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-30-15-3.7 - Minimum Requirements for Appointment as a Motorcycle Inspection Station

Universal Citation: 280 RI Code of Rules 30 15 3.7

Current through September 18, 2024

A. Each inspection station is expected to employ at least one (1) State Certified inspector who has been licensed as a motorcycle operator for at least two (2) years and is familiar with motorcycle repair problems. He shall have had at least one years' experience as a motorcycle mechanic.

B. Each motorcycle inspection station will be held fully responsible for the approval of each and every cycle presented for inspection as to the compliance with all the motorcycle inspection rules and regulations except that the station will not be held responsible by the Department as to the strength of the materials or the quality of the workmanship of any cycle that is presented for inspection.

C. Each motorcycle inspection station must meet all the requirements of regular stations except those requirements that by their nature have no application to the motorcycle provided, however, that every motorcycle inspection station shall have:

1. An inspection lane at least 15 feet long and 6 feet wide.

2. A tape measure distinctively marked at 1/4", 15" and 18".

3. Measuring tools for rake and trail such as:
a. An adjustable or collapsible straight-edge or 6 foot folding ruler.

b. A 6-inch protractor designed for measuring degrees of a circle.

c. A rigid carpenter's framing square marked off in inches with each side at least 16 inches in length.

D. A certificate of approval (inspection sticker) is to be issued only after the cycle has passed every part of the inspection as required.

E. Be sure to fill in the required information on the inspection report with a ball-point pen.

F. Affix the new sticker on the rear fender of the cycle so as to be visible from the rear of the cycle.

3.7.1 REGISTRATION AND VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
A. Every cycle must be registered at the time of inspection. Examine this registration and be sure to compare the vehicle identification number with the cycle and the registration card. Be sure to check the cycle plate numbers to see that they agree with the registration card.

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 12" from the ground when measuring from the bottom of such plate. It shall be located in a place and position to be clearly visible and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible from a distance of 60' to the rear. The rear registration plate shall be illuminated with a white light.

C. Cause for rejection:
1. Cycle not registered.

2. Cycle plate and identification numbers do not agree with the registration.

3. Registration card or registration plate missing, mutilated or not validated.

4. Plates that are dirty or cannot be read clearly from 60 feet.

5. Cardboard or any other home-made type of plate.

6. Plates that are not securely attached or tied on to the cycle with wire, rope or some other material.

7. Plates that are obscured by various slogans, colored glass or plastic, decals or other implements that may interfere with the identification of the plate.

8. Plates that are located so that the plate lamp will not properly illuminate the plate during the nighttime.

9. Plate numbers that do not agree with the registration.

10. Plates that have been cut, altered or changed from their original design or color or shape.

3.7.2 BRAKES
A. Every cycle must be equipped with at least one (1) rear brake which may be operated by hand or foot and which is adequate to control and stop the vehicle.

B. All components of the braking system whose malfunction could reduce braking efficiency should be inspected. The cycle should be specifically checked for worn, missing or defective pins; broken or missing springs; rods, devices or couplings; misaligned anchor pins; worn cables; frozen, rusted or inoperative connections; missing spring clips, improper wheel bearing adjustment; or defective grease retainers. Visually check brake pedal shaft and bearings for wear and misalignment. All brakes on the cycle must be in good working order. It is not mandatory to pull a wheel on a cycle; however, the wheel may be pulled to further examine the brakes and/or brake lining material. The brake lining material must be at least 1/64th of an inch above any metal.

C. Do not approve any cycle if the braking assembly is not sufficiently covered so as to protect the brake lining friction material from road debris and elements of weather that could cause the brake lining material to lose its effectiveness.

D. Every cycle manufactured with more than one brake must have all such brakes in good working order.

E. Cause for rejection:
1. Cycle not able to stop within minimum distances.

2. Braking assembly not sufficiently covered.

3. Worn, missing or defective parts.

4. Brake lining material broken or contaminated.

5. Brake lining material less than 1/64th of an inch above any metal.

3.7.3 BODY ITEMS
A. Check cycle for obvious defects in body items that are broken, inadequate, missing, bent or defective, so as to cause injury to the operator, passenger or other persons using the highways.

B. Body items may include, but are not limited to: kickstand, frame, rollover bars, chain, motor mounts and supports, flaps, saddle bags and any other extra equipment that may or may not be required that has been added to the cycle.

C. Cause for rejection:
1. Any body item that is broken, bent, missing or defective so as to cause injury to person or property.

