2023 -- H 5457
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LC001148
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL CODE
PROVISIONS
Introduced By: Representatives Cortvriend, Carson, Donovan, McGaw, Edwards, and
Finkelman
Date Introduced: February 08, 2023
Referred To: House State Government & Elections
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 31-1-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-1 entitled "Definitions and 1
General Code Provisions" is hereby amended to read as follows: 2
31-1-3. Types of vehicles. 3
(a)(1) “Antique motor car” means any motor vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) 4
years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be 5
maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public 6
interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously 7
mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods 8
over any public highway. 9
(2) After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may 10
be issued to it on payment of the standard fee. The vehicle may be operated on the highways of this 11
and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation “antique” and 12
display an “antique plate.” 13
(3) For any vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old, the division of motor 14
vehicles may also issue or approve, subject to rules and regulations that may be promulgated by 15
the administrator, a “year of manufacture plate” for the vehicle that is an exact replica plate 16
designating the exact year of manufacture of the vehicle. The year of manufacture plate, as 17
authorized by this subsection, need only be attached to the rear of the vehicle. 18
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(b)(1) “Antique motorcycle” means any motorcycle that is more than twenty-five (25) 1
years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle shall be 2
maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public 3
interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously 4
mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods 5
over any public highway; and 6
(2) After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may 7
be issued to it, on payment of the standard fee, and the vehicle may be operated on the highways 8
of this and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation 9
“antique” and display an “antique plate.” 10
(c) “Authorized emergency vehicle” means vehicles of the fire department (fire patrol); 11
police vehicles; vehicles of the department of corrections while in the performance of official 12
duties; vehicles used by the state bomb squad within the office of state fire marshal; vehicles of 13
municipal departments or public service corporations designated or authorized by the administrator 14
as ambulances and emergency vehicles; and privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer 15
firefighters or privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer ambulance drivers or attendants, as 16
authorized by the department chief or commander and permitted by the Rhode Island Association 17
of Fire Chiefs and Rhode Island Association of Police Chiefs Joint Committee for Volunteer 18
Warning Light Permits. 19
(d) “Automobile” means, for registration purposes, every motor vehicle carrying 20
passengers other than for hire. 21
(e) “Bicycle” means every vehicle having two (2) tandem wheels, except scooters and 22
similar devices, propelled exclusively by human power, and upon which a person may ride. 23
(f) “Camping recreational vehicle” means a vehicular type camping unit, certified by the 24
manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.2 Standards, designed primarily as temporary living 25
quarters for recreation that has either its own motor power or is mounted on, or towed by, another 26
vehicle. The basic units are tent trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, motorized campers, travel trailers, and 27
pick-up campers. 28
(g) “Electric motorized bicycle” means a motorized bicycle that may be propelled by 29
human power or electric motor power, or by both, with an electric motor rated not more than two 30
(2) (S.A.E.) horsepower, that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than twenty-five (25) 31
miles per hour. 32
(h) “Electric personal assistive mobility device” (“EPAMD”) is a self-balancing, non-33
tandem two-wheeled (2) device, designed to transport only one person, with an electric propulsion 34
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system that limits the maximum speed of the device to fifteen (15) miles per hour. 1
(i) “Fifth-wheel trailer”: A towable recreational vehicle, not exceeding four hundred (400) 2
square feet in area, designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle that contains a towing mechanism 3
that is mounted above or forward of the tow vehicle’s rear axle and that is eligible to be registered 4
for highway use. 5
(j) “Hearse” means every motor vehicle used for transporting human corpses. A hearse 6
shall be considered an automobile for registration purposes. 7
(k) “Jitney or bus” means: (1) A “public bus” that includes every motor vehicle, trailer, 8
semi-trailer, tractor trailer, or tractor trailer combination, used for the transportation of passengers 9
for hire, and operated wholly or in part upon any street or highway as a means of transportation 10
similar to that afforded by a street railway company, by indiscriminately receiving or discharging 11
