Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 280 - Department of Revenue
Chapter 30 - Division of Motor Vehicles
Subchapter 15 - Safety and Emissions
Part 3 - Official Manual for Vehicle Inspection
Section 280-RICR-30-15-3.3 - Vehicle Inspection Regulations

Universal Citation: 280 RI Code of Rules 30 15 3.3

Current through September 18, 2024

3.3.1 SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY

A. In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 31-38, standards for the inspection of vehicles and related equipment as set forth in this Part have been established by the State of Rhode Island for the administration and enforcement of the inspection laws of the State of Rhode Island.

B. Every vehicle subject to inspection shall display upon such vehicle, or produce upon demand, the certificate of inspection and approval issued to such vehicle until the inspection and approval certificate expires.

C. Every vehicle required to be inspected shall be inspected for emission and/or safety items according to the following:
1. All motor vehicles, except motorcycles, registered with a gross weight of eight-thousand five hundred (8,500) pounds or less shall be inspected for emissions and safety items biennially or according to a schedule that may be required by the State.

2. All motor vehicles registered with a gross weight of more than eight thousand five hundred (8,500) pounds shall be inspected for safety items annually.

3. All motorcycles shall be inspected for safety items before the end of June of each year.

4. All trailers, except trailers and semi-trailers used to transport horses or other livestock, registered with a gross weight of more than 1,000 pounds shall be inspected for safety items before the end of June of each year.

5. Every new vehicle, except public conveyance vehicles, and school buses, shall be inspected and approved before it is twenty-four (24) months old from the first purchase date (statement of origin) or before the vehicle accumulates twenty-four (24) thousand miles, whichever occurs first.

6. Every used vehicle, except public conveyance vehicles and school buses without a valid Rhode Island inspection approval shall be inspected and approved within 5 (five) Division of Motor Vehicles business days from the date of registering in Rhode Island.

7. Public conveyance vehicles including but not limited to school buses, taxis, jitneys, child care and other public service vehicles shall be inspected according to all the rules and regulations established by the federal and state laws also in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for inspection. Reject any vehicle for a safety and/or emission item that is found to be worn, missing, broken or defective in any manner that exceeds the manufacturer's tolerance for replacement. All 1996 and newer vehicles will be tested for OBD II.

8. All Diesel vehicles registered with a gross vehicle weight of less than 8,500 lbs. will tested at Diesel Approved Inspection Stations

9. All Rhode Island registered vehicles located on Block Island and registered with a Block Island address will be subject to a safety inspection and a two- speed idle emission inspection in accordance with a schedule as directed by the Department.

10. All vehicles registered as farm vehicles under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-31, except farm tractors, shall be subject to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 31-38 entitled "Inspection of Motor Vehicles."

11. All motorized bicycles and/or motorized tricycles, that are required to be inspected, shall be inspected at motorcycle inspection stations for safety items before the end of June of each year.

12. All trailers and semi-trailers used to transport horses or other livestock, irrespective of the registered gross weight, shall be inspected for vehicle safety items and other safety requirements needed for the safe transportation of horses and other livestock before the end of June of each year.

13. The Director of the Department of Revenue or designee may extend the time within which a certificate of inspection and approval shall be obtained.

14. The Director of the Department of Revenue or designee may extend the thirty (30) day repair period.

15. The Director of the Department of Revenue or designee may authorize any inspection station to issue a certificate of inspection and approval to any vehicle after concluding that a reasonable effort to meet the emission standards has been made.

16. The Director of the Department of Revenue or designee may suspend the registration of any school bus or public conveyance type vehicle from transporting passengers which he or she determines is in such unsafe condition to transport passengers or which does not meet the requirements established for such school or public conveyance type vehicles or for failure to deliver said vehicle for inspection provided, however, that any vehicle which has been transporting passengers in violation of such suspension, then such registration shall be immediately suspended by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

17. No inspection permit shall be assigned, transferred or used at any location other than therein designated. No more than one permit shall be assigned to a location.

18. Stations may provide a reduced inspection fee providing that the reduction is not incorporated with any other sale condition or promotion.

3.3.2 EMISSION INSPECTION STANDARDS

A. Inspection standards with respect to emission of fumes will be upgraded from time to time based on experience and needs as determined by the E.P.A. and the State.

B. The current regulations and standards have been filed by the Department of Environmental Management (D.E.M.) as Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34, Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program, 250-RICR- 120-05-34.

C. The Director of the Department of Revenue or designee may conduct or cause to be conducted covert audits as may be necessary to observe the stations activities. Vehicles may be adjusted with defective safety and emissions control items so as to check the station's inspection practices.

3.3.3 FEDERAL DETERMINATION

The current Rhode Island vehicle inspection program has been reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration and it has determined that the Rhode Island Inspection Program is comparable to or as effective as the standards outlined in Part 396 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Therefore, a valid Rhode Island inspection approval sticker is acceptable proof of inspection for those commercial motor vehicles required to be inspected by the Federal Highway Administration's Periodic Inspection requirements.

