AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS (Allows for trucks with a gross vehicle weight of eight thousand five hundred pounds (8,500 lbs.) or less to have passenger registration license plates.)

H7256

2026 -- H 7256
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LC004110
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL CODE
PROVISIONS

Introduced By:
Representatives Edwards, Bennett, Azzinaro, Kennedy, Carson, Fogarty,
and Casimiro

Date Introduced:
January 21, 2026

Referred To:
House Finance
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Sections 31-1-3 and 31-1-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-1 entitled
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"Definitions and General Code Provisions" are hereby amended to read as follows:
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31-1-3. Types of vehicles.
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(a)(1) “Antique motor car” means any motor vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25)
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years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle may be
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maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public
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interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously
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mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods
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over any public highway.
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(2) After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may
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be issued to it on payment of the standard fee. The vehicle may be operated on the highways of this
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and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation “antique” and
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display an “antique plate.”
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(3) For any vehicle that is more than twenty-five (25) years old, the division of motor
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vehicles may also issue or approve, subject to rules and regulations that may be promulgated by
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the administrator, a “year of manufacture plate” for the vehicle that is an exact replica plate
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designating the exact year of manufacture of the vehicle. The year of manufacture plate, as
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authorized by this subsection, need only be attached to the rear of the vehicle.

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(b)(1) “Antique motorcycle” means any motorcycle that is more than twenty-five (25)
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years old. Unless fully inspected and meeting inspection requirements, the vehicle shall be
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maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public
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interest. The vehicle may also be used for limited enjoyment and purposes other than the previously
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mentioned activities, but may not be used primarily for the transportation of passengers or goods
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over any public highway; and
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(2) After the vehicle has met the requirements of state inspection, a registration plate may
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be issued to it, on payment of the standard fee, and the vehicle may be operated on the highways
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of this and other states, and may, in addition to the registration plate, retain the designation
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“antique” and display an “antique plate.”
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(c) “Authorized emergency vehicle” means vehicles of the fire department (fire patrol);
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police vehicles; vehicles of the department of corrections while in the performance of official
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duties; vehicles used by the state bomb squad within the office of state fire marshal; vehicles of
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municipal departments or public service corporations designated or authorized by the administrator
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as ambulances and emergency vehicles; and privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer
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firefighters or privately owned motor vehicles of volunteer ambulance drivers or attendants, as
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authorized by the department chief or commander and permitted by the Rhode Island Association
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of Fire Chiefs and Rhode Island Association of Police Chiefs Joint Committee for Volunteer
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Warning Light Permits.
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(d) “Automobile” means, for registration purposes, every motor vehicle carrying
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passengers other than for hire
, to include trucks that have a gross vehicle weight of eight thousand
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five hundred pounds (8,500 lbs.) or less
.
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(e) “Bicycle” means every vehicle having two (2) tandem wheels, except scooters and
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similar devices, propelled exclusively by human power, and upon which a person may ride.
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(f) “Camping recreational vehicle” means a vehicular type camping unit, certified by the
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manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.2 Standards, designed primarily as temporary living
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quarters for recreation that has either its own motor power or is mounted on, or towed by, another
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vehicle. The basic units are tent trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, motorized campers, travel trailers, and
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pick-up campers.
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(g) “Electric motorized bicycle”, also called an “electric bicycle”, as defined in § 31-19.7-
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1, means a two-wheel (2) vehicle that may be propelled by human power or electric motor power,
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or by both, with an electric motor rated not more than two (2) (S.A.E.) horsepower, that is capable
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of a maximum speed of not more than twenty-eight miles per hour (28 m.p.h.).
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(h) “Electric personal assistive mobility device” (“EPAMD”) is a self-balancing, non-

