Rhode Island § 31-3-18 - Registration of Vehicles
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-3-18 — Registration of Vehicles, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-3-18. Registration of Vehicles
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-18
§ 31-3-18. Display of plates — Penalties.
(a) Registration plates issued for a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, trailer, transporter vehicle, in-transit vehicle, or a bailee engaged in a business as defined in § 31-1-17(a), or other than a motor vehicle owned by a duly authorized dealer in motor vehicles and which is used in the dealer’s business shall be attached thereto one in the front and the other in the rear. The registration plate issued for a motorcycle, trailer, bailee, or a dealer’s motor vehicle as defined in this subsection shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle.
(b) Every registration plate shall at all times be securely fastened in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which it is issued so as to prevent the plate from swinging at a height of not less than twelve inches (12") from the ground, measuring from the bottom of the plate; in a place and position to be clearly visible and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible.
(c) Penalties. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation and subject to a fine as enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
(d) All vehicles registered as passenger, commercial, trailer, motorcycle, suburban, farm, combination, taxi, radio operator, camper, public, racer tow, jitney, and antique must have displayed on them the registration plate(s) as described in § 31-3-11. This subsection does not apply to those registrants in possession of an alternative design plate as described in § 31-3-60 or any other specially authorized plate described in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 3, § 9, G.L. 1956, § 31-3-18; P.L. 1968, ch. 103, § 1; P.L.
1970, ch. 108, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 386, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch.
45, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 109, § 56; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 7; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art.
12, § 5; P.L. 2009, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 261, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-3-18
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-3-18 cover?
Section 31-3-18 ("Registration of 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 § 31-3-18?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-3-18" (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 § 31-3-18 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.