This regulation is promulgated pursuant to the authority granted in R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-38-4 and 31-47.1-7.

The purpose of this regulation is to establish the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program.

A. As used in these regulations, the following terms shall, where the context permits, be construed as follows:

1. “Authorized inspection repair station" or "AIRS" means an inspection location authorized by the Department to provide motor vehicle safety and emission inspection and repairs, or inspections only.

2. "Calibration" means the act of checking and adjusting the exhaust emission analyzer by introducing reference gases of known concentrations into the analyzer.

3. "CIRT" or "Certified inspection repair technician" means a person certified by the Department to provide both inspection and repairs for motor vehicle safety and emissions.

4. "CIT" or "Certified inspection technician" means a person certified by the Department to perform motor vehicle safety and emission inspections.

5. "Compliance certificate" means a written document or device with a serial number indicating that a motor vehicle complies with the requirements of the Department's regulations.

6. "Day" means a calendar day, unless otherwise designated.

7. "Dealer" means a person or entity engaged in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging vehicles and who has an established place of business for such purpose and as further defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-19(b).

8. "Department" means the Department of Revenue.

9. "Director" means the Director of the Department of Revenue.

10. "Emission control device" means a component installed on or in a vehicle for the sole or primary purpose of reducing emissions (not including those vehicle components which were in general use prior to model year 1968 and the primary function of which is not related to emission control).

11. "Exchange engine" means an engine other than the specific engine originally installed by the vehicle manufacturer.

12. "Exhaust emissions standard" means the maximum allowable levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen appropriate for the age and type of vehicle tested.

13. "Fleet vehicle" means a nonexempt motor vehicle owned or leased by a fleet owner or operator.

14. "Gross vehicle weight rating” or “GVWR" means the weight value specified by the vehicle manufacturer on the Federal weight certification label as the loaded weight of a vehicle.

15. “Hearing board” means a board comprised of three (3) members as designated by the Administrator of Motor Vehicles to conduct hearings required by these regulations.

16. "Homemade vehicle" means a vehicle which has been materially altered from its original configuration so that it cannot be visually identified as a vehicle produced by a particular vehicle manufacturer; or a vehicle constructed entirely from homemade parts, or parts from one or more vehicles, or constructed by the use of custom kits and which cannot be identified as a specific make or model.

17. "Inspection" means the testing of the exhaust and functional emission controls along with a safety inspection of a subject vehicle.

18. "Inspection report" means a document or device automatically generated as a result of the enhanced safety and emission inspection, containing detailed inspection information.

19. "Inspection station" means a facility for motor vehicle safety, on-board diagnostics and emissions inspection operated by an AIRS.

20. "Model-year" means the manufacturer's annual production period for each engine family which includes January 1 of a calendar year or, if the manufacturer has no annual production period, the calendar year. In the case of any motor vehicle manufactured in two or more stages, the time of manufacture shall be the date of completion of the chassis.

21. "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-propelled, except vehicles moved exclusively by human power and motorized wheelchairs.

22. "Motor vehicle safety and emission inspection" means a test of exhaust emissions of air contaminants from a motor vehicle and any functional evaporative emission tests related to the emission of air contaminants from a motor vehicle along with safety device inspection conducted pursuant to these regulations.

23. "New motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle that the equitable or legal title has never been transferred to the first person who in good faith purchases the vehicle for purposes other than resale.

24. "Operator" means any person in control of a motor vehicle.

25. “On-board diagnostics” and “OBD” mean the system that monitors and records the operations and faults of a vehicle’s emissions controls and related systems.

26. "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, whether private, public or quasi-municipal, municipality, state governmental department or other legal entity.

27. "Reconstructed vehicle" means a vehicle constructed from two or more commercially manufactured vehicles of the same type and year which has not been altered and is recognizable as a commercially manufactured vehicle of a given year.

28. "Rhode Island I/M program" means the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program.

29. "Rhode Island I/M program manager" means a person, business firm, partnership, or corporation with whom the Department has a contract that provides for the establishment and operation of the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program.

