Rhode Island § 31-33-1 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-33-1 — Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-33-1. Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-33-1
§ 31-33-1. Accident reports.
The operator of every motor vehicle which is in any manner involved in an accident within this state, in which any person is killed or injured, or in which damage to the property of any one person, including the operator, in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) is sustained, shall, within twenty-one (21) days after the accident, report the matter in writing to the division of motor vehicles. The report, the form of which shall be prescribed by the division of motor vehicles, shall contain information to enable the division of motor vehicles to determine whether the requirements for the deposit of security under chapters 31 and 32 of this title are inapplicable by reason of the existence of insurance or other exceptions specified in the chapters, and the administrator of the division of motor vehicles may regard the information given as true, until the contrary reasonably appears. If that operator is physically incapable of making the report, the owner of the motor vehicle involved in the accident shall, within twenty-one (21) days after learning of the accident, make the report. The operator or the owner shall furnish any additional relevant information that the division of motor vehicles shall require.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-32-1; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956,
§ 31-33-1; P.L. 1968, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 40, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 48, § 2;
P.L. 2000, ch. 274, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-33-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-33-1 cover?
Section 31-33-1 ("Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions") 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 § 31-33-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-33-1" (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 § 31-33-1 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.