passengers, or running on a regular route or over any portion of one, or between fixed termini; or 12
(2) A “private bus” that includes every motor vehicle other than a public bus or passenger van 13
designed for carrying more than ten (10) passengers and used for the transportation of persons, and 14
every motor vehicle other than a taxicab designed and used for the transportation of persons for 15
compensation. 16
(l) ''Low-speed motor vehicle'' or ''low-speed vehicle'', means a motor vehicle defined in 17
49 C.F.R. § 571.3 as a vehicle that is four (4) wheeled, whose speed attainable in one mile is more 18
than twenty miles per hour (20 mph) and not more than twenty-five miles per hour (25 mph) on a 19
paved level surface and whose gross vehicle weight rating is less than three thousand pounds (3,000 20
lbs.). All low-speed motor vehicles shall comply with the standards established in 49 C.F.R. § 21
571.500, as amended, and pursuant thereto, shall be equipped with headlamps, front and rear turn 22
signal lamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, an exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle 23
and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or an interior mirror, a 24
parking brake, a windshield that conforms to the federal standards on glazing materials, a vehicle 25
identification number that conforms to the requirements of 49 C.F.R. pt. 565 for such numbers, a 26
Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly conforming to 49 C.F.R. § 571.209, installed at each designated 27
seating position and reflex reflectors; provided, that one reflector is red on each side as far to the 28
rear as practicable and one reflector is red on the rear. A low-speed motor vehicle that meets the 29
requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 571.500, as amended, and is equipped as herein provided, may be 30
registered in this state, subject to inspection and insurance requirements. 31
(m) “Motorcycle” means only those motor vehicles having not more than three (3) wheels 32
in contact with the ground and a saddle on which the driver sits astride, except bicycles with helper 33
motors as defined in subsection (n) of this section. 34
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(m)(n) “Motor-driven cycle” means every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with 1
a motor of no greater than five (5) horsepower, except bicycles with helper motors as defined in 2
subsection (n) of this section. 3
(n)(o) “Motorized bicycles” means two-wheel (2) vehicles that may be propelled by human 4
power or helper power, or by both, with a motor rated not more than four and nine-tenths (4.9) 5
horsepower and not greater than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, that are capable of a maximum speed 6
of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour. 7
(o)(p) “Motorized camper”: A camping recreational vehicle, built on, or permanently 8
attached to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis cab or van that is an integral part of the completed 9
vehicle. 10
(p)(q) “Motorized tricycles” means tricycles that may be propelled by human power or 11
helper motor, or by both, with a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower that is capable of 12
a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour. 13
(q)(r) “Motorized wheelchair” means any self-propelled vehicle, designed for, and used 14
by, a person with a disability that is incapable of speed in excess of eight (8) miles per hour. 15
(r)(s) “Motor scooter” means a motor-driven cycle with a motor rated not more than four 16
and nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty (50) cubic centimeters that is capable 17
of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour. 18
(s)(t) “Motor vehicle” means every vehicle that is self-propelled or propelled by electric 19
power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, except vehicles moved 20
exclusively by human power, an EPAMD and electric motorized bicycles as defined in subsection 21
(g) of this section, and motorized wheelchairs. 22
(t)(u) “Motor vehicle for hire” means every motor vehicle other than jitneys, public buses, 23
hearses, and motor vehicles used chiefly in connection with the conduct of funerals, to transport 24
persons for compensation in any form, or motor vehicles rented for transporting persons either with 25
or without furnishing an operator. 26
(u)(v) “Natural gas vehicle” means a vehicle operated by an engine fueled primarily by 27
natural gas. 28
(v)(w) “Park trailer”: A camping recreational vehicle that is eligible to be registered for 29
highway use and meets the following criteria: (1) Built on a single chassis mounted on wheels; and 30
(2) Certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5. 31
(w)(x) “Passenger van” means every motor vehicle capable of carrying ten (10) to fourteen 32
(14) passengers plus an operator and used for personal use or on a not-for-hire basis. Passenger 33
vans may be used for vanpools, transporting passengers to and from work locations, provided that 34
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the operator receives no remuneration other than free use of the vehicle. 1
(x)(y) “Pedal carriage” (also known as “quadricycles”) means a nonmotorized bicycle with 2
four (4) or more wheels operated by one or more persons for the purpose of, or capable of, 3