D. CHAIN GUARDS
1. Any drive chain or belt on a cycle shall be equipped with a chain guard or covering device to prevent any chain or chain sprocket from contacting any rider.

2. Cause for rejection:
a. Chain guard missing.

b. Chain guard not securely attached.

c. Chain guard too small to afford proper protection to rider.

d. Chain guard located improperly so as not to afford proper protection to rider.

E. CYCLE STAND
1. All cycles designed with two wheels shall be equipped with a retracting stand that shall fold rearward and upward. It must not contact the ground when the cycle is moving.

2. Cause for rejection:
a. Vehicle stand missing, bent, broken or defective so as not to hold cycle in stable position.

b. Cannot fold rearward and upward when cycle is moving.

3.7.4 EXHAUST SYSTEM
A. Start the cycle and check over the muffler and all the parts of the exhaust system, paying particular attention to rotted and corroded surfaces and mufflers that have been altered, modified, deleted or adjusted in any manner that would cause the 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. No part of the exhaust system shall be higher than the rear fender.

B. Cause for rejection:
1. Any exhaust system that has been altered, modified, deleted or adjusted so as to cause a sound louder than was intended by the manufacturer of the cycle engine as intended for street use.

2. Any exhaust system that has any leaks, holes or leaking patches or seams.

3. Exhaust system or its elements not securely fastened to the cycle or higher than the rear fender.

C. FUEL SYSTEMS
1. Every cycle shall have its' fuel system components, including the tank, pump, tubing, hoses, clamps, etc., securely fastened so as not to interfere with vehicle operation and shall be designed to prevent leakage when the vehicle is in its normal operating mode. Fuel lines shall be positioned in a manner to prevent their contact with the engine cylinder head, manifold, exhaust system, or other high temperature surfaces, or moving components. The fuel system shall be adequately vented and provided with a fuel shut-off valve. Visually check the fuel system and its lines and piping for leaks and worn spots (chafing). Check the throttle linkage, including the cables, for worn, bent, broken, corroded or missing parts.

2. Cause for rejection:
a. Any part of the system that has any breaks, holes or leaking patches or seams.

b. Fuel leakage at any point along the fuel system.

c. Fuel tank and piping not securely attached to cycle.

d. Fuel tank not vented properly.

e. Any fuel throttle linkage that is not properly aligned or that is bent, broken or missing.

3.7.5 FENDERS
A. All cycles shall be equipped with front and rear fenders at least 12 inches in length. Every front and rear fender shall be of a construction and type so as to render protection to the operator or passenger of the cycle and other persons using the highways against flying objects thrown about by the cycle wheels.

B. Cause for rejection:
1. Fender missing.

2. Fender not securely attached.

3. Fender is too small to afford proper protection against flying objects.

4. Fender interferes with steering of cycle.

3.7.6 FOOT RESTS
A. Every cycle must have at least one foot rest on each side of the vehicle for each seat on the cycle. (Pedals are acceptable as foot rests on motorized bicycles or tricycles.)

B. Cause for rejection:
1. No foot rests for each seat.

2. Foot rests not adequate.

3.7.7 HAND GRIP (FOR PASSENGERS)
A. Every cycle with a passenger seat must have at least one appropriate hand bar or grip firmly attached to the cycle for the passenger's use.

B. Cause for rejection:
1. Hand bar or grip not adequate.

2. Hand bar or grip missing.

3.7.8 HEADLAMPS
A. Headlamps shall be of a type approved by the Administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles. Every headlamp shall comply with 49 C.F.R. § 571.108, incorporated in § 3.2 of this Part. Every headlamp shall be mounted at a height of not more than 54" or less than 24" from the center of the headlamp above the level surface upon which the vehicle rests. The color of the lens of any headlamp shall be clear or crystal.

B. The headlamp or headlamps on every cycle shall be of a type which shall emit a clear white light. The use of colored or tinted lenses is prohibited. Every cycle shall be equipped with at least one (2) and not more than two (2) headlamps.

C. Cycles may be equipped with single beam headlamp(s) of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or a vehicle at a distance of not less than 100 feet provided that the lamp be so aimed that when the cycle is loaded, none of the high intensity portion of the light shall project higher than the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes, or more than six (6) inches to the left or six (6) inches to the right of the vertical center of the lamp at a distance of 25 feet ahead of the lamp. 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.

D. The law requires that cycles have sufficient lighting to reveal a person or a vehicle at:
1. 100 feet when operated at less than 25 mph.

2. 200 feet when operated at 25 or more mph.

3. 300 feet when operated at 35 or more mph.

