The bill amends Chapter 31-3 of the General Laws by creating a new section, 31-3-31.4, which establishes a registration process specifically for forestry vehicles. These vehicles, which must be equipped with rubber tires and used in forestry operations on highways, will be required to register using a form provided by the division of motor vehicles. Upon registration, they will be assigned a special number farm plate that includes a symbol or letter indicating their forestry usage.

The bill defines "forestry vehicle" as any vehicle designed for and used in forest product operations by the owner, family members, employees, or designees, specifically for the delivery of forest products produced by the forester. It clarifies that these vehicles cannot be used for commercial hire unrelated to forestry, such as hauling sand and gravel or snow plowing, except directly on the vehicle owner's forest land.

Additionally, the provisions of this section apply only to forest product operations with annual revenues not exceeding $2,500,000. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5098: 42-64-5, 44-5-12.1, 44-18-30, 44-27-1, 45-24-37