30. "Remote sensing device" is a device which directs an infra-red or laser beam across a lane of traffic to instantly detect and read the concentrations of pollutants in a vehicle's exhaust.

31. "Safety and emission inspection program" means an enhanced vehicle emission inspection program as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency including, but not limited to, a network of computerized emission analyzers, on-road testing, and inspection of vehicle safety devices through an inspection program.

32. "Tampering" means the removal, disconnection, or rendering inoperative a safety or emission control device.

33. "Test" and "testing" mean the use of analyzers and diagnostic equipment as appropriate and the application of techniques, methods policies and procedures established or approved by the Department for the purpose of comparing emission levels and/or operating systems in vehicles to regulatory safety and emission standards.

34. "Vehicle identification number" and "VIN" means a combination of letters and numbers a vehicle manufacturer assigns to a vehicle for identification purposes.

35. "Waiver certificate" means a written document, instrument or device indicating the requirement of compliance with the standards and criteria for the Rhode Island I/M Program inspection for a particular motor vehicle has been waived.

36. "Waiver inspector" means a Department employee or designee who reviews, issues and audits waiver requests.

37. "Year" means a calendar year.

1.4.1 Timing of Inspections

A. Starting on January 1, 2000, or as soon thereafter as practical, the inspection requirement shall commence as follows:

1. All vehicles will be subject to inspection every two years. Model year 1996 and newer vehicles shall undergo an OBD inspection in addition to, a gas cap inspection, and a safety inspection. Vehicles undergoing an OBD inspection shall not be subject to an emissions inspection except as provided in the Department of Environmental Management’s Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34, 250-RICR-120-05-34.

2. For gasoline-powered vehicles, all 1996 and newer vehicles should be tested with OBD. If a gasoline powered vehicle not originally designed to have OBD is presented a visual inspection of the emission control components shall be performed to determine if the equipment is present and functional as originally equipped by the manufacturer.

3. OBD-equipped diesel vehicles should be tested with OBD. If the vehicle is diesel and cannot be tested using OBD, a visual inspection of the emission control components shall be performed to determine if the equipment is present and functional as originally equipped by the manufacturer.

1.4.2 Emissions and On-board Diagnostics

These regulations shall apply to all light-duty vehicles and light-duty trucks up to and including 8,500 lbs. GVWR.

1.4.3 Safety

A. These regulations shall apply to the following for safety:

1. motor vehicles of all weight classes and model years; and,

2. all motorcycles shall be inspected for safety items before the end of June of each year; and,

3. all trailers, except trailers and semi-trailers used to transport horses or other livestock, registered with a gross weight of more than 1,000 pounds, shall be inspected for safety items before the end of June of each year; and,

4. all trailers and semi-trailers used to transport horses or other livestock, irrespective of the registered gross weight, shall be inspected for safety items before the end of June of each year.

1.4.4 Safety, Emissions and On-board Diagnostics

A. These regulations shall apply to the following for safety and emissions:

1. any motor vehicle fleet owner or operator including all federal, state and municipal fleets;

2. any motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer when operating on the highways of Rhode Island with a dealer registration, loan agreement, or as a demonstration vehicle;

3. motor vehicles capable of operating on gasoline or another fuel, excluding diesel, shall be tested for emissions when the vehicles is operating on gasoline;

4. a voluntary inspection of Rhode Island registered vehicles and vehicles registered in other states is allowed. Rhode Island registered vehicles may be presented for voluntary inspection at any time prior to expiration date of the inspection sticker which is affixed to the vehicle or before the expiration of a manufacturer's safety and/or emissions warranty. Vehicles not registered in Rhode Island which are presented for inspection shall be inspected in accordance with all regulations for Rhode Island registered vehicles;

5. owners and lessees of Rhode Island registered motor vehicles subject to this regulation, registered in the Town of New Shoreham, (Block Island) with a New Shoreham address, shall have their vehicle undergo an official safety inspection as required but may be subject to an alternative emissions inspection of a type and frequency to be determined by the Administer of Motor Vehicles;

6. owners and lessees of diesel fueled vehicles subject to these regulations shall be required to have their vehicles inspected thirty (30) days after DMV publicly announces that diesel inspection equipment has been approved by DMV and installed by the Program Manager and in subsequent years on the biennial anniversary of that inspection.

