Rhode Island § 31-9-5 - Theft and Related Offenses
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-9-5 — Theft and Related Offenses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-9-5. Theft and Related Offenses
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-9-5
§ 31-9-5. Alteration of identification number.
(a)(1) No person shall with fraudulent intent remove, deface, destroy, or alter the manufacturer’s serial or engine number or any other distinguishing number or identification mark of a motor vehicle or any of its parts nor shall any person place or stamp any serial, engine, or other number or mark upon a motor vehicle or any part, except one assigned to it by the division of motor vehicles. Any violation of this provision is a felony.
(2) The fact that a person removed, defaced, destroyed, or altered the manufacturer’s serial or engine number or any other distinguishing number or identification mark of a motor vehicle or part, or that a person placed or stamped on a motor vehicle part any serial, engine, or other number or mark different from that originally assigned by the manufacturer to it, without first obtaining a permit from the division of motor vehicles, shall be prima facie evidence of that person’s fraudulent intent.
(b) This section shall not prohibit the restoration by an owner of an original serial, engine, or other number or mark when that restoration is made under a permit issued by the division of motor vehicles, nor prevent any manufacturer from placing in the ordinary course of business numbers or marks upon motor vehicles or their parts.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 12, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-9-5; P.L. 1978, ch. 196, § 1; P.L.
1983, ch. 221, § 7; P.L. 1984, ch. 264, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-9-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-9-5 cover?
Section 31-9-5 ("Theft and Related Offenses") 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 § 31-9-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-9-5" (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 § 31-9-5 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.