Rhode Island § 31-3-31 - Registration of Vehicles

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-3-31 — Registration of Vehicles, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 31-3-31. Registration of Vehicles

R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-31

§ 31-3-31. Registration of farm vehicles.

(a) Farm vehicles, as defined in § 31-1-8, equipped with rubber tires while being used in farming and operated on highways shall be registered on a form furnished by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles and shall be assigned a special number plate with a suitable symbol or letter indicating the usage of the farm vehicle.

(b) The director of the department of revenue shall promulgate rules and regulations for the inspection of farm vehicles.

(c) Farm plates may not be utilized on: (1) Vehicles eligible for registration as private passenger automobiles; provided, however, that any vehicle eligible for registration as a private passenger and registered with farm plates prior to July 1, 2002, may continue to be registered with farm plates by the owner to whom the farm plates were issued; or (2) On any vehicle that is not a farm vehicle as defined in § 31-1-8.

(d) Farm plates may be displayed on vehicles used in the delivery of agricultural products produced by the farmer; however, farm plates shall not be displayed on vehicles used for deliveries by persons, as defined in § 31-1-17(g), that do not raise agricultural products.

(e) Any farm vehicle, as defined in § 31-1-8, that is not required to be registered and that is covered by an insurance policy applicable to farm property and operations and that includes liability coverage, shall be deemed to have liability insurance as required by § 31-3-3(c) and to meet liability insurance requirements set forth in this title as long as such a policy is in effect. Documentation of such insurance, including the name of the carrier, policy, number, and effective date, may be required by the division for the registration of said vehicle and for the renewal of such registration.

History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 11, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-3-31; P.L. 1984, ch. 287, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 404, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 399, § 1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-3-31

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-3-31 cover?

Section 31-3-31 ("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 § 31-3-31?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-3-31" (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 § 31-3-31 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.