A. The following vehicles shall be exempt from the emissions inspection portion of these regulations:

1. any model year vehicle 25 years old or older from the requirement to obtain repairs in order to comply, but such vehicles must undergo an emissions inspection;

2. a new motor vehicle until twenty-four (24) months after its date of initial purchase or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first;

3. tactical military vehicles;

4. electric powered vehicles;

5. competition and off-road vehicles used solely for off-highway activities;

6. motorized wheelchairs;

7. motorcycles, motor driven cycles, motorized bicycles, motorized tricycles;

8. farm tractors;

9. special mobile equipment which is not required to be registered per R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-14(2).

10. vehicles which may not be available for inspection when temporarily out of state. A temporary exemption from safety and emissions inspection does not extend the registration deadline of a vehicle. The operator must obtain a safety and emissions inspection within five (5) days of returning to the state;

11. a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer for the first five (5) days after the vehicle is owned or controlled by the dealer, or

a. a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer if the vehicle is in compliance for emissions inspection and displays a valid Rhode Island inspection sticker, or

b. a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer if the vehicle is without a valid emissions inspection sticker but is not operated on the highways of Rhode Island; and,

12. other vehicles at the discretion of the Department for portions of an inspection cycle to advance or delay inspection in order to match registration and inspection cycles.

B. The following vehicles shall be exempt from the safety inspection portion of these regulations:

1. a new motor vehicle until twenty-four (24) months after its date of initial purchase or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first;

2. motorized wheelchairs;

3. tactical military vehicles;

4. farm tractors;

5. special mobile equipment which is not required to be registered per R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-14(2).

6. vehicles which may not be available for inspection when temporarily out of state. A temporary exemption from safety and emissions inspection does not extend the registration deadline of a vehicle. The operator must obtain a safety and emissions inspection within five (5) days of returning to the state;

7. a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer for the first five (5) days after the vehicle is owned or controlled by the dealer, or

a. a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer if the vehicle is in compliance for safety inspection and displays a valid Rhode Island inspection sticker, or

b. a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer if the vehicle is without a valid safety inspection sticker but is not operated on the highways of Rhode Island; and,

8. other vehicles at the discretion of the Department for portions of an inspection cycle to advance or delay inspection in order to match registration and inspection cycles;

9. vehicles that are properly registered with plates identified as in- transit, 40 and 8, shriner, racer-tow, temporary registrations, transporter, bailee;

10. vehicles registered with Antique Plates are also exempt, however, some antique registered vehicles may be presented for inspection in order to comply with the State law that allows the unlimited use of such a vehicle if it passes an official inspection; and,

11. any vehicle while it is stored off the public highways.

1.6.1 General

A. The Department shall provide for the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program (Rhode Island I/M Program), by contract with a Program Manager for support services. The Rhode Island I/M Program Manager shall assist in the establishment of a network of Authorized Inspection and Repair Station (AIRS) to inspect and reinspect motor vehicles as provided under the requirements of these regulations. The Rhode Island I/M Program Manager shall be responsible for the operation of the network including host computer, test equipment, technician training and support services to the inspection stations. The Rhode Island I/M Program Manager is prohibited from operating or having an interest in an AIRS.

B. The Authorized Inspection and Repair Stations shall be responsible for the inspection of motor vehicles to determine compliance with the applicable standards and criteria for motor vehicle safety and emissions. For a motor vehicle that has been completely inspected and determined not to comply with the applicable standards and criteria, the AIRS shall provide a written inspection report describing, to the extent practical, the reasons for not complying with the applicable standards and criteria and describing the repairs likely to be needed to bring the vehicle into compliance with the applicable standards and criteria.

C. Any motor vehicle which is not in compliance with these regulations and is inspected and found not to comply with the standards and criteria for motor vehicle safety and emissions inspections must be reinspected and found to comply with the standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions inspections, or have received a waiver certificate, or time extension to achieve compliance, or not be operated on the highways of the state.

