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-30-15-3.5 - Equipment Inspection Standards

1. Any air bag that is missing or deployed.

2. Air bag light is on all the time.

1. Back-up lamp lights when the vehicle is operating in any forward gear.

2. Lamp shows a color other than white.

1. Any body item that is dangerously damaged.

2. Any rotted section that is damaged or can cause fumes to enter the passenger compartment.

3. Any passenger door or hood that does not hold securely or is tied down.

4. Any body item or attachment that obstructs any required lighting device.

5. Any front door that does not hold closed or open properly.

6. Any cracked, broken, loose of sagging frame member.

7. Any loose or missing locking pins or fasteners including fasteners attaching functional components such as engine, transmission steering gear, suspension, body parts, fifth wheel, adjustable axles.

8. Any body condition that causes the body or frame to contact any tire or moving part of a wheel assembly.

1. Any vehicle or combination of vehicles having brakes on all wheels are expected to stop within the statutory requirements of 30' at 20 mph. and the vehicles or combination of vehicles not having brakes on all wheels are expected to stop within 40' at 20 mph; OR

2. The vehicle or combination of vehicles having brakes on all wheels should be capable of developing deceleration equal to or greater than 13' per second per second, when the vehicle is equipped with brakes on all of its wheels or 10.7' per second per second when the vehicle or combination of vehicles do not have brakes on all of its wheels.

1. Passenger vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968 are equipped with a brake failure warning lamp, check the lamp by applying the parking brake and turn the ignition key to the "Start" position or by other means as may be indicated by the vehicle manufacturer. Under these conditions, the lamp should light which would indicate that the lamp is working properly. With the vehicle engine running and the parking brake released, the lamp should go off. Apply pressure to the service brake pedal for at least 10 seconds. If the brake failure warning lamp lights again, the system is defective and should be rejected.

1. Test vehicle in a standing position. The driver should be able to maintain a brake pedal height under moderate foot force ( 40-60 lbs) for about one minute.

1. Every foot operated pedal such as foot brake pedal, accelerator (gas) pedal and emergency or parking brake pedal must be checked. Any foot pedal, or linkage that is missing, broken, misaligned or binding so that it does not operate properly should not be approved. Foot pedal pads that are missing or worn smooth, should be rejected.

1. Test vehicle in a standing position. With brake pedal depressed under moderate foot force, ( 40-60 lbs. in non-powered systems and 15-20 lbs. in power assisted systems), there should be a minimum of approximately 1/4 of the total available pedal travel remaining. The engine should be running when checking brake system having power-assisted system.

2. Cause for rejection:

1. If a vehicle is equipped with antilock brake system, it must be maintained in good working condition.

2. Cause for rejection:

1. On any wheel that is pulled, visually inspect the hydraulic system. Specific items to be checked include wheel cylinder for leakage, binding pistons, hydraulic hoses and tubes for leaks, cracks, corrosion, chafed or flattened or restricted sections and improper support.

2. Master cylinder- Check master cylinder rod for proper adjustment and test system for brake fluid leakage by applying moderate foot pressure ( 40-60 lbs.) to the foot pedal and maintain this pressure for at least one minute.

3. Check fluid level in the master cylinder. Cylinder should be filled to the full mark. In the absence of a full mark, the reservoir should be approximately 75% full.

4. Cause for rejection:

1. Parking brakes (emergency brakes) on most vehicles function through at least one (1) set of rear service brake shoes. Some vehicles have disc type service brakes on all four wheels which makes it necessary to have separate drums for the parking brakes. Certain other vehicles also have separate drums for the parking brakes. These drums and linings should be inspected in a similar manner to those for the regular service brakes. Any parking brake should hold a stopped vehicle firmly on all normal road levels.

2. In checking the parking brake, set the parking brake firmly and determine the amount of reserved travel remaining. Check further for missing handles or pedals on the various types of parking brake levers.

