The bill introduces a new section to Chapter 31-28 of the General Laws 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 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 to the Department of Motor Vehicles, provide medical certification of their disability or need for vehicle modification, and prove that their vehicle has been modified accordingly. Standard registration fees will apply.

The bill also outlines the privileges and access granted to vehicles displaying the adaptive vehicle license plate, which include parking in designated accessible loading/unloading zones for assisting qualified individuals, exemptions from certain height, width, or bumper restrictions applicable to non-modified vehicles as allowed by state law, and access to designated areas at public facilities where adaptive vehicles require additional space for ramp deployment or passenger transfer. Furthermore, the Division of Motor Vehicles is authorized to issue plates displaying the "International Symbol of Access" for pleasure passenger vehicles or noncommercial pickup trucks used exclusively by qualified individuals. The act will take effect upon passage.