1.6.2 Inspection Frequency

Motor vehicles subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program shall be inspected biennially except as described in § 1.4 of this Part.

1.6.3 Registration

A. The Administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles shall establish a procedure to prohibit owners from registering a motor vehicle except those exempted in § 1.5 of this Part, unless a required inspection has been conducted and the vehicle has been found to comply with the requirements of these regulations.

B. A certificate of approval (an inspection sticker) will be issued to vehicle operators whose vehicles have passed inspection and are in compliance with these regulations. The inspection sticker shall be placed in the lower right of the windshield.

1.6.4 Inspection Fee

Operators shall be charged an inspection fee of $55.00 dollars per motor vehicle at the time of inspection, except that operators of vehicles subject to § 1.2 of this Part shall be charged an inspection fee of $23.50. The inspection fee must be paid for each motor vehicle inspected and is payable whether a compliance certificate, waiver certificate, or no certificate is issued.

1.6.5 Inspection Requirements

Vehicles subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program shall be inspected using the standards, criteria and procedures for the safety test as established by the Department, and for exhaust emissions test, evaporative emissions test, and on- board diagnostics inspection as described in the Department of Environmental Management’s Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34, 250-RICR-120-05-34. Initial inspections in a test cycle shall be performed at an AIRS without repair, or adjustment prior to the test.

1.6.6 Inspection Prohibited

A. The AIRS shall refuse to perform the inspection of any vehicle subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program if the vehicle is determined by the AIRS to be in such an unsafe condition as to be a hazard to inspection personnel and/or the vehicle operator, or a vehicle owner has not had repairs completed under a recall notice. The owners of vehicles with an unresolved recall notice must provide proof of compliance to an AIRS before an inspection can be conducted.

B. The vehicle shall not be inspected until the reason for the refusal has been remedied. The AIRS shall provide any motorist who is refused an emissions inspection a copy of an emissions inspection report supplement as described in § 1.9.3 of this Part.

1.6.7 Non-Factory Specification Vehicles

A. Vehicles that have been altered from their original certified configuration shall be tested in accordance with the following:

1. Reconstructed and Homemade Vehicles

a. All reconstructed and homemade vehicles shall be inspected for emissions compliance using the standards and test procedures applicable for exhaust emission, functional emissions control devices and visual inspection for each individual vehicle based on the engine year of the engine installed in the vehicle at the time of inspection.

2. Vehicles With Exchanged Engines

a. A motor vehicle with an exchanged engine shall be inspected for emission compliance by the applying the emission standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions inspections based on the chassis model year of the vehicle. Except that if the engine installed in the vehicle at the time of inspection is newer than the chassis model year the inspection standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions inspections shall be based on the model year of engine.

3. Vehicles With Changed Fuel Type

a. A vehicle with an engine that has been changed from one fuel type to another fuel type (e.g., from a diesel engine to a gasoline engine) that is subject to these regulations shall be subject to the test procedures and standards for the current fuel type of the engine installed in the vehicle at the time of inspection.

4. Trucks and Vans

a. All trucks and vans shall be tested in accordance with the emission standards for motor vehicles as determined by the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). If no manufacturer's GVWR is available, then the vehicle shall be tested according to the GVWR as determined by the Department.

1.6.8 Requirements for Vehicle Registration

A. Owners of vehicles shall meet the following requirements for registration of a motor vehicle subject to these regulations:

1. Registrations or Transfers of Registration

a. The Administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles shall establish requirements and procedures to be followed by vehicles owners in order to obtain a registration or to transfer a registration for a motor vehicle subject to these regulations

2. Sale of Non-Complying Used Vehicles

a. A dealer shall not sell a used vehicle that is subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program unless a new inspection of the vehicle has been conducted and a compliance certificate has been issued in accordance with these regulations. A new inspection shall be construed to be an inspection conducted no more than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the date of sale of a vehicle, or an inspection conducted at a point no more than 500 vehicle odometer miles prior to the date of sale, whichever shall occur first.

