Rhode IslandCertain vehicles may display only a rear registration plate
Vehicles made without a factory front-plate mount would need only a rear plate displayed, while drivers would carry the second plate for officer inspection.
What it does
Vehicles made without a factory front-plate bracket would not need to display a front plate if the owner attaches one plate to the rear and carries the other inside.
Argument forOwners of vehicles without a factory front-plate mount may avoid altering the vehicle while still keeping both issued plates available.
Argument againstOfficers may have to ask drivers to produce a carried plate, which could make plate checks less immediate during traffic stops.
More detail
A covered vehicle would not have to display a front registration plate. The provision covers motor vehicles that were manufactured and delivered without a factory-provided front plate bracket, mounting point, or intended attachment location. The vehicle must have one registration plate properly attached to its rear. The driver must carry the second issued plate inside the vehicle. The driver must display that plate when a sworn law enforcement officer demands it. The text states that the provision takes effect upon passage.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 2606/26/2026 Effective without Governor's signatureLatest
- Jun 1806/18/2026 Transmitted to GovernorTo Governor
- Jun 906/09/2026 Senate passed Sub A in concurrencePassed Senate
- Jun 506/05/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/09/2026)Minor
- May 2105/21/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub A in concurrenceMinor
- May 1905/19/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/21/2026)
- May 1905/19/2026 Referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans AffairsMinor
- May 505/05/2026 House passed Sub APassed House
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- May 105/01/2026 Placed on House Calendar (05/05/2026)Minor
- Apr 3004/30/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub AMinor
- Apr 2404/24/2026 Proposed SubstituteMajor
- Apr 2404/24/2026 Scheduled for consideration (04/30/2026)
- Mar 303/03/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further studyMinor
- Feb 2702/27/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/03/2026)
- Feb 2702/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & ElectionsIntroduced
TransportationForeign PolicyPublic Safety