3. DO NOT CONFUSE THE PARKING BRAKE WITH THE PARKING POSITION OF VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.

4. Cause for rejection:

1. Visual Inspection Procedure:

2. Cause for rejection:

1. Visually inspect the condition of the mechanical components. Items to be checked specifically include worn pins, missing or defective cotter pins, broken or missing springs, worn rods, clevises or couplings, misaligned anchor pins, frozen, rusted or inoperative connections, missing spring clips, improper wheel bearing adjustments or defective grease retainers. Check pedal shaft and bearings for high friction, wear and misalignment. Also check freedom of movement of brake camshafts, miss-angularity and miss-alignment between camshaft and brake chamber, restriction of shoe movement at backing plate and bind between brake shoes and anchor pins.

2. Cause for rejection:

1. VACUUM SYSTEM a. Inspect condition of the vacuum system visually. Inspect for collapsed, broken and improperly supported hoses and tubes, loose or broken hose clamps or clogged air cleaners.

2. AIR SYSTEM

3. ACTUATOR RESERVE

4. PARKING AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ACTUATING MECHANISM

5. ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEM

6. TRAILER BRAKE EMERGENCY

7. TRAILER ELECTRIC BRAKE EMERGENCY

1. Brake drums up to and including 14" in diameter should not exceed nine-thousandths (.090) from the original diameter.

2. Heavy duty brake drums over 14" in diameter should not exceed one-hundred- twenty thousandths (.120) from the original diameter.

3. If the rotors are not embossed, the disc shall be within the manufacturers' specifications for replacement.

4. NOTE: A few drum manufacturers make some 'EXTRA HEAVY DUTY" sizes which can be used safely beyond these limits. These drums are normally used on extra heavy duty vehicles.

5. In order to qualify these extra heavy duty drums, the owner must satisfy the inspector that the drum was in fact manufactured so that it can be re-bored so as to use X, XX, or XXX oversize blocks.

1. Brake drums or discs contaminated in such a manner as to change the frictional qualities of the surface.

2. Brake drums or discs with any external cracks or substantial cracks on the friction surface that extend to an open edge. Also, any mechanical damage to the friction surface other than wear.

3. Drums or discs scored more than the manufacturers' re-bore limit.

1. Thickness of linings found to be less than 1/32nd of an inch except American Motors vehicles disc brake pads shall be rejected if less than 2/32nd of an inch.

2. If wire backing is visible on the brake surface.

3. Lining not securely fastened to shoe.

4. Lining broken or loose. Circumferential cracks in bonded linings shall not be cause for rejection, if the linings are not loose from the brake shoes.

5. Lining or pad friction surface obviously contaminated with foreign material to the extent it would make the brake operate in an unsafe manner.

1. The clearance between the effective bottom of the bumpers or devices and the ground shall not exceed 30 inches with the vehicle empty.

2. The maximum distance between the closest points between bumpers or devices, if more than one is used, shall not exceed 24 inches.

3. The maximum transverse distance from the widest part of the motor vehicle at the rear to the bumper or device shall not exceed 18 inches.

4. The bumpers or devices shall be located not more than 24 inches from the extreme rear of the vehicle.

1. Any bumper extended dangerously outside the width of a vehicle that was originally manufactured with a bumper.

2. Any vehicle that fails to meet the above bumper or rear end protection requirements.

3. A bumper or rear end protection that fails to meet the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations, 49 C.F.R. § 393.86.

1. Inspect every passenger type vehicle for bumpers (front and rear) according to the original manufacturers' specifications.

1. Any lamp that fails to light.

2. Broken or missing lens.

3. Any lamp not securely attached to the vehicle.

4. Lamp color contrary to law or regulation.

5. Required lamp missing or vehicle not properly equipped.

6. Clearance lamps fail to indicate width of a vehicle.

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-16-5, 31-16-8, 31-16-9, 31-24-13(2), 31-24-12

B. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with directional signal lamps or other mechanical signal device to indicate the driver's intention to turn either left or right.

