The bill amends Section 31-1-3 and Section 31-3-5 of the General Laws, introducing new definitions and regulations for various types of vehicles, with an effective date of July 1, 2024. Key changes include updated definitions for "Antique motor car" and "Antique motorcycle," which are vehicles over 25 years old and are limited to non-primary transportation uses such as exhibitions and parades. The bill also allows for "year of manufacture plate" issuance for antique vehicles. New vehicle categories such as "Kei car" or "Kei truck" are added, defined as imported mini-vehicles with specific size and engine displacement limits. Other vehicle definitions updated or included are "Authorized emergency vehicle," "Automobile," "Bicycle," "Camping recreational vehicle," "Electric motorized bicycle," "Electric personal assistive mobility device" (EPAMD), "Fifth-wheel trailer," "Hearse," "Jitney or bus," "Low-speed motor vehicle," and "Motorcycle," with "low-speed motor vehicles" required to meet federal standards and safety features.

The bill specifies grounds for refusal of vehicle registration or transfer, such as false application statements, mechanical unfitness, suspicion of theft, suspended or revoked registration, unpaid fines of $200 or more, and non-compliance with environmental regulations, adding a $5.00 fee for denied registrations due to unpaid fines. It restricts "Kei cars" and "Kei trucks" to operate on public highways with speed limits of 35 mph or less and allows them to cross highways with speed limits between 35 and 45 mph under controlled intersections. A grandfather clause is included for "Kei cars" and "Kei trucks" registered before June 1, 2024, but these registrations cannot be transferred to new owners. The legislative explanation notes that the act relates to motor and other vehicles, particularly addressing the restricted use of "Kei cars" and "Kei trucks" on public highways.

Statutes affected:
2693  SUB A: 31-1-3, 31-3-5
2693: 31-1-3, 31-3-5