The bill amends sections 31-3-46, 31-3-62, and 31-6-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-3 entitled "Registration of Vehicles" to make changes to the issuance and eligibility criteria for special vehicle registration plates. Specifically, it updates the weight limit for vehicles eligible for Ex-Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) plates, National Guard plates, and Disabled Veteran plates to twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs), increasing it from the previous limits of ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs) for P.O.W. plates and eight thousand five hundred pounds (8,500 lbs) for National Guard plates. The bill also increases the weight limit for vehicles eligible for Disabled Veteran plates from six thousand three hundred pounds (6,300 lbs) to twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs).

The bill further stipulates that the P.O.W. plates and Disabled Veteran plates can be transferred to the surviving spouse of the holder upon their death, and the spouse can use the plates for their lifetime or until they remarry. For National Guard plates, a special emblem will be designed by the office of the adjutant general, and active or retired members of the Rhode Island army and air national guard will be eligible for these plates. Additionally, in a state of emergency, active National Guard members with these plates are authorized to travel on state highways despite any driving bans. The act will take effect six months after passage, and it aims to unify the weight limit for vehicles with these special plates to 12,000 pounds.

Statutes affected:
5017: 31-6-8