A. Vehicles subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program shall be governed by the following standards and criteria for emissions inspection and on-board diagnostic testing procedures.

1. The AIRS shall adhere to the Emissions and Evaporative Testing Procedures as specified in the Department of Environmental Management’s Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34, 250-RICR-120-05-34.

2. A vehicle shall pass the Emissions and Evaporative Emissions Test if the result of the test for each pollutant complies with the emission standard and criteria applicable to that vehicle listed in the Department of Environmental Management’s Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34, 250-RICR-120-05-34.

3. The AIRS shall adhere to the On-Board Diagnostic Test Procedure as specified in the Department of Environmental Management’s Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34, 250-RICR-120-05-34.

4. The AIRS shall adhere to the operational procedures outlined in the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual.

The AIRS shall adhere to the Safety Inspection Procedures as specified in the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Motor Vehicle Inspection Procedure Manual. The Division of Motor Vehicles, Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual may be modified and updated periodically to address changes in vehicle technology and mechanical practices.

1.9.1 Safety and Emissions Inspection Report

A. The AIRS shall provide a computer generated inspection report to the operator of each vehicle inspected upon completion of a safety and emissions inspection. The safety and emissions inspection report form shall include:

1. inspection station and inspector numbers;

2. the type of test(s) performed;

3. the date of the inspection;

4. the inspection report serial number;

5. the inspection certificate number;

6. the inspection system number;

7. vehicle model year, make, and type;

8. vehicle registration plate number;

9. transmission type;

10. number of cylinders or rotary engine;

11. fuel type;

12. gross vehicle weight rating;

13. the vehicle identification number;

14. the odometer reading to the nearest 1,000 miles;

15. whether the inspection is an initial inspection, reinspection or diagnostic test;

16. the pass/fail result of applicable tests;

17. OBD test results including diagnostic information;

18. any vehicle preconditioning performed;

19. exhaust emission test results and standards for the vehicle and a pass/fail determination;

20. instructions indicating that the report is to be returned to any inspection station upon reinspection;

21. a statement indicating the availability of emissions performance warranty coverage as required in the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7541;

22. other information as the Department may reasonably require to enable it to determine compliance with these regulations.

1.9.2 Addendum for Vehicles that Fail Emissions Inspection

A. The inspection report for vehicles that fail the inspection shall include the items enumerated in § 1.9.1 of this Part and shall include the following:

1. instructions indicating that the vehicle should be repaired and returned to an AIRS for a reinspection and that the reinspection will be free of charge if reinspected at the AIRS that conducted the inspection if returned within 30 days;

2. an explanation of the repair cost limit for emission related repairs;

3. instructions for waiver applicants; and,

4. the likely causes of noncompliance, whether obvious, or determined by software generated and interpretive diagnostic information.

1.9.3 Refused Inspection Report

The AIRS shall provide any motorist who is refused an emissions inspection or reinspection a copy of an emissions inspection report supplement, indicating the cause of the refusal and an explanation of how the discrepancy can be remedied. The Refused Inspection Report shall include a statement indicating that the report is in no way an authorization to operate a motor vehicle which is not in compliance with these regulations.

1.9.4 Reinspection

A. Any motor vehicle inspected and found not to comply with the standards and criteria for motor vehicle safety and emissions inspections must be reinspected within thirty (30) days of the initial inspection. If a vehicle is reinspected at the AIRS that conducted the initial inspection, the management of the AIRS shall not charge an additional inspection fee.

