
(1)
Withhold issuance of a certificate of title until the applicant presents documents reasonably sufficient to satisfy the division of motor vehicles as to the applicant’s ownership of the vehicle and that there are no undisclosed security interests in it; or
(2)
As a condition of issuing a certificate of title, require the applicant to file with the division of motor vehicles a bond in the form prescribed by the division of motor vehicles and executed by the applicant, and either accompanied by the deposit of cash with the division of motor vehicles or also executed by a person authorized to conduct a surety business in this state. The bond shall be in the amount equal to one and one-half (1½) times the value of the vehicle, as determined by the division of motor vehicles. This amount will be conditioned to indemnify any prior owner and lienholder and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle or person acquiring any security interest in it, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss, or damage, including reasonable attorney’s fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title of the vehicle or an account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title, and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Any interested person has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall not exceed the amount of the bond. The bond, and any deposit accompanying it, shall be returned at the end of three (3) years or prior to that time if the vehicle is no longer registered in this state and the currently valid certificate of title is surrendered to the division of motor vehicles unless the division of motor vehicles has been notified of the pendency of an action to recover on the bond.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-10. - Refusing certificate of title.

§ 31-3.1-10. Refusing certificate of title.
The division of motor vehicles shall refuse issuance of a certificate of title if any required fee is not paid or if it has reasonable grounds to believe that:
(1)
The applicant is not the owner of the vehicle;
(2)
The application contains a false or fraudulent statement;
(3)
The applicant fails to furnish required information or documents or any additional information the division reasonably requires; or
(4)
The applicant fails to furnish evidence that any tax due with reference to the motor vehicle pursuant to the provisions of chapters 18 and 19 of title 44 has been paid in accordance with regulations prescribed by the tax administrator, and on any forms that shall be approved by the tax administrator and the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 263, art. VI, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-11. - Lost, stolen or mutilated certificates.

§ 31-3.1-11. Lost, stolen or mutilated certificates.
(a)
If a certificate of title is lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or becomes illegible, the first lienholder or, if none, the owner or legal representative of the owner named in the certificate, as shown by the records of the division of motor vehicles, shall promptly apply for and may obtain a duplicate upon furnishing information satisfactory to the division of motor vehicles and pay a fifty dollar ($50.00) fee. The duplicate certificate of title shall contain the legend “this is a duplicate certificate and may be subject to the rights of a person under the original certificate.” It shall be mailed to the first lienholder named in it or, if none, to the owner.
(b)
The division of motor vehicles shall not issue a certificate of title to a transferee upon application made on a duplicate until fifteen (15) days after receipt of the application.
(c)
A person recovering an original certificate of title for which a duplicate has been issued shall promptly surrender the original certificate to the division of motor vehicles.
(d)
A person applying for a duplicate title may designate an automobile dealer as the designated recipient of the duplicate title provided, that there is no current lien holder and the applicant/owner signs an affidavit stating that the vehicle has been sold or traded to the dealer in such form as designated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 13, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 15, art. 7, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 412, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 9, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-12. - Transfer.