3.3.4 INSTRUCTIONS

A. Every owner of an official inspection station must properly instruct all employees in accordance with the instructions set forth in this Part. Each owner and/or responsible agent is expected to supervise the activities of all the persons who are authorized to conduct inspections and from time to time should review the inspection requirements with the station personnel. The Motor Vehicle Inspection Office must be informed of the name, address, and certification numbers of inspectors appointed. Stations must notify the Inspection Office in writing of any changes in the inspectors or authorized agent appointed.

B. Any questions that should arise concerning inspection of motor vehicles should be referred to the Inspection Office for proper clarification.

C. Responsibility of station owner or responsible agent
1. Stations are appointed by the Department upon satisfactory evidence that all requirements have been met.

2. The appointments are for a one-year period.

3. Each station must volunteer its services, equipment and facilities to the State for the purpose of vehicle inspections.

4. In accepting your appointment as an official inspection station, every owner and/or responsible agent will be responsible for all inspection approvals issued at the station.

5. Approved stations will be classified according to the size and type of vehicles to be inspected and are required to maintain inspection tools of capable size and type to inspect all the vehicles designated according to the approved station class.

6. Approved stations must have a certified inspector identified on the application that is authorized to inspect the type of vehicles that the station has been approved to inspect. The Station must report any additional inspectors immediately to the Inspection Office and to the State Selected Contractor.

3.3.5 NEW APPOINTMENTS

A. Applications for new appointments shall be submitted on the required forms to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Office. Applications may be obtained upon request and must be filled out completely so that the State inspectors can check the information and required equipment.

B. Applications for emission inspection stations must also be submitted to the State Selected Contractor for those stations that are applying for approval as an Emissions Inspection Station.

C. Change of Location, Ownership or Trade Name
1. The owner of an official inspection station contemplating a change of location or ownership must notify the Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Division and any applicable state selected contractor before such change is made.

2. Upon every change of ownership or change of location, a new application must be submitted to the Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Division and any applicable state selected contractor explaining such change of location and/or ownership within thirty (30) days before such change, so as to afford time to investigate the new application, and/or inspect the new facilities. In order to eliminate any period of non-operation, it is imperative that you allow the agencies at least 30 days advance notice.

3. Upon the effective date of any such change of ownership or location, all your inspection privileges will cease at the former location and you will not be allowed to inspect vehicles at the new location, or as a new owner until you are properly licensed by the Department.

4. If you change the name of the station only, without any change of location, partners, ownership or corporation, you will be required to notify the Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Division and any applicable state selected contractor in writing of the new, correct name and its effective date. There will be no additional charge or new license required for the change of name only. As an example, if you are operating under one particular oil company's name and then change to a subsequent oil company's name, this is a change of name only and does not require a new license.

3.3.6 INSPECTION FEES

A. Reference: R.I. Gen Laws § 31-38-7

B. The inspection fees are fixed by law and any violation or overcharging for inspections beyond what the law provides, will be cause for suspension of the station's inspection privileges.

C. Current inspection fees have been established by law and are as follows:
1. 2-year emission and safety inspections for vehicles less than 8,500 lbs. including diesel vehicles - $55.00, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47.1-11.

2. 1 year safety inspection for vehicles over 8,500 lbs. - $ 15.00

3. 1 year motorcycle safety inspection - $ 11.00

4. 1 year trailer over 1,000 lbs. safety inspection - $ 11.00

5. 1 year livestock trailer safety inspection - $ 11.00

6. 1 year electric vehicles safety inspection - $ 11.00

D. The fee charged shall be for the inspection and the issuance of the sticker. If the official inspection station collect the inspection fee during a part of the initial inspection and reject the vehicle, you are expected to issue the sticker without additional charge when the vehicle is repaired and returned to your inspection station for approval within 30 calendar days.

E. The vehicle rejected is entitled to one free re-inspection at the same station as part of the initial inspection within the 30 calendar day re-inspection period. If the rejected vehicle is not returned for re-inspection within the 30 calendar days, the inspection is considered complete. If the rejected vehicle is returned after 30 calendar days, you must treat it as a new inspection, perform a complete inspection, and are authorized to collect a full fee.

F. INSPECTION PERIOD
1. Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-4

2. The Director of the Department of Revenue has designated that every vehicle subject to inspection shall display upon such vehicle; or produce upon demand; the certificate of inspection and approval issued to such vehicle until the inspection and approval certificate expires.

3. The certificate of approval (sticker) issued during any inspection period will be invalid when any of the following events occur:
a. When the approval sticker issued to the vehicle has expired.

b. When the vehicle is considered as "unsafe" for highway use and the sticker seized by any authorized agent.

c. When the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles designates a new inspection period.

