Pickup driver feels 'penalized' for having a combo plate | Ask the DMV

Chuck Hollis
·2 min read

Q: Kara H.’s question on Sept. 26 about combination plates on her new Jeep made me think.

The overwhelming majority of pickup owners are private citizens not making money off of our trucks. Why do we have to get combo plates that need reregistration every year? I would have no problem with the different plate if registration costs and terms were the same. But why are we penalized?

— Scott C., Cumberland

A: The RI DMV follows the laws in Title 31 — Motor and Other Vehicles in the Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL). Pickup trucks require commercial or combination plates that, per law (RIGL 31-3-64), are renewed every March. The weight and use of the vehicle determines which plate is placed on that vehicle.

Registration fees for pickup trucks are based upon the gross vehicle weight (GVRW) of the vehicle, just like passenger vehicle registration fees (RIGL 31-6-1).

No one is penalized for the type of vehicle they own.

To register a vehicle that is 2000 and older, proof of previous owner, such as a registration certificate, is required by the DMV.
To register a vehicle that is 2000 and older, proof of previous owner, such as a registration certificate, is required by the DMV.

Q: I have a 1970 Volkswagen Beetle that I got from my dad. I have recently fixed it up and want to drive it and register it as an antique. I can't find a title or an old registration. What do I need to do to get this vehicle registered? What form, what sections? Can you help?

— John S., Newport

A: To register a vehicle that is 2000 and older, proof of previous owner, such as a registration certificate, is required.

If the vehicle was previously registered in Rhode Island, our research office can do a registration inquiry for you. The clerks at the counter can do that, too, prior to starting your transaction.

If the vehicle was last registered in another state, you will have to contact that state for proof of previous registration.

Your dad should also write you a gift letter or bill of sale for the vehicle. You will need Rhode Island insurance, too. If you go to our website (www.dmv.ri.gov) and print out the TR-1 application (located in the “Forms & Fees” tab under “Registration Forms”), a registration checklist will print out that has an area for private sales that you should follow.

Your vehicle does qualify for an antique plate if you are interested in that. If not, you will be issued passenger plates.

Chuck Hollis
Chuck Hollis

Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to cars@providencejournal.com with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Getting combo plates needing re-registration every year? Ask the DMV