2016 -- S 2983

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LC005932

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

     Introduced By: Senators Felag, Sosnowski, P Fogarty, Kettle, and Morgan

     Date Introduced: May 10, 2016

     Referred To: Senate Commerce

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 31-3-31 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-3 entitled "Registration

of Vehicles" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-3-31. Registration of farm vehicles. -- (a) Farm vehicles, as defined in § 31-1-8,

equipped with rubber tires while being used in farming and operated on highways shall be

registered on a form furnished by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles and shall be

assigned a special number plate with a suitable symbol or letter indicating the usage of the farm

vehicle.

      (b) The director of the department of revenue shall promulgate rules and regulations for

the inspection of farm vehicles.

      (c) Farm plates may not be utilized on: (1) vehicles eligible for registration as private

passenger automobiles; provided, however, that any vehicle eligible for registration as a private

passenger and registered with farm plates prior to July 1, 2002, may continue to be registered

with farm plates by the owner to whom the farm plates were issued; or (2) on any vehicle that is

not a farm vehicle as defined in § 31-1-8.

      (d) Farm plates may be displayed on vehicles used in the delivery of agricultural

products produced by the farmer; however, farm plates shall not be displayed on vehicles used for

deliveries by persons, as defined in § 31-1-17(g), that do not raise agricultural products.

     (e) Any farm vehicle, as defined in §31-1-8, which is covered by an insurance policy

applicable to farm property and operations and that includes liability coverage, shall be deemed to

have liability insurance as required by §31-3-3(c) and to meet liability insurance requirements set

forth in this title as long as such a policy is in effect. Documentation of such insurance, including

the name of the carrier, policy, number, and effective date, may be required by the division for

the registration of said vehicle and for the renewal of such registration.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES - REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

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     This act would provide that a farm vehicle covered by an insurance policy on farm

property and operations, and which policy includes liability coverage, shall be deemed to have

met the liability insurance requirement for motor vehicles as provided in Chapter 31-3.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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