G. INSPECTION HOURS
1. Every station shall declare reasonable inspection hours that must be acceptable to the Motor Vehicle Safety & Emission Control Division, during which hours that station must provide at least one (1) employed certified inspector who is qualified to operate all testing equipment to serve the inspection needs of the general public.

3.3.7 DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM INSPECTIONS

A. It is the duty of the State Certified employee of an official inspection station to always properly and thoroughly conduct the official inspection of vehicles presented for that purpose.

B. In affixing a sticker to an approved vehicle, the State certified employee is placing a "Certificate of Approval" on the vehicle, indicating that the vehicle has met all applicable inspection standards.

C. QUALIFICATIONS OF INSPECTOR
1. In order to qualify as a state certified inspector, a person must be at least eighteen (18) years of age with a valid driver's license who has successfully completed a satisfactory training course in auto safety and emission inspection that has been approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

2. The person must be able to demonstrate to State authorized personnel that he/she is capable of operating and calibrating all required testing equipment.

3. The person may be required to pass a "HANDS-ON" or written test approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

3.3.8 INSPECTION PROCEDURES

A. Start all inspections by confirming the VIN with the vehicle registration.

B. Conduct a walk-around visual inspection of the vehicle.

C. The inspection stations' authorized inspector may refuse to conduct the inspection of any vehicle subject to the Rhode Island Inspection Program if the vehicle is determined to be in an unsafe condition so as to be a hazard to the inspection personnel. The vehicle is to be refused further inspection until the condition is corrected. If the vehicle is not a hazard, a full and complete inspection should be conducted. The station shall issue a report indicating why the vehicle was refused.

D. Enter the vehicle and continue to inspect the vehicle from the driver's position and turn on the vehicle ignition to be able to check the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS AND BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE INDICATOR LAMP.

E. Drive the vehicle backward and forward checking the service brake pedal while you drive the vehicle to the bay or lane checking the designated interior items of the vehicle.

F. With the vehicle raised, visually check both front wheels of the vehicle for leaks and defective parts. It will not be required to remove the front wheels of any vehicle, regardless of its size or weight, if the brake friction material can be examined and a reasonable judgment can be made as to its thickness. If there is any doubt as to the thickness of the brake friction material or the safety condition of the wheel(s), then the wheel must be pulled to make a complete examination of the brake and wheel components. While the vehicle is still raised check the front end and undercarriage items of the vehicle.

G. While the vehicle is in the inspection bay check the headlamps of the vehicle. You will not be required to check the exact aim of the headlamps but you will be expected to reject the headlamp aim if the aim is noticeably off center. With the assistance of some well-placed mirrors (or assistant) check the other designated lights.

H. While you are checking the various inspection items, make written or mental notes of the defects found so you will not forget the items rejected. If you are not sure of a certain defect, check the Inspection Manual. The designated inspection items are listed in the index for easy reference. However, there are some vehicles that cannot be inspected in the usual manner, therefore, when inspecting these vehicles, you are authorized to follow the manufacturer's recommended inspection procedures and to reject any designated safety and/or emissions item that exceeds the manufacturer's tolerance for replacement.

I. After all items are checked, you must issue either an inspection approval sticker or file a rejection report according to the following:
1. When the vehicle DOES NOT PASS the inspection:
a. Do not remove the old sticker.

b. Advise customer of all the defects.

c. Make proper and complete entries on the rejection report.

d. Advise customer that approval sticker will be issued after the defects have been corrected and approved.

e. Submit all rejection reports within 30 calendar days to the Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Division.

f. Give customer the rejection report for future compliance.

2. When the vehicle DOES PASS inspection:
a. Remove old inspection sticker.

b. Make proper and complete entries on all applicable reports.

c. Affix the new sticker properly to the vehicle.

J. ALTERNATE INSPECTION APPROVAL PROCEDURE
1. On occasion, vehicles for which the registration may have been suspended, cancelled, or denied may need to be inspected for safety. In order to issue a valid registration, proof is needed that the vehicle under consideration is safe for highway use.

2. The State will accept an "ALTERNATE INSPECTION APPROVAL REPORT" properly signed and stamped by a certified inspector of an official inspection station after the vehicle has been examined WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE GARAGE PROPERTY and found to be safe to be operated on the public highways.

3. The Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Division will upon request make available the "ALTERNATE INSPECTION APPROVAL REPORT",

on an as needed basis to the customer to be presented to the inspection station for proper compliance.

3.3.9 STATION REPORTS

A. All station reports that are required of the official stations must be upon forms approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. All instructions and requirements on the various forms must be completed. All inspection stickers, licenses, inspection reports and other records pertaining to motor vehicle inspections, that are not required to be turned in to the Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Division, are subject to be reviewed and must be maintained in a reasonable order at your official inspection station for at least two (2) complete years prior to the current year.

