The bill amends Section 31-3-62 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-3, entitled "Registration of Vehicles," to include new provisions regarding National Guard special motor vehicle registration plates. The amendment empowers the administrator of the division of motor vehicles to issue these plates to both active and retired members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard for vehicles eligible for registration as an automobile or commercial vehicle with a gross weight of 12,000 pounds or less. A significant insertion in the bill is the provision that allows the transfer of "National Guard" plates to the surviving spouse of a deceased National Guard member for their lifetime or until they remarry.

The bill also outlines the design of the special registration plate, which includes the designation "National Guard" and an emblem provided by the office of the adjutant general. A service charge of $20.00 and a transfer charge of $5.00 are required for the issuance of the plate, with revenues deposited as general revenues. Additionally, in a state of emergency, active National Guard members with these plates are authorized to travel on state highways regardless of any driving bans. The bill is set to take effect upon passage, and its purpose is to allow the transfer of National Guard plates to surviving spouses after the death of a National Guard member.

Statutes affected:
8177: 31-3-62