4. NOTE: high beam indicator not required.

E. Cause for rejection:
1. A lamp not aimed properly or securely mounted on vehicle.

2. An improperly connected circuit or switch position.

3. A cracked, tinted, broken or missing lens or reflector.

4. A lens that is rotated, upside-down, or incorrectly installed.

5. A headlamp with dirt or moisture inside the lens, or any discolorations, contamination, reflector deterioration or colored other than as originally manufactured.

6. A lamp showing a beam of color contrary to law or regulation.

3.7.9 HELMETS All cycle helmets that are used on the public highways in the State of Rhode Island must be of a type approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles. The Division has authorized only helmets that have been tested and certified as meeting the requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 571.218 incorporated in § 3.2 of this Part, above.

3.7.10 HORN
A. Every cycle is required to be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound that is audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 100 feet, but no horn or other horn device shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or whistle.

B. The horn button must be located within easy reach of the operator.

C. Check the cycle (except for police cycles) for any bell or siren that is not authorized.

D. Cause for rejection:
1. A horn that is unreasonably loud.

2. Any unauthorized siren, bell or wolf whistle.

3. Horn not securely fastened.

4. Horn that requires the manual grounding of wire to be operative.

5. Horn out of reach of driver's normal operating position.

6. Horn not audible under normal conditions at 100 feet.

3.7.11 MIRROR
A. Every cycle shall be equipped with a rear view mirror which is located on the left side of the vehicle so as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of two hundred feet (200) to the rear of such vehicle. Check the mirror to see that it is securely attached and that the mirror glass is not cracked, broken, fogged or missing.

B. Every mirror shall consist of a minimum reflective surface of 10 square inches and shall be circular, oval, rectangular or square in shape and shall not contain any sharp edges, projections or irregular indents.

C. Cause for rejection:
1. Mirror is missing, cracked, broken, fogged or loose.

2. Mirror is located so that the operator cannot see to 200 feet to the rear.

3. Mirror is not securely attached.

3.7.12 REFLECTORS
A. Every cycle shall be equipped with at least one reflector located on the rear of the cycle. This reflector may be incorporated in the rear tail lamp lens. The reflectors shall be mounted at a height of not less than 20 inches nor more than 60 inches from the ground and shall be visible at nighttime from all distances within 300 feet to 50 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps.

B. Cause for rejection:
1. Any reflector that fails to reflect the required color of light or is not located properly.

2. Broken or missing reflectors.

3. Any reflector not securely or properly attached.

3.7.13 SEATS OR SADDLE
A. Every cycle shall be equipped with a seat or saddle securely attached to the cycle.

B. The seat or saddle adjustment locking device shall prevent relative movement of the seat from its selected and secure position under all normal cycle operating conditions. The seat shall be located such that any part of the handlebar is not more than 15 inches above that portion of the seat occupied by the operator when the seat is fully depressed.

C. Passenger must be provided with a separate rear seat, a separate footrest, and an appropriate handlebar or grip for the passengers' use. Buddy or dual seats are acceptable in lieu of separate seats, providing separate foot rests and appropriate handlebar or grip is furnished for the passenger.

D. Cause for rejection:
1. Loosely mounted or missing seat.

2. Passenger seat not provided with separate footrest or handlebar grip.

3. Handlebar grip more than 15 inches above seat.

3.7.14 SPEEDOMETER
A. Every cycle manufactured or equipped with a speedometer must be checked to ascertain whether the speedometer is in proper working order. Start the cycle's engine and operate the cycle a short distance so as to observe the speed dial indicator to see if it is operating properly. The inspection station is not expected to be responsible for the calibration of the speedometer but you will be expected to reject a vehicle with an obvious defect.

B. Cause for rejection:
1. Missing or inoperative speedometer.

2. Broken or disconnected speedometer cables.

3. Dial indicator does not move or act properly.

3.7.15 STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT
A. The steering and alignment items should be checked for adjustment and broken or defective parts with particular attention being made to the frame and front fork, so that when the cycle is being turned there will be no interference with the steering. Visually inspect the wheel track to ascertain if the wheels are unreasonably out of line. Check the height of the highest part of the handle bar grips and ascertain if they are more than 15 inches in height above the uppermost portion of the seat. Handlebar grips that are lower than the seat are acceptable if they do not interfere with the steering of the cycle. The handlebars shall provide a minimum of 18 inches between the handlebar grips.