B. All inspection reports must be filled out accurately as to name, address and date of inspection and must be signed by the certified inspector that inspected the vehicle. It is required that stickers be issued in numerical order starting with the lowest sticker number assigned to your station, or which has been issued under the direction of a state selected contractor. Any and all such records and/or stickers may be seized by any police officer or agent of the Division of Motor Vehicles.

C. Any station may be 'called-in' by the Inspection Office to answer complaints and/or for an audit of the inspection records and reports. Improper inspection records or reports could cause the suspension of the inspection permit.

3.3.10 REJECTION REPORTS
A. The Rejection reports must be used for each vehicle which does not pass inspection. This includes the emission inspection as well as safety inspection. If the vehicle fails, you are required to make out the rejection report and show the required exhaust emission numbers which were obtained along with any other safety defects.

B. Rejection reports are an official part of the inspection program. All rejection reports must be completely filled out. Accurately measure all required inspection items that are worn to a point of rejection and record the measurement on the rejection report. Give one copy to the customer and send the other copy within thirty (30) days to the Inspection Division.

C. If the rejected vehicle is returned for re-inspection within the thirty-day (30) period, check the repaired items and mark the rejection report accordingly. The rejected vehicle is entitled to a free re-inspection as part of the approval within each 30 calendar day re-inspection period.

D. If an additional defect, or same defect, is found while re-checking the vehicle, do not approve the rejection report until the additional defect is also corrected.

E. When a second re-check is requested and is conducted within the 30 days and a fee is collected, be sure to conduct a complete inspection. After the 30 day re-inspection period, you must inspect the entire vehicle as a new inspection.

F. The 30 days allowed on the rejection report is not to be considered as an extension of time to have the vehicle inspected.

G. If a motorist reports to an inspection station with a rejection report issued by a station with a similar class as yours, you must inspect the vehicle for repair of the particular equipment that is marked as defective and continue to inspect the complete vehicle. If the vehicle is over 8500 pounds and is approved, fill out the reverse side of the rejection report completely, using your station stamp and be sure to sign and date this notice. If an additional defect is found on the vehicle, do not approve the vehicle until the defect is corrected. You should issue another rejection notice in conjunction with your complete inspection as if the vehicle were being inspected for the first time.

H. If the vehicle is 8500 pounds or less, you must conduct a complete inspection and follow the contractors' procedures for the electronic approvals. Employees of the Department appointed by the Director, or his designee may approve or reject any vehicle or any part of any vehicle previously inspected after concluding that such approval or rejection is inconsistent with the Inspection Laws.

3.3.11 SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF OFFICIAL INSPECTION PERMIT.
A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-38-6, 31-38-8, 31-38-9, 31-38-10, 31-38-11.

B. The Director of the Department of Revenue or his designee shall properly supervise and cause inspections to be made of such stations and shall suspend or revoke and require the surrender of the permit issued to a station which he finds is not properly equipped or has violated any of the conditions of his permit of inspection, or for any act which is in violation of any Federal, State, City or Town Law, rule, regulation, or ordinance.

C. Employees of the Department, appointed by the Director or his designee, may immediately suspend the inspection privileges of any station upon concluding that the emission analyzer or any other emission or safety testing equipment is not working properly or is missing from the inspection station or the station is not staffed with a State Certified inspector.

D. The Director may deny an application for a permit or suspend or revoke a permit after it has been granted for any of the following reasons:
1. On proof of unfitness of applicant to do business as a motor vehicle inspection station;

2. For any misstatement by applicant in application for permit;

3. For any failure to comply with the provisions of this section or with any rule or regulation promulgated by the Director;

4. For defrauding any customer;

5. For dismantling any vehicle for repair without the authorization of the owner thereof;

6. For refusal to surrender any vehicle to the owner thereof upon tender of payment of the proper charges for towing and/or work done on said vehicle;

7. For having indulged in any unconscionable practice relating to said business as a motor vehicle inspection station;

8. For willful failure to perform work as contracted for;

9. For failure to comply with the safety standards of the industry;

10. For failure to properly equip and/or conduct said inspection station;

11. For failure to pay the required fees as provided in this chapter;

12. For providing an inspection sticker to a vehicle in violation of the sun screening law.

E. All suspended, revoked or cancelled permits must be immediately surrendered to the Department of Revenue along with any and all inspection stickers and inspection reports that were issued to this station.

F. Any police officer or agent of the Department may seize any inspection license, permit, stickers, sticker records and/or any other such inspection records at any time after such station has been notified in writing that their inspection permit has been revoked, cancelled or suspended.

G. Any person violating any of the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-38-1 to 31-38-10, (both inclusive) or the rules and regulations established by the Director as herein provided shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) days or by both such fine and imprisonment. The Director may revoke the permit of any authorized inspection station which is convicted more than once for such violations.

3.3.12 SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL INSPECTOR
A. No person other than a State-certified employee of an inspection station shall issue a certificate of inspection and approval.