§ 31-3.1-12. Transfer.
(a)
If the owner transfers his or her interest in a vehicle, other than by the creation of a security interest, he or she shall, at the time of the delivery of the vehicle, execute an assignment and warranty of title to the transferee in the space provided for it on the certificate or as the division of motor vehicles prescribes, and cause the certificate and assignment to be mailed or delivered to the transferee or to the division of motor vehicles.
(b)
Except as provided in § 31-3.1-13, the transferee shall, promptly after delivery to him or her of the vehicle, execute the application for a new certificate of title in the space provided for it on the certificate or as the division of motor vehicles prescribes, and cause the certificate and application to be mailed or delivered to the division of motor vehicles.
(c)
Upon request of the owner or transferee, a lienholder in possession of the certificate of title shall, unless the transfer was a breach of his or her security agreement, either deliver the certificate to the transferee for delivery to the division of motor vehicles or upon receipt from the transferee of the owner’s assignment, the transferee’s application for a new certificate, the registration card, license plates and the required fee of fifty dollars ($50.00), mail or deliver them to the division of motor vehicles. The delivery of the certificate does not affect the rights of the lienholder under his or her security agreement.
(d)
If a security interest is reserved or created at the time of the transfer, the certificate of title shall be retained by or delivered to the person who becomes the lienholder, and the parties shall comply with the provisions of § 31-3.1-20.
(e)
Except as provided in § 31-3.1-13 and as between the parties, a transfer by an owner is not effective until the provisions of this section and § 31-3.1-15, have been complied with. However, an owner who has delivered possession of the vehicle to the transferee and has complied with the provisions of this section and § 31-3.1-15, requiring action by him or her, is not liable as owner for any subsequent damages resulting from operation of the vehicle.
(f)
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall prescribe and/or approve a power-of-attorney form which complies with § 408(d)(1)(C) of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, 49 U.S.C. § 32705(b)(2), as amended, and any regulations promulgated pursuant to it, and this form may be used in connection with transfers of title under this section to the full extent permitted by federal law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 13, § 3; P.L. 1990, ch. 348, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 15, art. 7, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 58; P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 9, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-13. - Transfer to or from dealer — Records.

§ 31-3.1-13. Transfer to or from dealer — Records.
(a)
If a dealer buys a vehicle and holds it for resale and procures the certificate of title from the owner or the lienholder within ten (10) days after delivery to him of the vehicle, the dealer need not send the certificate to the division of motor vehicles. However, upon transferring the vehicle to another person other than by the creation of a security interest, the dealer shall promptly execute the assignment and warranty of title by a dealer, showing the names and addresses of the transferee and of any lienholder holding a security interest created or reserved at the time of the resale and the date of the security agreement, in the spaces provided for it on the certificate or as the division of motor vehicles prescribes, and mail or deliver the certificate to the division of motor vehicles with the transferee’s application for a new certificate.
(b)
Every dealer shall maintain for five (5) years a record in the form the division of motor vehicles prescribes of every vehicle bought, sold, or exchanged by the dealer, or received by the dealer for sale or exchange, which shall be open to inspection by a representative of the division of motor vehicles or peace officer during reasonable business hours.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-3.1 - Certificates of Title and Security Interests › Section 31-3.1-14. - Transfer by operation of law.

§ 31-3.1-14. Transfer by operation of law.
(a)
If the interest of any owner in a vehicle passes to another other than by voluntary transfer, the transferee shall, except as provided in subsection (b), promptly mail or deliver to the division of motor vehicles the last certificate of title, if available, proof of the transfer, and his or her application for a new certificate in the form the division of motor vehicles prescribes.
(b)
If the interest of the owner is terminated or the vehicle is sold under a security agreement by a lienholder named in the certificate of title, the transferee shall promptly mail or deliver to the division of motor vehicles the last certificate of title, his or her application for a new certificate in the form the division of motor vehicles prescribes, and an affidavit made by or on behalf of the lienholder that the vehicle was repossessed and that the interest of the owner was lawfully terminated or sold pursuant to the terms of the security agreement. If the lienholder succeeds to the interest of the owner and holds the vehicle for resale, the lienholder need not secure a new certificate of title but, upon transfer to another person shall promptly mail or deliver to the transferee or to the division of motor vehicles, the certificate, affidavit, and other documents and articles required to be sent to the division of motor vehicles by the transferee.
(c)
A person holding a certificate of title whose interest in the vehicle has been extinguished or transferred other than by voluntary transfer shall mail or deliver the certificate to the division of motor vehicles upon request of the division of motor vehicles. The delivery of the certificate pursuant to the request of the division of motor vehicles does not affect the rights of the person surrendering the certificate, and the action of the division of motor vehicles in issuing a new certificate of title as provided in this section is not conclusive upon the rights of an owner or lienholder named in the old certificate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 100, § 1.