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tandem two-wheeled (2) device, designed to transport only one person, with an electric propulsion
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system that limits the maximum speed of the device to fifteen miles per hour (15 m.p.h.).
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(i) “Fifth-wheel trailer”: A towable recreational vehicle, not exceeding four hundred (400)
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square feet in area, designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle that contains a towing mechanism
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that is mounted above or forward of the tow vehicle’s rear axle and that is eligible to be registered
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for highway use.
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(j) “Hearse” means every motor vehicle used for transporting human corpses. A hearse
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shall be considered an automobile for registration purposes.
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(k) “Jitney or bus” means: (1) A “public bus” that includes every motor vehicle, trailer,
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semi-trailer, tractor trailer, or tractor trailer combination, used for the transportation of passengers
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for hire, and operated wholly or in part upon any street or highway as a means of transportation
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similar to that afforded by a street railway company, by indiscriminately receiving or discharging
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passengers, or running on a regular route or over any portion of one, or between fixed termini; or
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(2) A “private bus” that includes every motor vehicle other than a public bus or passenger van
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designed for carrying more than ten (10) passengers and used for the transportation of persons, and
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every motor vehicle other than a taxicab designed and used for the transportation of persons for
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compensation.
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(l) “Kei car” or “Kei truck” means every motor vehicle of the keijidōsha class of imported
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vehicles, including, but not limited to, mini-trucks, microvans, and Kei cars imported pursuant to
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49 U.S.C. § 30112(b)(9), having four (4) wheels, an engine displacement of six hundred sixty cubic
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centimeters (660 cc) or less, an overall length of one hundred thirty inches (130″) or less, an overall
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height of seventy-eight inches (78″) or less, and an overall width of sixty inches (60″) or less.
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(m) “Low-speed motor vehicle” or “low-speed vehicle” means a motor vehicle defined in
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49 C.F.R. § 571.3 as a vehicle that is four (4) wheeled, whose speed attainable in one mile is more
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than twenty miles per hour (20 m.p.h.) and not more than twenty-five miles per hour (25 m.p.h.)
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on a paved level surface, is electric, and whose gross vehicle weight rating is less than three
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thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.). All low-speed motor vehicles shall comply with the standards
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established in 49 C.F.R. § 571.500, as amended, and pursuant thereto, shall be equipped with
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headlamps, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, an exterior mirror mounted on
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the driver’s side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger’s side of the
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vehicle or an interior mirror, a parking brake, a windshield that conforms to the federal standards
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on glazing materials, a vehicle identification number that conforms to the requirements of 49 C.F.R.
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pt. 565 for such numbers, a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly conforming to 49 C.F.R. § 571.209,
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installed at each designated seating position, and reflex reflectors; provided, that one reflector is

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red on each side as far to the rear as practicable and one reflector is red on the rear. A low-speed
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motor vehicle that meets the requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 571.500, as amended, and is equipped as
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herein provided, may be registered in this state, subject to inspection and insurance requirements.
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(n) “Motorcycle” means only those motor vehicles having not more than three (3) wheels
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in contact with the ground and a saddle on which the driver sits astride, except bicycles with helper
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motors as defined in subsection (p) of this section.
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(o) “Motor-driven cycle” means every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a
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motor of no greater than five (5) horsepower, except bicycles with helper motors as defined in
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subsection (p) of this section.
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(p) “Motorized bicycles” means two-wheel (2) vehicles that may be propelled by human
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power or helper power, or by both, with a motor rated not more than four and nine-tenths (4.9)
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horsepower and not greater than fifty cubic centimeters (50 cc), that are capable of a maximum
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speed of not more than thirty miles per hour (30 m.p.h.).
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(q) “Motorized camper”: A camping recreational vehicle, built on, or permanently attached
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to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis cab or van that is an integral part of the completed vehicle.
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(r) “Motorized tricycles” means tricycles that may be propelled by human power or helper
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motor, or by both, with a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower that is capable of a
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maximum speed of not more than thirty miles per hour (30 m.p.h.).
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(s) “Motorized wheelchair” means any self-propelled vehicle, designed for, and used by, a
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person with a disability that is incapable of speed in excess of eight miles per hour (8 m.p.h.).
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(t) “Motor scooter” means a motor-driven cycle with a motor rated not more than four and
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nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty cubic centimeters (50 cc) that is capable of
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a maximum speed of not more than thirty miles per hour (30 m.p.h.).
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(u) “Motor vehicle” means every vehicle that is self-propelled or propelled by electric
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power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, except vehicles moved
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exclusively by human power, an EPAMD and electric motorized bicycles as defined in subsection
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(g) of this section, and motorized wheelchairs.
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(v) “Motor vehicle for hire” means every motor vehicle other than jitneys, public buses,
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hearses, and motor vehicles used chiefly in connection with the conduct of funerals, to transport
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persons for compensation in any form, or motor vehicles rented for transporting persons either with
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or without furnishing an operator.
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(w) “Natural gas vehicle” means a vehicle operated by an engine fueled primarily by
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natural gas.
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(x) “Park trailer”: A camping recreational vehicle that is eligible to be registered for