B. The State certified inspector of an inspection station will be held responsible for his actions as an individual. As such, the State certification will be subject to all rules and regulations for vehicle inspections and may be suspended or revoked for improper conduct, attitude, or for any act which is in violation of any Federal, State, City or Town Law, rule, regulation, or ordinance.

3.3.13 SUSPENSION OF NON-RESIDENT REGISTRATION RIGHT TO HAVE OPERATED.
A. Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-7-5

B. The Director of the Department of Revenue or his designee may suspend the non-resident right(s) to have operated in the State, any vehicle found in violation of any applicable inspection law, rule, or regulation.

3.3.14 NOTICE AND DEMAND (Defective Equipment Tag)
A. Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-38-3 & 31-38-4

B. "Notice and Demand" tags enforce and control violations that have been reported as not complying with the Inspection Laws or regulations. "Notice and Demand" cards may be issued by any proper officer who is empowered with the power of arrest, the Assistant Director of Motor Vehicles, Administrator of Motor Vehicles or any Investigator, Examiner or Inspector appointed by the Administrator of Motor Vehicles.

C. When a motorist reports to an inspection station with a notice and demand, you must check the vehicle for repair of the particular equipment that is marked as defective. If the vehicle is approved, fill out the reverse side of the notice and demand card completely, using your station stamp and be sure to sign and date this notice.

D. If a defect is found on the vehicle that is not marked on the notice and demand card, do not approve the vehicle until the defect is corrected. If an inspection sticker is required, inspect the vehicle completely and issue a new sticker; be sure to write the sticker number on the notice and demand.

E. Return the notice to the customer and advise him/her that this notice must be returned to the Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Division. Failure to have the notice returned within five (5) days to the Division could cause the owner's registration to be suspended.

3.3.15 INSPECTION REFUSAL
A. No inspection station shall refuse to inspect a vehicle that is presented for inspection during its normal inspection hours.

B. It is permissible that stations may set up inspections by appointments providing they maintain a list in the form of inspection appointments showing the dates and times for the particular appointments.

C. If an inspection station is unable to properly inspect a foreign vehicle or certain large commercial type vehicles due to specialized equipment being needed, he may refuse this type of inspection and refer the owner to a more qualified station.

D. However, this consideration is not to be construed as a means to refuse certain vehicles and not others. If a complaint is investigated and it is disclosed that inspections were conducted on certain foreign vehicles and others were refused, the station will be subject to suspension or revocation.

E. If the station cannot provide an official inspection due to sickness or absenteeism of the authorized inspector(s) during his normal inspection hours, he must make an agreeable appointment with the customer to provide for an official inspection within the next twenty-four (24) normal inspection hours of the station. This agreement is not to be construed as an extension of time to have the vehicle inspected.

3.3.16 INSPECTION APPROVAL STICKER SYSTEM
A. All vehicles under 8,500 pounds will be issued approval stickers which will be supplied by a computer-generated printer for a two (2) year period.

B. Vehicles that are required to be safety inspected only will be issued the basic yearly approval sticker that will be purchased by the appropriate inspection station from the Inspection Office. The approval stickers must be issued in numerical order. The necessary monthly inserts will be provided at no cost to the station.

C. These monthly inserts are designed to be applied to the basic yearly sticker and must be issued in accordance with the month in which the vehicle is being inspected and approved.

D. When a vehicle has been approved and the sticker information has been properly recorded, you should proceed as follows:
1. Remove the sticker from the computer-controlled printer and affix it to the vehicle as directed. OR

2. Remove the protective covering and carefully remove one monthly insert number ( 1-12) one at a time as needed and place it in the space provided on the basic sticker in a manner so that the insert number does not appear backwards, when it is applied to the vehicle.

3.3.17 INSPECTION STICKERS
A. Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-4

B. A certificate of approval (inspection sticker) is to be issued only after a vehicle has passed every part of the inspection as required. Complete the required information on the inspection report and sticker with a ball-point pen for vehicles over 8,500 lbs. or as may be printed by a computer for vehicles under 8,500 lbs.

C. Place the new sticker on the inside lower right-hand corner of the windshield as viewed when sitting in the vehicle in the driver's position so as not to obstruct the operator's vision.

D. On motorcycles, affix the motorcycle sticker on the rear fender so as to be visible from the rear of the vehicle.

E. On trailers and semi-trailers (including livestock trailers and semi-trailers) the sticker should be affixed to a permanent part of the rear side of the trailer near the right side so as to be visible from the rear of the vehicle.

F. Report all cases of missing or stolen stickers or sticker stock material in writing to the Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Office, the State contractor (if applicable) and local police as soon as possible.

G. The inspection sticker is not transferable to another vehicle and; therefore, is void when it is removed from a windshield and placed on or used as proof of inspection for a different vehicle. The current inspection stickers are self-voiding, and the letters "V O I D" will appear on the face of the sticker if it is removed from a windshield. The letters "V O I D" do not invalidate the sticker if the sticker is being displayed on or produced for the same vehicle for which it was issued.

