Why do I see private passenger plates on full-sized pickup trucks? | Ask the DMV
Q: Why do I see private passenger plates on full-sized pickup trucks? That means the owner pays a renewal fee every two years. Those of us with commercial or combination plates on a pickup are required to pay a renewal fee every year.
A: Without any specifics, such as a license plate number, it’s hard to answer your question.
Our new numbering sequence is similar across plate type (passenger, commercial, combination, etc.) that you may be seeing similar registration numbers, but it’s the plate type that differentiates them. We are trying to not issue duplicate registrations across all the different plate types in Rhode Island, so our stock plates have all been changed to this new numbering sequence.
Rhode Island was one of a few states that reissued registration numbers over and over again, and we are one of a few states that has more than 40 different plate types. Realistically, we could have plate number 1000 on 40 different vehicles. This has caused problems over the years, with people getting tickets, toll violations, speed camera tickets and parking tickets for plates that they turned in years before. The toll and speed cameras can’t differentiate one plate type from another, especially when motorists have plate covers or other items on their plates that obstruct the plate type. These agencies do not have direct access to our computer system.
Best practice standards say this is not the best way to issue plates and registrations. Registrations should be unique, as VINs are unique. That is why the new numbering sequence was created, and it is the most common way registrations are issued across the United States. As plates are canceled or expired over one year, they will never be reissued, except those plates that fall under the Governor’s Preferred Plates. Even with the new numbering sequence, once they are canceled or expired for more than one year, they will never be reissued. The new numbering sequence will allow millions of combinations of registrations.
Most vehicle registration fees are based on the gross vehicle weight (RIGL 31-6). There are certain plate types, such as “antique,” that do not follow this rule. Passenger, commercial and combination plates do follow the rule.
As you probably know, commercial and combination plates are due in March of each year. If you have a “wave” design plate in the commercial or combination plate type, once you renew your registration you will receive in the mail your new “ocean” plates and your registration certificate.
Please do not throw away the envelope with the mailing label, because on the back of the label is your new registration certificate. So, if you received your new plates, you also received your new registration certificate. Follow the instructions that are printed on the outside of the envelope, as well as on the inside of the mailing label.
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: Why are private passenger plates on pickup trucks? | Ask the RI DMV
