Rhode Island § 31-25-16 - Size, Weight, and Load Limits
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-25-16 — Size, Weight, and Load Limits, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-25-16. Size, Weight, and Load Limits
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-25-16
§ 31-25-16. Authorized weight shown in registration — Exceeding limit.
(a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall insert in the registration card issued for a vehicle the gross weight for which it is registered. If it is a truck tractor to be used for propelling semi-trailers, the administrator shall separately insert the total permissible gross weight of the truck tractor and semi-trailers to be propelled by it. It shall be unlawful for any carrier to operate or permit to be operated any vehicle or combination of vehicles of a gross weight in excess of that registered by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, permitted by the department of transportation, or in excess of the limitations set forth in this chapter.
(b) For the purposes of this chapter, “carrier” means and includes any company or person who furthers their commercial or private enterprise by use of the vehicle.
(c)(1) Penalties for violations of this section will be calculated on the legal weight in comparison to the actual weight and shall be heard and adjudicated at the traffic tribunal.
(2) The overweight penalties for vehicles with ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) gross vehicle weight or less shall be one hundred dollars ($100) per thousand pounds overweight or portion of it.
(3) The overweight penalties for vehicles exceeding ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) gross vehicle weight shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00) per five hundred pounds (500 lbs.) overweight or portion of it.
(4) The overweight penalty for vehicles being operated in excess of one hundred four thousand, eight hundred pounds (104,800 lbs.) gross vehicle weight shall be one thousand twenty-five dollars ($1,025) in addition to the penalties enumerated in subsection (c)(3) of this section.
(5) The overweight penalty for vehicles being operated in excess of one hundred thirty thousand pounds (130,000 lbs.) gross vehicle weight shall be two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) in addition to the penalties enumerated in subsection (c)(3) of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 35, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-25-16; P.L. 1983, ch. 213, § 1;
P.L. 1985, ch. 437, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 445, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 287, § 1; P.L. 1995,
ch. 126, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 218, art. 6, § 13; P.L. 2002, ch. 58, § 5; P.L. 2008,
ch. 100, art. 12, § 11; P.L. 2022, ch. 178, § 1, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2022,
ch. 179, § 1, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2025, ch. 278, art. 11, § 6, effective
June 29, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-25-16
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-25-16 cover?
Section 31-25-16 ("Size, Weight, and Load Limits") 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 § 31-25-16?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-25-16" (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 § 31-25-16 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.