B. Cause for rejection:
1. Bent or damaged front fork or frame.

2. Broken or loose components in conjunction with the steering or alignment.

3. Loose, broken or defective handlebars.

4. Handlebar grips that measure more than 15 inches above the seat or more than 18 inches between the grips.

3.7.16 STOP LAMP
A. Every cycle must be equipped with a stop lamp on the rear of the vehicle which shall emit a red or yellow light plainly visible from a distance of 100 feet to the rear of the vehicle during normal sunlight and at night time.

B. Any cycle 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 brake which may or may not be incorporated with a tail lamp.

C. Cause for rejection:
1. Stop lamps do not light when service brake is applied.

2. Stop lamp does not get brighter when incorporated with a lighted tail light or directional signal.

3. Missing or broken lens cause a white light to show from the rear.

4. Stop lamp emits a color other than yellow (amber) or red.

5. Stop lamp not securely fastened to vehicle.

D. SIGNAL LAMP (DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS)
1. References: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-16-5; 31-16-8; 31-16-9; 31-24-13(2); 31-24-14

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

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

4. When a cycle 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.

5. Cause for rejection:
a. Signal arm and operating units not functioning properly.

b. Signal lens missing.

c. Signal lamp not securely fastened to the vehicle.

d. Color of directional signal contrary to law.

e. Any directional circuit that does not light the proper filament from its respective switch position.

f. Any directional lamp that indicates by arrow which points in a direction contrary to the side of the location of the lamp.

g. Any defects in wiring or lighting equipment of lamp.

3.7.17 SUSPENSION
A. Visually examine the suspension system for broken or defective springs and/or shock absorbers. Check the front end geometry to determine the angle of rake of the cycle (degrees of steering kingpin in relationship to level ground) and to determine steering trail of the front wheel (distance between projected line of kingpin to level ground and the vertical line of the front axle to ground, measured in inches).

B. The angle of rake shall not be more than 45 degrees or less than 20 degrees; the trail shall not be more than 14 inches positive or less than 2 inches positive.

C. RAKE AND TRAIL MAY BE MEASURED AS FOLLOWS (See diagram of cycle Front End Geometry):
1. Place the cycle in your inspection lane or flat, smooth level ground in a straight upright position with both wheels in contact with the ground.

2. Place carpenter's square on floor with one outside edge against center of front wheel axle.

3. Place a straight edge along the centerline of the steering head (kingpin) and extend it until it touches the ground. Be sure that the straight edge follows the centerline of the steering head.

4. In order to measure the angle of rake, (shaded area in diagram) place the BASE CENTER of the protractor at the point where the carpenter's square intersects the straight edge and measure the angle formed in degrees.

CYCLE FRONT END GEOMETRY

RAKE: Shall not be more than 45 degrees, or less than 20 degrees.

TRAIL: Shall not be more than 14 inches, or less than 2 inches

Click here to view image

5. The trail is the distance in inches between the axle vertical centerline and the point where the straight edge touches the ground, (distance between A and B in diagram). Keep the straight edge and the carpenter's square in the same position and measure the distance in inches between these two points at ground level.

D. Cause for rejection:
1. Rake more than 45 degrees or less than 20 degrees.

2. Trail more than 14 inches or less than 2 inches.

3. Broken, worn, missing, disconnected or any malfunctioning part of the suspension system.

3.7.18 TAIL LAMP
A. Every cycle 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.

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

C. Cause for rejection:
1. Any tail lamp that does not emit a red color.

2. Any tail lamp with broken or missing lens.

3. Any tail lamp that is not securely fastened or properly located on the vehicle.

4. Any defect in the tail lamp wiring that could cause the light to blink, flutter or not light constantly when the headlamps are lighted.

3.7.19 TIRES, WHEELS AND RIMS
A. Tires, wheels and rims should be checked visually for loose wheel mountings and excessive wear or play in the wheel bearings. The tires should be measured with a tire depth gauge to determine if any of the major treads are less than 2/32nds of an inch. Check all parts of tires for broken beads, blowout patches, cuts over one inch long or deep enough to see the cord or ply. Check the tire rims for any serious cracks or separations or dents or misalignments.

B. Check for missing or loose spokes and for rim alignment or runout which should not exceed 1/4 inch.

C. Cause for rejection:
1. Any tire that is cut so as to expose the tire cords, ply or fabric or which has a cut longer than 1 inch.

2. Any tire worn to a point where less than 2/32nd of an inch of the major tread remains.

3. Any tire with a blowout patch, bubble, bump or blister.

4. Missing or broken wheel bolts, nuts or spokes or lugs.

5. Broken or badly worn wheel bearings.

6. Runout exceeds 1/4 of an inch.

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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