C. Directional signals are required by law when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body or load exceeds 2 feet or, when the distance from the same center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load exceeds 14 feet. This law applies to any single vehicle and/or to any combination of vehicles. Therefore, if a normal passenger vehicle, when pulling a utility trailer or boat trailer exceeds 14 feet from the steering post to the rear of the vehicle, this combination of vehicles must be equipped with directional signals.

D. Every rear directional lamp shall emit a red or amber color. Every front directional lamp shall emit a white or amber color.

E. When a vehicle is equipped with directional signal lamps, they shall at all times be maintained in good working condition. Such signal lamp shall be visible and understandable both from the front and the rear during nighttime and daytime from a distance of 100 feet both to the front and the rear of the vehicle.

F. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-23-13, 31-23-14, 31-38-4

B. Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent unusual noise. Every engine shall be so adjusted to prevent the escape of fumes or smoke.

C. No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway. All mufflers or tail pipes must extend to the outside edge of the passenger compartment or as originally equipped. Commercial and other type of vehicles may have abbreviated exhaust systems providing the ends of the systems extend beyond any passenger compartment of the vehicle. Any exhaust system shall be deemed defective if any CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS, ALTERATIONS, DELETIONS OR ADJUSTMENTS have been made which would thereby cause any exhaust system to generate a higher or louder sound level than would be generated by the exhaust system customarily installed by the manufacturer as original equipment.

D. Vehicles that are found with extensions attached to the exhaust system may be accepted ONLY if the attached ends of the extensions are tight so as to prevent any noise or exhaust from escaping.

E. Cause for rejection:

F. EMISSION INSPECTION EQUIPMENT

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-10.1-4, 31-23-26, 31-23-27

B. All vehicles shall have their front and rear wheels sufficiently covered with fenders or flaps so as to prevent loose objects, rain, snow, etc., from being thrown about that may interfere with other persons using the highways.

C. On repaired or re-constructed fenders or flaps the rear part of the coverings shall be within six (6) inches of the circumference of the tire(s) and as low as the axle line.

D. Cause for rejection:

A. Check the vehicle's fuel cap and tank connections for any signs of vapor or fuel leaks. Check tank to see if it is properly secured.

B. Fuel caps of vehicles required to be emission inspected will be inspected to determine the fuel cap's ability to maintain pressure.

C. Cause for rejection:

A. Every floor, fire wall and any part of the under carriage and other panels including the rear sections in every motor vehicle except motorcycles, are expected to be free from holes, rusted out metal, openings and other separations that could cause exhaust and other fumes to enter any part of the passenger compartment.

B. Vehicles that have had modifications or repairs made should be checked for floors and other panels that have not been replaced or refitted properly.

C. When checking the vehicle, be mindful of any exhaust or other fumes that you may sense within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

D. The flooring in all motor vehicles, trailers or semi-trailers shall be substantially constructed, free of unnecessary holes and openings and strong enough to support its intended load.

E. Cause for rejection:

F. LIVESTOCK TRAILER FLOORS AND PANELS

G. LIVESTOCK TRAILER SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR HORSES

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-23-16, 31-23-22, 31-23-23, 31-23-24, 31-23-25, 31-23.3, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, 49 C.F.R. § 571.205.

B. All glass in any motor vehicle must be of approved safety glass approved by the Federal Standards and the State of Rhode Island. All glass currently being approved must meet the standards of 49 C.F.R. § 571.205, incorporated above in § 3.2 of this Part. All such glass that has been approved will be edge marked with the symbols "AS-1", "AS-2", "AS-10", "AS-14", etc. Glass edge marked "AS-1" may be used anywhere in a motor vehicle. Glass edge marked "AS-2" may be used anywhere in a motor vehicle EXCEPT the windshield. Contact the Inspection Office for additional information.