B. The following are requirements for reinspection:

1. Vehicles exceeding the allowable safety and emission standards during the initial inspection of the vehicle may be reinspected at any AIRS after the vehicle has been repaired;

2. A reinspection shall consist of a complete inspection including all initial tests regardless of the cause of failure in the initial inspection;

3. The initial AIRS shall not charge for one reinspection if the vehicle is returned for reinspection within thirty (30) days. The vehicle owner can only obtain this free reinspection at the AIRS that performed the initial inspection;

4. If the vehicle successfully passes the reinspection, the AIRS shall issue a compliance certificate;

5. If the vehicle cannot successfully pass the reinspection, the AIRS shall issue a vehicle inspection report indicating non- compliance. If the motorist desires to request a waiver, the AIRS shall make information available to the motorist on how a waiver inspection conducted by the Department may be arranged. Waivers are available for emissions failures only;

6. If the vehicle cannot successfully pass the reinspection and the motorist desires to contest the results of the inspection the motorist may request a challenge inspection supervised or conducted by the Department (see § 1.10 of this Part, Challenge Mechanism); and,

7. If a compliance certificate is not issued, nor a waiver certificate issued, nor a time extension issued the Department shall not register the vehicle, nor shall the vehicle be operated on the highways of Rhode Island.

1.9.5 Evidence of Inspection Compliance

Operators shall always carry any certificate issued under these regulations in an easily accessible place in or about the vehicle for which the certificate was issued. Evidence of inspection compliance shall consist of a certificate of compliance or a waiver certificate or an inspection sticker. Any law enforcement officer or an agent of Department may demand and inspect any certificate issued under these regulations.

A. A motorist who desires to contest the results of an inspection or a reinspection may do so by requesting an appointment to have their vehicle inspected under Department supervision.

B. The AIRS shall provide written information on how any motorist who indicates a desire to challenge an inspection or a reinspection may obtain an appointment for a challenge inspection. The AIRS shall post this information in a location accessible and convenient to motorist.

1.11.1 Waiver Requirements and Conditions

A. The Director or a designee shall issue Waiver Certificates to the operators of those vehicles satisfying all requirements in this Section. The following waiver requirements and conditions shall apply:

1. A motor vehicle which, after inspection or reinspection, fails to comply with the appropriate emissions standards and criteria as set forth in § 1.7 of this Part shall be eligible to obtain a waiver certificate, provided that the cost of emissions related repairs performed exceeds the repair cost limit.

2. The cost of emissions related repairs may include the cost of repairs made after the inspection or the cost of emission related repairs made up to sixty days (60) days prior to the inspection. The cost of repairs shall not include any costs covered by an emission performance, or device warranty, or the cost of tampering reversal.

3. The cost of any emissions-related parts, appropriate to the cause of the test failure, installed during the sixty-day period prior to inspection or after the inspection, is to be applied to the repair cost limit, regardless of the installer.

4. Any emissions related repair made by a CIRT, including the costs of parts and labor, which is made during the sixty-day period prior to inspection or after the inspection, is to be applied to the repair cost limit.

5. The repair cost limit shall be seven hundred dollars ($700.00).

6. Repairs shall be appropriate to the cause of the test failure and shall be documented by original receipts for the repair. A visual check shall be made to determine that repairs were actually made, if such repairs can be visually confirmed.

7. The appropriateness of the repair cost shall be made through comparison with charges in a nationally recognized flat rate manual of emission repair cost estimating. The repair cost may include parts and labor for emissions related repairs.

8. Waivers shall be effective until the vehicle is next due for emissions inspection.

1.11.2 Repair Time Delay

A. A time delay to repair a vehicle which fails an emission inspection of one test cycle may be granted to owners who qualify under low income guidelines as established by the Department.

B. The delay shall apply only once for that specific vehicle.

1.11.3 Compliance by Diagnostic Inspection

A. The Department may issue a waiver certificate without the vehicle meeting the emission standards if after failing an inspection and subsequent reinspection for emissions at the Final Standards, the vehicle undergoes a complete, documented physical and functional diagnosis and inspection, conducted by the Department, which shows:

1. that the emission control devices originally required for federal vehicle certification are in place and are functioning as designed; and,

2. that no additional emission related repairs are reasonably possible; or,

3. that no further repairs can be made because the parts required for the repairs are no longer manufactured.

B. A waiver certificate issued under this section shall be effective for only one inspection cycle.

The AIRS shall be responsible for the maintenance of the security of all documents by which compliance with the inspection requirement is established including, but not limited to, compliance certificates and waiver certificates.

1.13.1 General

A. The Director or a designee, shall suspend the registration of any vehicle owner or lessee who is determined to be in violation of this regulation or who, after notice, does not comply with these regulations.

