This Part is promulgated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-2-4 and 31-3-17.3.

The purpose of this Part is to set forth the conditions under which an applicant may obtain a temporary registration plate.

A. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall issue a temporary license plate, valid for a period of five (5) days from the date of issuance, to a motor vehicle for one or more of the following reasons:

1. A vehicle purchased by a Rhode Island motorist from a private party, if said vehicle was last registered in another state, for the purpose of transporting said vehicle to the proper facility for VIN verification.

2. An unregistered vehicle being transported to a police department for VIN verification.

3. An unregistered vehicle being transported from a police department to a Division of Motor Vehicles’ inspection station for VIN verification.

4. An unregistered out-of-state motor vehicle being transported to a local police department for VIN verification.

5. An unregistered out-of-state motor vehicle being transported from a police department to a Division of Motor Vehicles’ inspection station of VIN verification.

6. An unregistered salvage vehicle being transported to a Division of Motor Vehicles’ inspection station for VIN verification.

7. An unregistered special-type motor vehicle being transported to a weigh station to obtain exact gross weight that must be known before registration.

8. An unregistered special mobile equipment being transported to a weigh station to obtain exact gross weight that must be known before registration.

9. On trailers, other than those commonly known as campers or mobile homes, sold by a company or individual not licensed as an automobile or truck dealer, to another company or individual who plans to transport the trailer to another state for registration in that state.

10. In case of emergency, the Administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles or his designee determines that without issuance, an extreme hardship would be brought upon the owner of said vehicle.

B. These temporary license plates may be used in any purpose or manner which the Administrator may deem fit, under the law of the State of Rhode Island.

A. Temporary License Plates shall be of such design and shall bear the letter “T” followed by four (4) digits.

B. Temporary License Plates shall be made of cardboard with white background and green letters and numbers; there shall be no duplication of identification.

These Rules and Regulations are hereby declared to be severable, and if any portion of these Rules and Regulations shall at any time be declared to be unenforceable or illegal, no other portion of such rules shall be affected thereby.