2023 -- S 0886

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LC002683

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- NONTRANSPARENT WINDSHIELDS

AND WINDOWS

     Introduced By: Senators Ciccone, Britto, F. Lombardi, DiPalma, and Tikoian

     Date Introduced: March 30, 2023

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 31-23.3-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-23.3 entitled

"Nontransparent Windshields and Windows" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-23.3-4. Exemptions.

     The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:

     (1) Motor vehicles manufactured with windshields and window glass areas equipped in

accordance with specifications of 49 CFR 571.205 as authorized by 15 U.S.C. § 1407.

     (2) Motor vehicles owned or leased by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

     (3) The use of nontransparent or sunscreen material or window application on motor

vehicles which has a total visible light transmittance of not less than seventy thirty-five percent

(70%) (35%) measured perpendicular to the surface of the glass on the windshield and side

windows immediately adjacent to the right and left of the operator’s seat, the side windows

immediately to the rear of the operator’s seat and the front passenger seat or on the rear window if

the vehicle is equipped with two (2) outside mirrors, one on each side, adjusted so that the driver

has a clear view of the highway behind the vehicle.

     (4) The use of any transparent material limited to the uppermost six inches (6") along the

top of the windshield, provided the strip does not encroach upon the driver’s direct forward viewing

area as more particularly described and defined in applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standards.

     (5) Motor vehicles not required to be registered in this state.

     (6) The use of sunscreen material on windows behind the driver in trucks, buses, trailers,

mobile homes, campers, multipurpose vehicles, charter buses, funeral service vehicles, or

limousines, provided that the vehicle is equipped with two (2) outside mirrors, one on each side, if

those mirrors meet federal standards adjusted so the driver has a clear view of the highway behind

the vehicle.

     (7) A motor vehicle registered in this state in the name of a person, or the person’s legal

guardian, who has an affidavit signed by a physician or an optometrist licensed to practice in this

state that states that the person has a physical condition that makes it necessary to equip the motor

vehicle with a sunscreening device which may exceed federal standards. The division of motor

vehicles, upon application of the individual, which shall include the affidavit, shall issue a sticker

to be applied to the driver’s side window to identify this exemption.

     (8) Any motor vehicle, registered and garaged within this state, whose sole purpose is to

provide executive security to persons within this state. The owner(s) of the vehicle shall first seek

and obtain written permission from the local police chief where the vehicle is garaged and

registered before the waiver is granted.

     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 -- NONTRANSPARENT WINDSHIELDS

AND WINDOWS

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     This act would reduce the total visible light transmittance of motor vehicles regarding

windshields and side windows from a minimum of seventy percent (70%) to thirty-five percent

(35%) measured perpendicular to the glass surface.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002683

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