Rhode Island § 31-1-4 - Definitions and General Code Provisions

§ 31-1-4. Trucks and tractors.

(a) “Covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle” means a vehicle that is transporting a disabled vehicle from the place where the vehicle became disabled to the nearest appropriate repair facility; and, provided the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight that is equal to or exceeds the gross vehicle weight of the disabled vehicle being transported.

(b) “Farm tractor” means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement, for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry or farm vehicles.

(c) “Tow cars and tow trucks” means every motor vehicle ordinarily used for the purpose of towing or removing motor vehicles or assisting disabled motor vehicles.

(d)(1) “Trailer transporter towing unit” means a power unit that is not used to carry property when operating in a towaway trailer transporter combination.

(2) “Towaway trailer transporter combination” means a combination of vehicles consisting of a trailer transporter towing unit and two (2) trailers or semitrailers:

(i) With a total weight that does not exceed twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.); and

(ii) In which the trailers or semitrailers carry no property and constitute inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of the trailers or semitrailers.

(e) “Truck” means every motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall determine, in case of doubt, if a motor vehicle is subject to registration as a truck.

(f) “Truck tractor” means a non-cargo-carrying power unit that operates in combination with a semi-trailer or trailer, except that a truck tractor and a semi-trailer or trailer engaged in the transportation of automobiles may transport motor vehicles on part of the power unit.