Rhode Island § 31-38-3 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-38-3 — Inspection of Motor Vehicles, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-38-3. Inspection of Motor Vehicles
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-3
§ 31-38-3. Owners and drivers to comply with inspection laws.
(a) No seller at retail or person driving a vehicle shall refuse to submit the vehicle to an inspection and test as required by § 31-38-2.
(b) Every seller at retail, owner, or driver, upon receiving a notice as provided in § 31-38-2, shall comply with it and shall within five (5) days forward the approved notice to the department of revenue. In the event of noncompliance with this subsection, the vehicle shall not be operated on any highways of this state.
(c) Any vehicle which is found to be in such unsafe condition as to the brakes, steering, or other equipment as to be hazardous to permit it to be sold or driven from the place of inspection, then the vehicle shall not be permitted to be operated under its own power. The registration shall be immediately suspended by the department of revenue and the plates and certificates immediately returned to the department of revenue.
(d) In the event repair or adjustment of any vehicle or its equipment is found necessary upon inspection, the seller at retail or owner of the vehicle may obtain the repair or adjustment at any place he or she may choose, but in every event an approval shall be obtained, otherwise the vehicle shall not be operated upon the highways of this state.
(e) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 125; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008,
ch. 145, § 26.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-38-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-38-3 cover?
Section 31-38-3 ("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 § 31-38-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-38-3" (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 § 31-38-3 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.