transporting additional passengers in seats or on a platform made a part of or otherwise attached to 4
the pedal carriage. The term shall not include a bicycle with trainer or beginner wheels affixed to 5
it, nor shall it include a wheelchair or other vehicle with the purpose of operation by or for the 6
transportation of a person with a disability, nor shall it include a tricycle built for a child or an adult 7
with a seat for only one operator and no passenger. 8
(y)(z) “Pick-up camper”: A camping recreational vehicle consisting of a roof, floor, and 9
sides designed to be loaded onto and unloaded from the back of a pick-up truck. 10
(z)(aa) “Rickshaw” (also known as “pedi cab”) means a nonmotorized bicycle with three 11
(3) wheels operated by one person for the purpose of, or capable of, transporting additional 12
passengers in seats or on a platform made a part of, or otherwise attached to, the rickshaw. This 13
definition shall not include a bicycle built for two (2) where the operators are seated one behind the 14
other, nor shall it include the operation of a bicycle with trainer or beginner wheels affixed thereto, 15
nor shall it include a wheelchair or other vehicle with the purpose of operation by or for the 16
transportation of a person with a disability. 17
(aa)(bb) “School bus” means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental 18
agency, when operated for the transportation of children to or from school; or privately owned, 19
when operated for compensation for the transportation of children to or from school. 20
(bb)(cc) “Suburban vehicle” means every motor vehicle with a convertible or 21
interchangeable body or with removable seats, usable for both passenger and delivery purposes, 22
and including motor vehicles commonly known as station or depot wagons or any vehicle into 23
which access can be gained through the rear by means of a hatch or trunk and where the rear seats 24
can be folded down to permit the carrying of articles as well as passengers. 25
(cc)(dd) “Tent trailer”: A towable recreational vehicle that is mounted on wheels and 26
constructed with collapsible partial side walls that fold for towing by another vehicle and unfold 27
for use and that is eligible to be registered for highway use. 28
(dd)(ee) “Trackless trolley coach” means every motor vehicle that is propelled by electric 29
power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated on rails. 30
(ee)(ff) “Travel trailer”: A towable recreational vehicle, not exceeding three hundred 31
twenty square feet (320 sq. ft.) in area, designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle containing a 32
towing mechanism that is mounted behind the tow vehicle’s bumper and that is eligible to be 33
registered for highway use. 34
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(ff)(gg) “Vehicle” means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or 1
may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails 2
or tracks. 3
SECTION 2. Section 31-3-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-3 entitled "Registration of 4
Vehicles" is hereby amended to read as follows: 5
31-3-2. Vehicles subject to registration. 6
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, pole trailer, motorized camper, tent trailer, travel 7
trailer, pick-up coach, and pick-up camper, owned by a resident of this state when operated or 8
drawn upon a highway within this state for a period of thirty (30) days, shall be subject to the 9
registration provisions of chapters 3 — 9 of this title except: 10
(a) Any vehicle operated upon a highway in conformance with the provisions of the 11
chapters relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, lien holders, or nonresidents; 12
(b) Any vehicle that is operated upon a highway only for the purpose of crossing the 13
highway but not along the highway from one property to another; 14
(c) Any farm vehicle, whether or not of a type otherwise subject to registration under this 15
chapter, that is only incidentally operated upon a highway. For purposes of this title, the phrase 16
“incidentally operated upon a highway” shall mean the operation upon a highway of a slow-moving 17
motor vehicle that is designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing plows, mowing 18
machines, and other implements of husbandry, between agricultural operations owned or managed 19
by the owner of the motor vehicle. Unless the incidental operation is only for purposes of crossing 20
the highway but not traveling along it, the farm vehicle engaged in the incidental operation shall 21
display a “Slow Moving Vehicle” emblem in a manner that complies with requirements established 22
by the division of motor vehicles; 23
(d) Any special mobile equipment as defined in § 31-1-9; 24
(e) Any vehicle that is propelled exclusively by electric power obtained from overhead 25
trolley wires, though not operated upon rails; 26
(f) Any low-speed motor vehicle or low speed vehicle as defined in § 31-1-3. 27
SECTION 3. The title of Chapter 31-10.1 of the General Laws entitled "Special License 28
for Motorcycles, Motor Scooters, and Other Motor Driven Cycles" is hereby amended to read as 29
follows: 30
CHAPTER 31-10.1 31
Special License for Motorcycles, Motor Scooters, and Other Motor Driven Cycles 32
CHAPTER 31-10.1 33
SPECIAL LICENSES FOR MOTORCYCLES, MOTOR SCOOTERS, LOW -SPEED 34
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VEHICLES AND OTHER MOTOR DRIVEN CY CLES 1
