The bill amends Section 31-6-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-6 entitled "Registration Fees" to provide additional benefits to disabled veterans regarding vehicle registration and license plates. The amendment allows any honorably discharged veteran who has a 100% service-connected disability rating or is considered "individually unemployable" due to their service-connected disability to be exempt from paying any fee for the annual registration of and a license to operate their motor vehicle. Additionally, the bill increases the gross weight limit for commercial vehicles eligible for "Disabled Veteran" registration plates from 6,300 pounds to 12,000 pounds.

The bill also introduces new provisions for the transfer of "Disabled Veteran" license plates. Upon certification that a veteran is no longer able to operate a vehicle, the plates may be transferred to the veteran's spouse or caretaker during their lifetime. Furthermore, upon the death of the initial registrant, the plates may be transferred to the surviving spouse for their lifetime or until they remarry. The bill specifies that only one set of "Disabled Veteran" plates shall be issued to an eligible veteran or their spouse or caretaker, and eligibility must be certified by the Veterans’ Administration or through other satisfactory documentation. The act would take effect upon passage and also allows for the issuance of more than one set of disabled veteran license plates under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
5954  SUB A: 31-6-8
5954: 31-6-8