Chapter 04-605

2004 -- H 8213

Enacted 08/07/04

A N A C T

RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES - FIREFIGHTER PLATES

Introduced By: Representative Robert B. Lowe

Date Introduced: March 02, 2004

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 31-3 of the General Laws entitled "Registration of Vehicles" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

31-3-17.4. Firefighter plates. - - (a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles

is empowered and authorized to make available to all active firefighters and retired firefighters a

special motor vehicle registration plate for any motor vehicle eligible for registration as an

automobile or commercial vehicle having a gross weight of eight thousand five hundred pounds

(8,500 lbs.) or less.

(b) The special motor vehicle registration plate shall carry on it the designation

“Firefighter” and a Maltese cross with the design provided by the Rhode Island Association of

Fire Chiefs.

(c) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall issue the plate upon payment

of a service charge of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and a transfer charge of five dollars ($5.00) for

the plate, of which fifteen dollars ($15.00) shall be deposited to the division of motor vehicles

manufacturing account.

(d) For the purpose of this section an active or retired member of any fire department

shall be defined as any person certified by the chief of the fire department as currently a member

of said department with at least one (1) year active service or retired under honorable condition as

a firefighter.

(e) In a state of emergency, any active member of a fire department driving a vehicle

bearing the special motor vehicle registration plate shall be authorized and empowered to travel

upon the highways of the state notwithstanding any driving ban imposed by the state or municipal

authority in accordance with their official duties.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC02782

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