What were 2023's most-read Q&As in the 'Ask the RI DMV' column? Here's a roundup.
Chuck Hollis, assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, is kind enough to answer many readers' questions on vehicle issues in the state.
We've created this roundup of the most-viewed questions and answers within the past year, hoping we can answer more readers' questions.
Even though the first question is more than three years old, it got the most visits this year. We thought it would be helpful for others if we ran it again.
Q: The title (out-of-state) to my deceased Mom's vehicle was transferred to me a few months ago. The address on the title doesn't reflect my current address, since I just moved.
Will this be a problem when I register the vehicle in Rhode Island? If yes, what do I need to do to resolve it before I can register?
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
— Stephanie
A: Don’t worry about your address on the back of the title. That is not an item that would require you to fix or change that title.
The address you put on your application to register the vehicle should be your current address.
All our forms are on our website: www.dmv.ri.gov as well as what documents are needed to register a gifted vehicle.
Ask the DMV: Title reflects old address
Q: On a recent evening, my wife and I were walking along the seawall in Narragansett. To my surprise, I noticed six cars from Rhode Island with no front plate in my "survey." Am I missing something, or is it now legal to drive with only one plate in RI?
A: It is not legal to have a passenger vehicle registered in Rhode Island and have only one plate on it. RIGL 31-3-10 and RIGL 31-3-11.1 address this requirement.
The exceptions for having only one plate are motorcycles, trailers, semi-trailers, in-transit vehicles, transporters, bailee vehicles or a dealer vehicle.
Is it legal to drive with only one license plate in Rhode Island? | Ask the RI DMV
Q: Why are dealerships allowed to put license plate covers on cars they sell?
A: License plate covers are legal as long as they do not cover any part of the plate including the state name, registration and plate type. Most just cover the outside rim of the plate, leaving all the important information readable.
Why are dealerships allowed to put license plate covers on cars they sell? | Ask the DMV
Q: Are Japanese mini trucks considered unsafe for road travel in RI?
A: Mini trucks fall under a class of vehicles manufactured for the Japanese market to standards that restrict vehicle body size and engine displacement. The standards differ significantly from North American vehicle safety standards applicable to comparable vehicles sold here in the United States.
Are Japanese mini trucks considered unsafe for road travel in RI? | Ask the DMV
Q: As of July 1, 2023, Rhode Island will be issuing driver's licenses for undocumented people. What will be needed?
A: Driver Privilege Cards (DPCs) will be available to Rhode Island residents who are unable to establish lawful presence within the United States but wish to drive legally. Customers must have either filed a Rhode Island resident personal income tax return in the prior tax year or been claimed as a dependent on one.
Undocumented RI residents can get Driver Privilege Cards starting July 3. Here's how.
Q: Why, because of tinting on the windows, wouldn't my vehicle pass inspection?
A: Rhode Island law requires the windows and the windshield of all vehicles to have a minimum total visibility light transmittance of not less than 70%. It is important to note that stock glass with no aftermarket tinting is generally at or very close to this 70% transmittance level, due to the UV filtration tinting installed within the glass by the manufacturer.
Because of tinting on the windows, my vehicle wouldn't pass inspection | Ask the DMV
Q: How do I replace deteriorated plates when the registration hasn't expired?
A: There are a couple of options for you to make your car compliant.
All this information and all the forms/applications needed for each option can be found on our website, dmv.ri.gov.
How do I replace deteriorated plates when the registration hasn't expired? | Ask the DMV
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: 2023's most popular 'Ask the RI DMV' Q&As in The Providence Journal