C. All motor vehicles must be equipped with a windshield. Minor cracks may be allowed if there are no separations. Check the crack by passing your fingertips over the cracked area. If the "inner" safety seal is damaged and it is a loose crack so that you can move the glass, the glass must be rejected. Do not approve any windshield glass that is damaged in the "AS-1" area in front of the driver that is wiped by the wiping action of the regular windshield wiper for the vehicle. Minor discolorations around the edge of any glass may be approved.

D. If the inspection approval sticker is removed because of a change in the windshield, the owner is allowed to produce the inspection report issued for the vehicle or the original sticker, as proof of the inspection. Some removed stickers may display the letters "V O I D". THIS DOES NOT INVALIDATE THE APPROVAL FOR THE VEHICLE INDICATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THE STICKER. The Division of Motor Vehicles may authorize the use of special stickers upon the windshield or any of the windows of a motor vehicle.

E. THE ONLY STICKERS SO AUTHORIZED ARE:

F. A utility sticker is one which is used for the identification of the vehicle for a specific purpose such as those used by the Armed forces, private parking spaces, private beaches, etc. The utility sticker may be placed in the lower right or left corner of the windshield so as not to interfere with the driver's vision.

G. The State will allow the use of sunscreen material which has a total visible light transmittance of seventy (70%) percent on all windows of passenger type vehicles.

A. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-24-1 through 31-24-52

B. Every inspection station shall inspect headlamps according to the following requirements:

C. Cause for rejection:

A. Every motor vehicle, including motorcycles, is required to be equipped with at least one horn in good working order that is capable of emitting sound that is audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet.

B. A vehicle that has had its horn switch moved to the side of the steering post or to the dashboard is acceptable provided it can be operated by one hand and is within reach of the driver when he is seated in a normal driver's position.

C. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-10-1.4 and 31-23-15

B. Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the rear thereof from the driver's position, shall be equipped with a mirror(s) so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

C. Every passenger type vehicle shall be equipped with a rear-view mirror on the left front door or fender, so located as to reflect a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

D. Some vehicles were manufactured with a third rear-view mirror to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Any vehicle originally manufactured with 3 or more rear view mirrors shall be maintained accordingly.

E. All required mirrors must be securely fastened to the vehicle so that they will not vibrate and cause distortions.

F. Cause for rejection:

A. Check for broken or missing motor mounts.

B. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-3-18 and 31-24-9

B. The registration plate issued shall at all times be securely fastened in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which it is issued so as to prevent the plate from swinging. It shall be attached at a height not less than 12" from the ground when measured from the bottom of such plate. It shall be located in a place and position so as to be clearly visible and shall be maintained free from foreign materials. The rear registration plate shall be illuminated with a white light. The plate lamp shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the headlamps or auxiliary lamps are lighted and in a condition to be clearly legible from a distance of 60' to the rear. Every vehicle inspected must be checked to see that the proper type and number of plate(s) is attached.

C. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-24-32, 31-24-33, 31-24-52

B. All vehicles, except motorcycles, shall be equipped with parking lamps located on the front and on the rear as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle.

C. Every parking lamp shall display a white or amber light to the front and a red light to the rear so as to be visible from 500 feet from the vehicle when the vehicle is parked during the nighttime or when there is insufficient light to reveal persons or objects within a 500 foot distance.

D. Lens separations or repaired lens are acceptable as long as the intended lawful color is not violated.

E. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-24-10, 31-24-11, 31-24-37, 31-24-38, 31-24-39, 31-24-41

B. Every motorcycle shall be equipped with at least one reflector and every vehicle except truck tractors, shall be equipped with at least two reflectors on the rear, meeting the following requirements:

C. Cause for rejection:

A. Every vehicle must be registered or display the proper dealer plates at the time of inspection.

B. When a vehicle is presented for inspection, you must first check for evidence of a valid registration.

C. Compulsory Motor Vehicle inspections apply to vehicles which have no limitations placed on their scope of operation. Vehicles being operated with a temporary registration are normally limited to periods up to twenty days and are considered to be limited in their scope of operation and are not required to be inspected.