B. These regulations establish the following prohibitions and consequential penalties for violations of any rule or regulation contained herein.

1.13.2 Prohibitions

A. False Information

1. No person shall knowingly give false information to a CIRT or CIT or the Department concerning the repair costs or repairs needed to bring a motor vehicle into compliance with the standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions inspections.

B. Illegal Issuance

1. No person may issue a compliance certificate or waiver certificate for a motor vehicle that has not been inspected in accordance with or is not in compliance with the standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions.

C. Counterfeit Inspection Documents

1. No person may alter, falsify, or counterfeit a compliance certificate or waiver certificate.

D. Vehicle Tampering

1. No person may materially alter or change any equipment or mechanism of a motor vehicle that has received a compliance certificate in such a manner that the motor vehicle no longer complies with the standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions inspections. This section shall not be construed as preventing the temporary alteration of equipment for the purpose of motor vehicle repair.

E. Altered Inspection Documents

1. No person may alter any vehicle documentation or provide false information on the classification of a vehicle in order to avoid inspection.

F. Operation of a Non-Complying Vehicle

1. No person may register or continue to operate on the highways of Rhode Island, a motor vehicle which is subject to the provisions of Rhode Island I/M Program which is not in compliance with the requirements thereof.

G. Obliteration of Plates

1. No person shall place or in any way attach, on a vehicle license plate, any sticker, plastic covering, badge, emblem or any other material which would cover or obliterate or partially obliterate any of the lettering or numbers on the license plate or which would make the license plate unreadable by visual observation or by a high speed camera used in conjunction with a remote sensing device.

H. False Declaration

1. No persons shall profess to be an Authorized Inspection Repair Station either: verbally; in advertising by print, electronic media, on letter or bill head or by the use of an unauthorized sign or by any other means who has not been officially designated by DMV as an Authorized Inspection Repair Station (AIRS).

1.13.3 Penalties

A. General Penalties

1. Any person violating any of the provisions of these regulations shall be subject to a civil or administrative penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.) for each violation.

B. Motor Vehicle Operator Penalties

1. Any owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who operates their vehicle on the highways of Rhode Island that is not in compliance with these regulations shall be subject to a fine of no more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.) for each violation.

1.14.1 Jurisdiction - Criminal Penalties

The Sixth Division District Court shall have jurisdiction to enforce the criminal penalty provisions of these regulations.

1.14.2 Jurisdiction - Administrative Penalties

The Sixth Division District Court shall have jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of these regulations.

Emissions inspectors and emissions inspection locations seeking authorization as an AIRS, CIRT or CIT must be certified by the Department prior to conducting official inspections or emissions repairs when those repairs are to be applied to the repair cost limit. Completion of inspector training and passing of all required tests shall be a condition of certification. Certification may be withdrawn for good cause at any time.

1.15.1 Authorized Inspection Repair Station

A. Requirements

1. A repair facility which is authorized as an Authorized Inspection Repair Station (AIRS) shall provide necessary space, tools, testing equipment, liability insurance, signage, repair reports and copies of the Rhode Island I/M Program rules and regulations as may be designated and required by the Department. At least one CIRT or CIT shall be available during the AIRS normal business hours.

B. Application

1. Application for authorization shall be made on an official application form designated by the Department. Authorization shall be granted when the applicant demonstrates the ability to meet the requirements of § 1.12.1(A) of this Part and meets and maintains the criteria required under the AIRS contract. No authorization may be assigned, transferred or used at any location other than the location designated on the original application. The authorization may be withdrawn by the Department for good cause at any time.

C. Non-Rhode Island Locations

1. An AIRS may be located outside the state of Rhode Island boundaries, provided the AIRS management pledge to voluntarily submit to the jurisdiction of Rhode Island courts and these regulations. Out of state AIRS are not eligible to participate in the "Contractor Provided" equipment provision but must purchase any required inspection equipment from the I/M Program Manager through the "Self Financed Equipment" provision.

