AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES (Creates a new registration plate for qualified individuals to possess an "adaptive vehicle license plate" to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a significant mobility impairment.)

H7308

2026 -- H 7308
========
LC004162
========

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND
PRIVILEGES

Introduced By:
Representatives Read, Potter, Noret, Casimiro, Hopkins, Cotter,
Donovan, and Spears

Date Introduced:
January 23, 2026

Referred To:
House State Government & Elections
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1
SECTION 1. Chapter 31-28 of the General Laws entitled "Parking Facilities and
2
Privileges" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
3

31-28-7.4. Motor vehicle plates for persons with disabilities -- Adaptive vehicle license
4
plate.

5

(a) Definitions. As used in the section:
6

(1) "Adaptive vehicle" means a motor vehicle that has been structurally modified or
7
equipped with specialized equipment (such as ramps, lifts, lowered floors, specialized hand
8
controls, or restraint systems) to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a
9
significant mobility impairment.
10

(2) "Adaptive vehicle license plate" means a special registration plate issued under this
11
section that identifies a vehicle as an adaptive or mobility-modified vehicle.
12

(3) "Qualified individual" means a person who has a permanent mobility impairment
13
certified by a licensed physician or a physical therapist, necessitating the use of an adaptive vehicle
14
for transport.
15

(b) Eligibility requirements.
16

(1) Completed application form from the department of motor vehicles.
17

(2) Medical certification of disability/need for vehicle modification.
18

(3) Proof of vehicle modification.

1

(4) Standard registration fees apply.
2

(c) Privileges and access. Vehicles displaying an adaptive vehicle license plate shall be
3
eligible for:
4

(1) Parking in designated accessible loading/unloading zones for the purpose of assisting a
5
qualified individual;
6

(2) Exemption from certain height, width, or bumper restrictions applicable to non-
7
modified vehicles, as allowed by state law;
8

(3) Use of designated areas at public facilities where adaptive vehicles require additional
9
space for ramp deployment or passenger transfer.
10

(d) The division of motor vehicles may, in addition to the provisions of § 31-28-7, furnish
11
plates displaying the "Internation Symbol of Access" for a pleasure passenger vehicle or a pickup
12
truck used exclusively for noncommercial purposes for a qualified individual.
13
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
========
LC004162
========

LC004162 - Page 2 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND
PRIVILEGES
***
1
This act would create a new registration plate for qualified individuals to possess an
2
"adaptive vehicle license plate" to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a
3
significant mobility impairment.
4
This act would take effect upon passage.
========
LC004162
========

LC004162 - Page 3 of 3