The bill amends Chapter 31-28 of the General Laws by creating a new section titled "Motor vehicle plates for persons with disabilities -- Adaptive vehicle license plate." This section defines key terms, including "adaptive vehicle," which refers to a motor vehicle that has been structurally modified or equipped with specialized equipment (such as ramps, lifts, lowered floors, specialized hand controls, or restraint systems) to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a significant mobility impairment. The term "adaptive vehicle license plate" refers to a special registration plate issued under this section that identifies a vehicle as an adaptive or mobility-modified vehicle. A "qualified individual" is defined as a person with a permanent mobility impairment certified by a licensed physician or physical therapist, necessitating the use of an adaptive vehicle for transport.

To qualify for the adaptive vehicle license plate, individuals must submit a completed application form from the Division of Motor Vehicles, medical certification of their disability or need for vehicle modification, and proof of vehicle modification, while standard registration fees will apply. Vehicles displaying the adaptive vehicle license plate will not be required to display the disability parking privilege placard issued under § 31-28-7. The Division of Motor Vehicles is responsible for issuing the adaptive vehicle license plates, which will display the "International Symbol of Access," for any motor vehicle eligible for registration as an automobile, commercial vehicle, or combination vehicle that qualifies as an "adaptive vehicle" used exclusively for noncommercial purposes by a qualified individual. The bill also stipulates that nothing in this section shall preclude an eligible individual from obtaining both the disability parking privilege placard pursuant to § 31-28-7 and the adaptive vehicle license plate, provided all eligibility requirements are met. This act is set to take effect six months after its passage.