Rhode Island § 31-7-1 - Foreign Vehicles
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-7-1 — Foreign Vehicles, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-7-1. Foreign Vehicles
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-7-1
§ 31-7-1. Right to operate on foreign registration.
(a) A nonresident owner, except as otherwise provided in §§ 31-7-2 and 31-7-3, owning any foreign vehicle of a type otherwise subject to registration pursuant to this title, may operate or permit the operation of that vehicle within this state without registering the vehicle in, or paying any fees to, this state subject to the condition that the vehicle at all times, when operated in this state, is duly registered in, and displays upon it, a valid registration card and registration plate or plates issued for that vehicle in the place of residence of that owner.
(b) Any foreign vehicle(s) parked or garaged overnight in this state for more than thirty (30) days in the aggregate in any one year that is owned and/or operated by a resident of this state as defined in § 31-1-18 shall register the vehicle(s) and pay the same fee that is required with reference to like vehicle(s) owned by residents of this state. The state police and local police departments, upon observation of a foreign-registered vehicle present within the state for thirty (30) days or more shall identify the owner of the vehicle and, if a Rhode Island resident, provide a notice containing a copy of this section to the owner and to the tax assessor in the city or town in which the vehicle is located.
(c) Any domiciled resident of this state who owns a vehicle that is registered in another state shall file an annual report with the administrator of the division of motor vehicles of this state and with the tax assessor of the city or town in which the domiciled resident resides, stating the make, model, year, and validation of the vehicle and the reason for registering the vehicle in the foreign state. Failure to comply with the terms of this subsection shall be subject to a civil fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for every foreign vehicle. This provision shall not apply to military personnel assigned to duty outside of the state of Rhode Island and for a period of thirty (30) days after discharge.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 5, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-7-1; P.L. 1982, ch. 27, § 1; P.L.
1984, ch. 437, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 364, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 403, § 1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-7-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-7-1 cover?
Section 31-7-1 ("Foreign 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 § 31-7-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-7-1" (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 § 31-7-1 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.