Rhode Island § 31-8-4 - Offenses Against Registration and Certificate of Title Laws
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-8-4 — Offenses Against Registration and Certificate of Title Laws, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-8-4. Offenses Against Registration and Certificate of Title Laws
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-8-4
§ 31-8-4. Suspension or revocation of registration or certificate of title.
(a) The division of motor vehicles is authorized to suspend or revoke the registration of a vehicle or a certificate of title, registration card, or registration plate, or any nonresident or other permit, in any of the following events:
(1) When the division of motor vehicles is satisfied that the registration or that the certificate, card, plate, or permit was fraudulently or erroneously issued;
(2) When the division of motor vehicles determines that a registered vehicle is mechanically unfit or unsafe to be operated or moved upon the highways;
(3) When a registered vehicle has been dismantled or wrecked;
(4) When the division of motor vehicles determines that the required fee has not been paid and the fee is not paid upon reasonable notice and demand;
(5) When a registration plate or permit is knowingly displayed upon a vehicle other than the one for which issued;
(6) When the division of motor vehicles determines that the owner has committed any offense under chapters 3 — 9 of this title involving the registration or the certificate, card, plate, or permit to be suspended or revoked;
(7) When the division of motor vehicles is so authorized under any other provision of law; or
(8) Upon receipt of notice the carrier and/or operator of a commercial motor vehicle has violated or is not in compliance with 49 C.F.R. 386.72 or 49 C.F.R. 390.5 et seq. of the motor carrier safety regulations or chapter 23 of this title.
(b) Upon removal of cause for which the registration or certificate of title was revoked, denied, or suspended, the division of motor vehicles shall require the registrant or applicant to pay a restoration fee of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250), provided that no restoration fee shall be required if the revocation, denial, or suspension was issued pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of this section, §§ 31-38-2, 31-38-3, 31-38-4, or 31-47.1-3.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 13, § 5; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-8-5;
G.L. 1956, § 31-8-4; P.L. 1971, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 382, § 1; P.L. 2000,
ch. 275, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 9, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 47, art. 8, § 4.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-8-4
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-8-4 cover?
Section 31-8-4 ("Offenses Against Registration and Certificate of Title Laws") 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 § 31-8-4?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-8-4" (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 § 31-8-4 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.