Rhode Island § 31-1-5 - Definitions and General Code Provisions
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-1-5 — Definitions and General Code Provisions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-1-5. Definitions and General Code Provisions
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-5
§ 31-1-5. Trailers.
(a) “Automobile transporter” means any vehicle combination designed and used for the transport of assembled highway vehicles, including truck camper units. An automobile transporter shall not be prohibited from the transport of cargo or general freight on a backhaul, provided it complies with weight limitations for a truck tractor and semitrailer combination.
(b) “Pole trailer” means every vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by another vehicle and attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach, or pole, or by being boomed or secured to the towing vehicle, and ordinarily used for transporting long or irregularly shaped loads such as poles, pipes, or structural members capable, generally, of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting connections.
(c) “Semi-trailer” means every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, constructed so that some of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle.
(d) “Tractor-semi-trailer combination” means every combination of a tractor and a semi-trailer properly attached to the tractor to form an articulated vehicle.
(e) “Tractor-trailer combination” means every combination of a tractor and a trailer, properly attached to the tractor to form an articulated vehicle.
(f) “Trailer” means every vehicle without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, constructed so that none of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-5; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 25; P.L.
2018, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-1-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-1-5 cover?
Section 31-1-5 ("Definitions and General Code Provisions") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 31-1-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-1-5" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 31-1-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.