SECTION 4. Section 31-10.1-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-10.1 entitled "Special 2
License for Motorcycles, Motor Scooters, and Other Motor Driven Cycles" is hereby amended to 3
read as follows: 4
31-10.1-7. Inspection. 5
Every motorcycle, motor scooter, low-speed vehicle, or motor driven cycle shall be 6
inspected in accordance with the law providing for inspection of motor vehicles and shall display 7
a certificate of inspection as provided in chapter 38 of this title. Inspection standards for the motor 8
vehicles shall be established by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. Inspection 9
stations shall be specially licensed to inspect motorcycles, motor scooters, and motor-driven cycles. 10
Certificates of inspection for these vehicles shall be clearly distinguishable from those issued to 11
other motor vehicles. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4. 12
SECTION 5. Title 31 of the General Laws entitled "MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES" 13
is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter: 14
CHAPTER 19.6 15
LOW-SPEED VEHICLES 16
31-19.6-1. Low-speed vehicles. 17
(a) Except as otherwise provided in chapters 19.4 and 19.5 of title 31, a low-speed motor 18
vehicle or low-speed vehicle shall not be operated upon any public way unless such vehicle is 19
registered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, displays the registration number as 20
provided in § 31-3-10 and displays a slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear of the vehicle as 21
required by § 31-10.1-7. Low-speed vehicles shall be subject to inspection as required by chapter 22
38 of title 31. The registrar may issue registration plates displaying the “Slow Moving Vehicle” 23
emblem for a low-speed vehicle upon the same terms and conditions applicable to registrants of 24
other motor vehicles and may issue a special parking identification placard bearing the same 25
designation upon the same terms and conditions applicable to persons seeking a placard for a motor 26
vehicle. Every person lawfully operating a low-speed motor vehicle shall have the right to use the 27
public highways in the state, except low-speed vehicles shall be prohibited from operation on 28
limited access highways, as defined in § 31-1-23, state highways, as defined in § 31-1-23, or 29
through highways as defined in § 31-1-23 or on any public highway or roadway with a speed limit 30
of more than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph). 31
(b) Low-speed vehicles shall be subject to the traffic laws and regulations of the state and 32
the provisions of this section. 33
(c) Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall be construed to prohibit a low-speed 34
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motor vehicle from crossing a public highway at an intersection where the public highway to be 1
crossed has a posted speed limit between thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) and forty-five miles 2
per hour (45 mph), provided the public highway the low-speed vehicle is traveling on and the public 3
highway the low-speed vehicle is crossing the intersection toward both have a speed limit no higher 4
than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) and the intersection is controlled by traffic signals or stop 5
signs. 6
(d) A municipality may, by ordinance, prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles on a 7
laned roadway or local highway or a portion of a highway within its jurisdiction and under its 8
control, regardless of posted speeds, where it finds that use of the highway or a particular portion 9
of the highway by low-speed motor vehicles would represent an unreasonable risk of death or 10
serious injury to occupants of low-speed vehicles as a result of general traffic conditions which 11
shall include, but not be limited to, excessive speeds of other vehicles, traffic volumes, use of the 12
highway by heavy trucks or other large vehicles or if the established speed limit on the highway 13
increases above thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) per hour beyond the point where a low-speed 14
vehicle could safely exit the highway. The municipality shall post signs where necessary to provide 15
notice to the public of such prohibited access. 16
(e) A low-speed vehicle shall not be operated by a person under sixteen (16) years of age 17
nor by any person not possessing a valid driver's license, except that a person who is at least sixteen 18
(16) years of age who possesses a valid learner's permit may operate a low-speed vehicle on those 19
highways, or portions of highways, where such operation is lawful, if accompanied by an operator 20
duly licensed by the state of residence who is twenty-one (21) years of age or over, who has had at 21
least one year of driving experience and who is occupying a seat beside the driver. The holder of a 22
temporary operator's permit shall be subject to the same license restrictions applicable to that 23
license classification in the operation of a low-speed vehicle as if the license holder were operating 24
any other motor vehicle. 25
SECTION 6. This act shall take effect upon passage. 26
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL CODE
PROVISIONS
***
This act would establish regulations for the registration and operation of low-speed 1
vehicles in this state. 2
This act would take effect upon passage. 3
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