H. Loaning, borrowing or selling stickers or failure to have a supply of stickers on hand at the station at all times shall be cause for suspension of the inspection station permit.

I. All sticker requisitions and reports must be signed by an authorized person and stamped with the official stamp with the trade name that is displayed on the official inspection station permit. All stickers must be requisitioned on Department approved forms.

J. A copy of each sticker requisition order shall be retained for filing in the station and available for inspection at the station.

K. The proper fee must accompany each sticker requisition. Stickers will be sold in prepared books.

L. Any police officer, agent of the Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Division, or authorized agent of the Division of Motor Vehicles, may remove any inspection sticker from any motor vehicle:
1. After proving that the vehicle has not been inspected properly.

2. Is displaying a stolen, expired, or fraudulent sticker.

3. Is displaying a sticker issued to another vehicle.

4. Is unfit and unsafe for highway use.

3.3.18 AFFIXING STICKER TO VEHICLES
A. In order to prevent stickers from being lost or affixed to defective vehicles, it is required that the inspector affix the sticker in an upright position to the particular vehicle so approved, and not hand it to the customer to be affixed to the vehicle, except that on occasion, persons may object to affixing the sticker to the plastic inner surface of the "inner shield windshield" that some vehicles were equipped with starting with some of the 1984 models. Under these conditions, you may issue the approved sticker to the customer in the following manner:
1. Fill in the required information on the sticker with a ball point pen for vehicles over 8,500 lbs. or as may be printed by a computer for vehicles under 8,500 lbs.

2. Remove plastic cover on sticker and apply monthly insert to the sticker or as directed by State contractor.

3. Replace the protective plastic cover over face of insert and sticker or as may be directed by the State contractor and issue to customer.

3.3.19 REMOVING STICKER FROM INNER SHIELD
A. Starting with some of the 1984 models, certain vehicles will be equipped with windshield glass with a transparent sheet of plastic (inner shield) on its inner surface facing the passenger compartment. Removing a sticker from this surface may cause damage to the windshield if you do not remove the sticker properly.

B. Some of the windshields can be identified with markings indicating that the vehicle is equipped with a plastic inner surface windshield. When removing items from this type of windshield, DO NOT USE A METAL RAZOR OR OTHER METAL TOOL.

C. It is recommended that a plastic scraper be used to lift up a corner of the decal. Pull on the decal with a slow, steady pull. Try to peel the decal off in one piece if possible. Traces of adhesive and/or decal material can be gently scraped up or rubbed off with your fingertips. ABRASIVE CLEANERS SHOULD NOT BE USED. Stubborn deposits can be removed by using a liquid household glass cleaner, rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, or naphtha. Ask the owner for removal instructions that have been provided by the manufacturer.

3.3.20 EXEMPTIONS AND VARIANCES
A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-23-3, 31-38-4, 31-38-14

B. The Department or its designee(s) may authorize any inspection station to issue a certificate of inspection and approval to any vehicle after concluding that a reasonable effort to meet the emission standards has been made.

C. Persons seeking an emission variance from the emission standards will be required to apply to the main office of the Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Division for an "APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION OF EMISSION REQUIREMENTS" which will require that the vehicle be inspected by a certified inspector and/or a State-employed inspector who both have to confirm that the vehicle involved is equipped with all emission control devices required at the time of manufacture and that these emission control devices are in good working order.

D. A state-certified inspector may operate or move a vehicle upon the highways with proper registration plates attached without producing or displaying a certificate of inspection, only as may be necessary to transport the vehicle to and from the place of inspection or to test and repair the vehicle in conjunction with the inspection of the vehicle, provided however, that the vehicle is not registered to him personally or is not in such unsafe condition as to brakes, steering or other equipment as would be hazardous for use on the public highways.

E. The exemptions and/or variances as interpreted do not excuse the owner from maintaining these vehicles in proper condition and this interpretation does not relieve the owner of such vehicle from the obligation of having a safe vehicle on the public highway.

F. Waivers will be considered individually and be identified as:
1. COST LIMIT WAIVERS (CL)

2. DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION WAIVERS (DI)

3. REPAIR-TIME DELAY WAIVERS (RT)

G. The Department of Revenue has determined in accordance with the Inspection Laws that certain vehicles and vehicles that are "LIMITED IN THEIR SCOPE OF OPERATION" are exempt from compulsory safety and emissions inspection.

H. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES ARE EXEMPT FROM SAFETY AND EMISSIONS INSPECTION ACCORDINGLY:
1. New motor vehicles with first title, until twenty-four (24) months after their first date of purchase or twenty-four thousand (24,000) miles, whichever occurs first.

2. Motorized wheelchairs. Motorized bicycles and/or motorized tricycles unless required by special laws or regulations.

3. Vehicles that are registered with plates identified as in-transit, racer-tow, bailee or transporter and other vehicles with properly issued loan agreements, and various temporary permits.

