Rhode Island § 31-2-11 - Division of Motor Vehicles
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-2-11 — Division of Motor Vehicles, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-2-11. Division of Motor Vehicles
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-2-11
§ 31-2-11. Records open for inspection — Admissibility of certified copies of records as evidence.
(a) All records of the division of motor vehicles, other than those declared by law to be confidential for the use of the division of motor vehicles, shall be open to public inspection during office hours. Any copies or photostatic copies of any records, books, papers, documents, and rulings of the division of motor vehicles when certified to be correct by an employee of the division of motor vehicles who is designated for this purpose by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall be acceptable as evidence in the courts of this state with the same force and effect as the originals, in all cases where such original records, books, papers, documents, and rulings would be admitted in evidence.
(b) Whenever any subpoena duces tecum is issued to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles for the production in court of the records, books, papers, documents, or rulings of the division of motor vehicles it shall not be necessary for the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to whom the subpoena is issued to appear personally, and a copy or photostat duly certified under the seal of the department by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles of the records, books, papers, documents, or rulings of the division of motor vehicles submitted as described in this section shall be full compliance with the subpoena. Under the application to the court and for good cause shown, the court may compel the attendance of the administrator of the division of motor vehicles or the supervisor or an assistant who is charged with the care and custody of the official records or any investigator of the division of motor vehicles to answer the subpoena duces tecum.
(c) For the purposes outlined in this section, the person designated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall be the official “keeper of records” for the division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 2, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-2-11; P.L. 1968, ch. 155, § 1; P.L.
1969, ch. 133, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-2-11
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-2-11 cover?
Section 31-2-11 ("Division of Motor Vehicles") 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 § 31-2-11?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-2-11" (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 § 31-2-11 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.