The bill amends Section 31-3-80 of the General Laws regarding the registration of vehicles to establish special motor vehicle registration plates for active and retired members of the United States Reserve Forces in Rhode Island. It raises the maximum gross weight for eligible vehicles from eight thousand five hundred pounds (8,500 lbs.) to twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.) and mandates that the plates display the United States flag alongside military titles. Additionally, it introduces a requirement for applicants to provide a DD 214 form indicating "honorable discharge" for the issuance of these plates.

The bill also outlines the renewal process for the special plates, specifying that passenger vehicles must be renewed every two years based on the first letter of the registered owner's last name, while commercial vehicles will be renewed annually in March. Furthermore, it allows for the transfer of the plates to the surviving spouse of a veteran upon their death, provided the spouse does not remarry. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2175: 31-3-80