The bill proposes amendments to Section 31-6-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-6, "Registration Fees," to revise the fee structure for the registration of various motor vehicles, including automobiles, trailers, semi-trailers, and school buses. The new fee structure is based on the gross weight of the vehicle, with specific fees for different weight ranges. For instance, the registration fee for an automobile weighing up to 4,000 pounds is set at $30.00, while a vehicle over 74,000 pounds will incur a fee of $972.00, with an additional $24.00 for every extra 2,000 pounds. The bill also includes fees for other vehicle types and services, such as semi-trailers, vehicles with non-pneumatic tires, public buses, motorcycles, trailers, racing vehicles, government vehicles, and antique motor vehicles. It outlines charges for duplicate certificates, special identification numbers, replacement plates, and farm vehicles. A refund is provided for multi-year semi-trailer registrations if the plate is returned before the effective date of that year's registration, and 30% of the semi-trailer registration fee is retained to support the IRP and fleet registration section.

Additionally, the bill sets fees for suburban vehicles, school buses, motorized bicycles, and tricycles, as well as replacement number plates and reflective plates, with a waiver for the initial issuance of new plates with the 2022 design for vehicles with existing registrations. It also specifies fees for trip and hunter’s permits under the International Registration Plan and a $30 fee for registering specially adapted vehicles for family members with disabilities. A new provision allows for a refund of the registration fee for those who voluntarily cancel their registration, prorated for full-year segments beyond the cancellation date. The bill is effective immediately upon passage, and the Legislative Council notes that the act is intended to provide a partial refund for those canceling their motor vehicle registration.

Statutes affected:
7679: 31-6-1