D. Look for vehicles that are not properly registered and check the plate number on the vehicle against the number on the registration; also check for make, type of vehicle, color, year and valid official stamp.

E. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-23-39, 31-23-40, 31-23-41

B. All automobiles beginning with the 1964 models are required to have safety seat belts installed for use in the left front and right front seats upon purchase, sale, lease, trade or transfer to or from a Rhode Island resident.

C. Every jitney, bus, private bus, school bus, or trackless trolley coach and every authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with a safety seat belt for the driver's seat.

D. Cause for rejection:

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

B. The driver's seat and backrest shall be firmly attached to the vehicle so that when the driver applies force to the service brake pedal, the seat or backrest will not move. Do not approve any vehicles that have the driver's seat supported by loose wedges or blocks.

C. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-24-37, 31-24-38, 31-24-40, 31-24-43

B. Lens separations are acceptable as long as the lawful color or intended use is not violated.

C. Side marker lamps, whenever required, should be mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle in such a manner as to indicate its body length.

D. Side marker lamps mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display an amber color.

E. Side marker lamps mounted on the rear or on the side near the rear of a vehicle shall display a red color.

F. Side marker lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions during the night time at a distance of 500 feet from the side of the vehicle.

G. Side marker lamps and clearance lamps may be mounted in combination, provided the required illumination is given.

H. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-24-12, 31-24-13, 31-24-14, 31-24-37, 31-24-38

B. Every motor vehicle must be equipped with a stop lamp on the rear of the vehicle which shall emit a red or yellow (amber) light plainly visible from a distance of 100 feet to the rear of the vehicle during normal sunlight and at night time.

C. Any motor vehicle that is equipped with more than one stop lamp shall have all such stop lamps in good working order. Every stop lamp shall be actuated upon application of the service (foot) brake and may or may not be incorporated with the tail lamp.

D. Lens separations are acceptable as long as the intended lawful color is not violated.

E. Cause for rejection:

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

B. This section deals with the overall "front end" of the vehicle. The instructions and tolerances as given apply to most vehicles, however, there are some vehicles or assemblies that cannot be inspected in the exact manner as described in this manual. Therefore, you are authorized to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for inspection and to reject any vehicle or assembly for any part of the steering system that is worn, missing, broken, or defective in any manner that exceeds the manufacturers' tolerances for replacement or so as to be dangerous.

C. STEERING WHEEL LASH (FREE PLAY) OR BINDING

D. WHEEL BEARINGS

E. LINKAGE AND KINGPIN PLAY

F. UNIVERSAL JOINTS

A. Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-13.1

B. Springs and Torsion Bars -

C. Shocks -

D. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-13.1

B. Vehicles with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less that have been altered by raising or lowering the chassis or body height, by any means or device, more than four (4) inches from the manufacturers specified height or from the height of other originally manufactured vehicles of the same make, model and year of the vehicle being inspected, should be rejected.

C. Vehicles over 10,000 lbs. gross weight and vehicles used for farming or forestry are exempt from the four (4) inch altered limitations but should be rejected if any such alteration kit or device is broken, loose or not properly installed.

D. Vehicles that appear to be altered by elevating or lowering the chassis or body height by more than (4) inches from the original manufacturers specified height by use of lift kits, shackle lift kits, tires, spacers, blocks, tubes or any other means or device shall be rejected unless the owner of the vehicle shows written evidence as to the original height of the vehicle when equipped with the equipment customarily installed by the manufacturer.

E. When inspecting, be sure to check for broken, missing, loose or improperly installed kits or devices. Check for items that could cause improper steering or braking. The chassis or body should be equal in height on opposite sides and/or ends of the vehicle.

F. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-24-7; 31-24-8

B. Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, pole trailer and motorcycle and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least one (1) tail lamp which emits a RED LIGHT plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.