D. Motorist Service and Convenience

1. An AIRS must purchase test authorizations in minimum quantities of 5.

E. Proper Display of Signage

1. An AIRS must display the official inspection sign which indicates that the AIRS is an authorized motor vehicle safety and emission inspection station in a prominent location so as to be easily seen by passing motorists or pay a fine of $50 for each day the sign is not so displayed.

1.16.1 Denial

The Department may deny the issuance of authorization to perform motor vehicle inspections under these regulations as provided by law.

1.16.2 Violations

If the Department has reason to believe that a person is violating the provisions of these rules, the Department may issue its order to such person, commanding them to appear at a Hearing Board for a hearing to be held not sooner than ten (10) days nor later than twenty (20) days after issuance of said order to show cause why the Department should not issue an order to said person to cease and desist from such violation of the provisions of this regulation.

1.16.3 Finding of Fact

A. If as a result of a hearing, the Hearing Board is satisfied that such person is in fact violating any provision of these regulations, then it shall order such person, in writing, to cease and desist from such a violation or may, at its discretion, suspend or revoke the authorization of that person to inspect motor vehicles.

B. A person found to be in violation of the provisions of these regulations shall be subject to a suspension under the following penalty schedule:

1. First Violation

a. A person found to be in violation of the provisions of these regulations for the first time shall be subject to a suspension of authorization to inspect motor vehicles for a minimum of ten (10) days.

2. Second Violation

a. A person found to be in violation of the provisions of these regulations for the second time shall be subject to a suspension of authorization to inspect motor vehicles for a minimum of thirty (30) days.

3. Third and all Subsequent Violations

a. Persons found to be in violation of the provisions of these regulations for a third time and for each subsequent time shall be subject to a suspension of authorization to inspect motor vehicles for a minimum of six months (180) days for each separate violation.

b. In addition to the suspension penalties the Administrator may, at his discretion, impose a fine of up to $1,000. Reinstatement may be requested at the end each suspension period. The reinstatement shall be at the discretion of the hearing board or the Administrator.

1.16.4 Failure to Comply

If such person shall thereafter fail to comply with the order of the Department, the Sixth Division District Courts for the State of Rhode Island shall have jurisdiction upon complaint of the Department to restrain and enjoin such person from violating this chapter.

1.16.5 Appeals

Any Authorized Inspection Repair Station (AIRS) or any other person dissatisfied by any order of the Hearing Board or Department may within ten (10) days after receiving an order, file a request for review with the Director of the Department of Administration and thereafter with the Superior Court, not inconsistent with these regulations and R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35.

1.17.1 Requirements

A person seeking certification as a Certified Inspection Repair Technician (CIRT) must be eighteen (18) years of age or older, must hold a valid driver's license and must have received an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) L1. The Certified Inspection Repair Technician must demonstrate to the Department a proficiency in operating and calibrating all required diagnostic and repair equipment. The Certified Inspection Repair Technician certification shall be posted in a conspicuous location visible to the public with in the Authorized Emission Inspection Repair Station.

1.17.2 Application

The application for Certified Inspection Repair Technician must be on an official form designated by the Department. The application is for an individual not a corporate or company application. The designation as a Certified Repair Technician may be withdrawn by the Department for good cause at any time.

1.18.1 Requirements

A. The Certified Inspection Technician (CIT) shall be certified by the Department to perform motor vehicle safety and emission inspections.

B. A person seeking certification as a Certified Inspection Technician (CIT) must be eighteen (18) years of age or older, must hold a valid driver's license and must have successfully completed the requirements of a training course approved by the Department or designee. The CIT must demonstrate to the Department a knowledge of and proficiency in performing the required Rhode Island I/M Program test procedures. The CIT certification shall be posted in a conspicuous location visible to the public with in the Authorized Inspection Repair Station. The CIT shall be certified by the Department to perform motor vehicle safety and emission inspections only.

1.18.2 Application

The application for Certified Inspection Technician must be on an official form designated by the Department. The application is for an individual not a corporate or company application. The designation as a CIT may be withdrawn by the Department for good cause at any time.

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.