4. Competition and off-road vehicles that are not registered and used solely for off-highway activities.

5. Vehicles owned or controlled by a Rhode Island licensed dealer for the first five (5) Division of Motor Vehicles business days after the vehicle is owned or controlled by the dealer.

6. Other vehicles at the discretion of the Department for portions of an inspection cycle to advance or delay the inspection in order to match the registration and the inspection cycle.

7. Vehicles registered with Antique Plates are exempt, however, some antique registered vehicles also registered with passenger plates may be presented for inspection in order to comply with the state law that allows the unlimited use of such a vehicle if it passes a proper inspection.

8. Farm tractors effective January 1, 1985.

9. Trailers with a registered gross weight of 1,000 pounds or less, unless used for transportation of horses and other livestock.

10. Special mobile equipment as defined by R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-1-9.

11. Any vehicle while it is stored off the public road.

I. THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES ARE EXEMPT FROM THE EMISSIONS INSPECTION ACCORDINGLY:
1. A motor vehicle twenty-five (25) model years old or older will be given the required safety and emissions test for the same fees as other vehicles but will not be denied the approval if the owner fails to complete any emission repairs.

2. Electric vehicles, motorcycles, and those vehicles which are registered for more than 8,500 pounds gross weight will be exempt from the emissions inspection.

3. A motor vehicle with an exchanged engine shall be inspected for emission compliance by applying the emission standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions inspections based on the chassis model year of the vehicle. Except that if the engine installed in the vehicle at the time of inspection is newer than the chassis model year, the inspection standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions inspections shall be based on the model year of the engine.

4. All reconstructed and homemade vehicles shall be inspected for emissions compliance using the standards and test procedures applicable for exhaust emission, functional emissions control devices and visual inspection for each individual vehicle based on the engine year of the engine installed in the vehicle at the time of the inspection.

5. A vehicle with an engine that has been changed from one fuel type to another fuel type (e.g. from a diesel engine to a gasoline engine) that is subject to these regulations shall be subject to the test procedures and standards for the current fuel type of the engine installed in the vehicle at the time of inspection.

6. All trucks and vans shall be tested in accordance with the emission standards for motor vehicles as determined by the manufacturers' gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). If no manufacturer's GVWR is available, then the vehicle shall be tested according to the GVWR as determined by the Department.

J. COST LIMIT WAIVER (CL)
1. Repair cost limit waivers will be considered if the cost of the emission related repairs were completed within sixty (60) days prior to the rejection date of the inspection. The cost of the repairs must be confirmed with original receipts from recognized licensed retailers. These original receipts must be surrendered to the inspector considering the waiver. The cost of repairs may not include the cost covered under any Federal warranty program or for repairing any tampered emission items.

2. The repair cost limit will be adjusted each January according to the E.P.A. requirements and the consumer price index.

3. Repair cost limit waivers must qualify each inspection cycle.

K. DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION WAIVERS (DI)
1. Diagnostic waivers will be considered for vehicles that fail the inspection. It must be demonstrated to the State that the required applicable emission devices are in place and are operating properly. It must be further demonstrated that the required parts needed for the repairs are not available and that no additional further repairs are reasonably possible.

2. Diagnostic waivers must qualify each inspection cycle.

L. REPAIR TIME DELAY WAIVERS (RT)
1. A repair time delay waiver will be issued to the registered owner of a vehicle in compliance with the low-income requirements of the RIPAE PROGRAM established by the Department of Elderly Affairs or the GOLD CARD program established by the Department of Human Services. The owner will have to pay the required inspection fee and apply to the Inspection Office with the rejected vehicle under consideration along with the rejection report and the low-income credentials within the thirty (30) day rejection period.

2. The Repair Time Delay waivers are a one-time delay of emission repairs for the specific vehicle and may not qualify in future cycles, regardless of any change in the ownership of the vehicle.

3.3.21 OUT OF STATE INSPECTION
A. Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-4(B)

B. On occasion, vehicles are not in the State of Rhode Island during the month that its current inspection approval expires and it is reasonable to understand that these vehicles should not be expected to be returned to Rhode Island solely for the purpose of inspection.

C. The State will accept the certificate of inspection and approval issued to a vehicle that was not in the State of Rhode Island during the month that it's inspection approval expired providing that the out-of-state authority has a safety and emissions inspection law similar to the one in Rhode Island.

D. These regulations are not to be interpreted to mean that a Rhode Island registered vehicle can be taken out of state to be inspected. This privilege is only granted to vehicles that are not in Rhode Island during the expiration month of the current approval.

E. This out-of-state inspection certificate will be honored for five (5) days when the vehicle is returned to Rhode Island.

F. In the event that a vehicle has not been inspected in another state, the vehicle will be allowed five (5) Division of Motor Vehicles business days upon its return to the State of Rhode Island in which to obtain an inspection approval.