C. Every tail lamp shall be securely attached to the vehicle at a height of not more than 72" inches nor less than 20 inches when measured from a level flat ground surface.

D. Most vehicles have more than one tail lamp. It is expected that each and every tail lamp on the vehicle be working properly.

E. Lens separations are acceptable as long as the lamps' intended lawful color is not violated.

F. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-23-20, 31-23-45, 31-23-26

B. During the tire inspection, look for bald tires as well as tire tread grooves that are less than 2/32nds of an inch. Also look for signs of fabric, cord, ply, blowout patches, bumps, bulges or any separations or defects that could affect the safe operation of the vehicle. When measuring the depth of a tire tread, mark the length of the tread into four (4) equal parts and take measurements at these marks with a tire depth gauge.

C. If any three (3) of the four (4) measurements taken are less than 2/32nds of an inch deep, the individual tread is considered to be less than 2/32nds of an inch.

D. If any two (2) adjacent (next to each other) major treads (or grooves), are less than 2/32nds of an inch deep, the tire is to be rejected. When measuring tread depth, DO NOT measure on top of the "tread bar depth indicator".

E. A space saver spare tire is acceptable when used on a temporary basis, but should not be approved for use on a vehicle when the vehicle is being inspected.

F. Vehicles with so-called "racing or cheater" slicks are not to be approved. These tires usually have no tread or two treads on the periphery of the tire and are considered unsafe for highway use. Wide tires are not to be approved if the outside edge of the tire extends beyond the outer edge of the wheel housing when the tires are in a straight-ahead position.

G. All vehicles should be equipped with tires on the SAME AXLE that are matched in nominal size or construction including dual wheels. (Example: radial tires and bias ply constructed tires should not be mixed on the same axle.)

H. Rhode Island Law is such that it shall be permissible to use tires with flat headed studs projecting 1/16" or less beyond the tread of the traction surface from the 15th day of November to the first day of April.

I. DO NOT approve any tire that is marked "Farm Use Only", "Reject" or any other symbol to indicate that the tire DID NOT MEET the Federal Standards.

J. Cause for rejection:

A. When road testing any motor vehicle (except motorcycles) be sure to check the rearward movement of the vehicle. Every motor vehicle will be expected to have at least one (1) forward speed and one (1) rearward speed.

B. Cause for rejection:

A. Inspect the wheels of dangerous cracks and for loose, missing, or damaged wheel bolts, nuts, studs, or lugs that could affect the safe operation of the vehicle.

B. A space saver spare rim is acceptable when used on a temporary basis, but should not be approved for use on a vehicle when the vehicle is being inspected.

C. Cause for rejection:

A. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-23-43, 31-23-44

B. These are portable wedge-shaped devices which are carried in the vehicle and used to prevent accidental rolling or movement of the vehicle from a parked position. There should be at least two (2) in the following types of vehicles:

C. Whenever such motor vehicle is equipped with positive action spring-loaded, air parking brakes, such vehicle need not be equipped with said safety wheel chocks.

D. Chock blocks shall have one side that shall follow the contour of the tire and shall be of sufficient size and strength to hold the vehicle when the maximum allowable weight is carried thereon. The following table shall be used to determine the minimum size according to the radius of the outside circumference of the tire:

E. Each chock block shall be at least 3/4 of the tire-tread width.

F. Cause for rejection:

A. Reference: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-17

B. The windshield on every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a windshield wiper that shall be so constructed as to be controlled by the driver of the vehicle. Every windshield wiper on every motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order. Vehicles that were manufactured in the past with one (1) windshield wiper may be approved as such. However, any vehicle that has or has had installations for more than one (1) windshield wiper, must have all such windshield wipers working properly.

C. Wiper blades should not be approved if parts of the blade or arm are missing, damaged, broken or shorter than the original equipment.

D. Cause for rejection: