Rhode Island § 31-38-1 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-38-1 — Inspection of Motor Vehicles, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-38-1. Inspection of Motor Vehicles
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-1
§ 31-38-1. Vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition — Inspection sticker for used cars for sale required.
(a) No person shall sell at retail, drive, or move on any highway any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer or any combination of them unless the equipment upon the vehicle is in good working order and adjustment as required in this title, and the vehicle is in such safe mechanical condition as not to endanger the driver or other occupant or any person upon the highway.
(b) No dealer of used vehicles, as defined by § 31-1-19(b), shall sell at retail a used motor vehicle unless a new inspection of the vehicle conforming to the standards set pursuant to this chapter and chapter 47.1 of this title has been conducted and the vehicle has a new certificate of inspection affixed to the windshield at the time of sale, except used cars:
(1) Sold “for parts only” and clearly identified accordingly on the bill of sale: or
(2) Purchased at the end of the lease term by the current lessee with a valid certificate of inspection affixed to the windshield at the time of sale that is issued by the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 71, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 222, § 2; P.L. 1987,
ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 96; P.L. 1990, ch. 239, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 327,
§ 2; P.L. 2024, ch. 142, § 1, effective December 17, 2024; P.L. 2024, ch. 144, § 1,
effective December 17, 2024.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-38-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-38-1 cover?
Section 31-38-1 ("Inspection 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 § 31-38-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-38-1" (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 § 31-38-1 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.