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highway use and meets the following criteria: (1) Built on a single chassis mounted on wheels; and
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(2) Certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5.
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(y) “Passenger van” means every motor vehicle capable of carrying ten (10) to fourteen
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(14) passengers plus an operator and used for personal use or on a not-for-hire basis. Passenger
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vans may be used for vanpools, transporting passengers to and from work locations, provided that
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the operator receives no remuneration other than free use of the vehicle.
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(z) “Pedal carriage” (also known as “quadricycles”) means a nonmotorized bicycle with
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four (4) or more wheels operated by one or more persons for the purpose of, or capable of,
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transporting additional passengers in seats or on a platform made a part of or otherwise attached to
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the pedal carriage. The term shall not include a bicycle with trainer or beginner wheels affixed to
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it, nor shall it include a wheelchair or other vehicle with the purpose of operation by or for the
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transportation of a person with a disability, nor shall it include a tricycle built for a child or an adult
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with a seat for only one operator and no passenger.
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(aa) “Pick-up camper”: A camping recreational vehicle consisting of a roof, floor, and sides
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designed to be loaded onto and unloaded from the back of a pick-up truck.
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(bb) “Rickshaw” (also known as “pedi cab”) means a nonmotorized bicycle with three (3)
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wheels operated by one person for the purpose of, or capable of, transporting additional passengers
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in seats or on a platform made a part of, or otherwise attached to, the rickshaw. This definition shall
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not include a bicycle built for two (2) where the operators are seated one behind the other, nor shall
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it include the operation of a bicycle with trainer or beginner wheels affixed thereto, nor shall it
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include a wheelchair or other vehicle with the purpose of operation by or for the transportation of
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a person with a disability.
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(cc) “School bus” means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency,
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when operated for the transportation of children to or from school; or privately owned, when
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operated for compensation for the transportation of children to or from school.
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(dd) “Suburban vehicle” means every motor vehicle with a convertible or interchangeable
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body or with removable seats, usable for both passenger and delivery purposes, and including motor
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vehicles commonly known as station or depot wagons or any vehicle into which access can be
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gained through the rear by means of a hatch or trunk and where the rear seats can be folded down
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to permit the carrying of articles as well as passengers.
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(ee) “Tent trailer”: A towable recreational vehicle that is mounted on wheels and
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constructed with collapsible partial side walls that fold for towing by another vehicle and unfold
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for use and that is eligible to be registered for highway use.
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(ff) “Trackless trolley coach” means every motor vehicle that is propelled by electric power

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obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated on rails.
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(gg) “Travel trailer”: A towable recreational vehicle, not exceeding three hundred twenty
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square feet (320 sq. ft.) in area, designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle containing a towing
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mechanism that is mounted behind the tow vehicle’s bumper and that is eligible to be registered
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for highway use.
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(hh) “Vehicle” means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may
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be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or
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tracks.
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31-1-4. Trucks and tractors.
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(a) “Covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle” means a vehicle that is transporting a
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disabled vehicle from the place where the vehicle became disabled to the nearest appropriate repair
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facility; and, provided the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight that is equal to or exceeds the gross
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vehicle weight of the disabled vehicle being transported.
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(b) “Farm tractor” means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm
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implement, for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry or farm
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vehicles.
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(c) “Tow cars and tow trucks” means every motor vehicle ordinarily used for the purpose
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of towing or removing motor vehicles or assisting disabled motor vehicles.
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(d)(1) “Trailer transporter towing unit” means a power unit that is not used to carry property
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when operating in a towaway trailer transporter combination.
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(2) “Towaway trailer transporter combination” means a combination of vehicles consisting
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of a trailer transporter towing unit and two (2) trailers or semitrailers:
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(i) With a total weight that does not exceed twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.); and
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(ii) In which the trailers or semitrailers carry no property and constitute inventory property
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of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of the trailers or semitrailers.
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(e) “Truck” means every motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for the
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transportation of property. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall determine, in
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case of doubt, if a motor vehicle is subject to registration as a truck.
Provided however, any truck
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with a gross vehicle weight of eight thousand five hundred pounds (8,500 lbs.) or less may be
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registered as an automobile and issued passenger plates.
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(f) “Truck tractor” means a non-cargo-carrying power unit that operates in combination
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with a semi-trailer or trailer, except that a truck tractor and a semi-trailer or trailer engaged in the
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transportation of automobiles may transport motor vehicles on part of the power unit.

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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC004110
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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
***
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This act would allow for trucks with a gross vehicle weight of eight thousand five hundred
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pounds (8,500 lbs.) or less to have passenger registration license plates.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC004110
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