G. The burden of proof that the vehicle was out-of-state at the time the existing approval on the vehicle expired is solely the responsibility of the registered owner.

3.3.22 NEW VEHICLES
A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-38-4, 31-47.1-5.

B. Every new vehicle purchased after June 1, 1999 (except public conveyance type vehicles that are required to be inspected by the State) that is registered by a new owner shall be inspected before it is twenty-four (24) months old from the first purchase date or before the vehicle has accumulated twenty-four-thousand (24,000) miles, whichever occurs first.

3.3.23 USED VEHICLES

Used vehicles, that are registered by a new owner that are operated on the public roads must be inspected and approved within five (5) Division of Motor Vehicles business days from the date of registering the used vehicle REGARDLESS OF THE MODEL YEAR OR MILEAGE OF THE USED VEHICLE except that a vehicle with a current Rhode Island valid inspection approval need not be inspected until the current approval expires.

3.3.24 RETAIL SELLER (DEALER)
A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-1-19(a), 31-38-1, 31-38-4

B. No "Dealer" of new and/or used vehicles, shall sell at retail a used vehicle unless a new inspection of the used vehicle has been conducted and a new certificate of inspection and approval is affixed to the vehicle while the vehicle is owned or controlled by the dealer within ninety (90) days before the date of sale or 500 miles, whichever occurs first.

C. Used vehicles, owned, operated or controlled by a dealer that are operated on the public roads must be inspected and approved within five (5) Division of Motor Vehicles business days from the date of obtaining the vehicle REGARDLESS OF THE MODEL YEAR OR MILEAGE OF THE USED VEHICLE, except that a vehicle with a current Rhode Island valid inspection approval sticker need not be inspected until date of sale.

D. Used vehicles sold or used by a dealer are expected to meet all safety and emission inspection requirements and will not be granted any repair time delay waivers or cost limit waivers.

E. Dealers with no dealer plate may produce a copy of their license showing their dealer number. This may be used in place of a plate number for the purpose of inspection.

3.3.25 TEMPORARY REGISTRATIONS

Any motor vehicle that is being operated with a temporary certificate of registration or a loan agreement is limited in its scope of operation and is not required to display a current inspection approval.

3.3.26 SUSPENDED VEHICLES

Vehicles that have been suspended for defective equipment and whose inspection approval sticker has been removed from the vehicle, have five (5) Division of Motor Vehicles business days from the date of reinstatement to obtain a new approval.

3.3.27 REPAIRS

The owner of a vehicle has the exclusive right to determine by whom any necessary repairs will be made. As an inspection station, you should not make repairs without authorization by the owner of the vehicle. If you take it upon yourself to repair a vehicle and the owner of the vehicle refuses to pay for the work done, the Department will not be able to support your position in collecting your fee.

3.3.28 GOING OUT OF BUSINESS
A. Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-38-12

B. Official inspection station operators, upon going out of business shall notify the Inspection Office in writing and shall immediately return to said office the license certificate, issued, with all used and unused stickers and other reports maintained during the past two inspection years plus the current year.

C. Unused inspection stickers purchased by inspection stations may be repurchased by the State if returned in good condition within three (3) months of the inspection year for which the sticker was issued. Stickers returned to the Inspection Office in good condition will be processed for refund by Motor Vehicle Inspection personnel.

D. Stations under contract with a State selected contractor should notify the contractor and follow their requirements.

3.3.29 FOREIGN AND AMERICAN MADE VEHICLES

The inspection of vehicles applies to foreign made vehicles as well as American Made vehicles. However, there are some vehicles that cannot be inspected in the usual manner. Therefore, when inspecting these vehicles, you are authorized to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for inspection and to reject any vehicle for a safety and/or emission item identified in the manual that is worn, missing, broken or defective in any manner that exceeds the manufacturer's tolerance for replacement.

3.3.30 VOLUNTARY INSPECTIONS
A. Any Rhode Island registered vehicle may be inspected on a voluntary basis at any time before the expiration date of the inspection approval sticker which is affixed to the vehicle.

B. Vehicles may be presented for a voluntary inspection before the expiration of the manufacturer's safety and/or emission warranty.

C. Vehicles not registered in Rhode Island which are registered in another state and presented for inspection shall be inspected in accordance with all regulations for Rhode Island registered vehicles.

D. Vehicles that are owned and/or operated by a Federal Agency that operate in a State that has an inspection program may be presented for a voluntary inspection in order to meet Federal requirements that may require these vehicles be inspected.

E. Other voluntary inspections usually come about when people are visiting from out-of-state during their home state inspection period, as well as diplomat's vehicles, inspection challenges, or for institutions which may require an inspection approval before the vehicle is allowed on the premises.

F. Inspection approval stickers shall be issued to these vehicles according to the month in which they are approved.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Rhode Island may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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