Title 31
Motor and Other Vehicles

Chapter 22
Miscellaneous Rules

R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-23

§ 31-22-23. Tow trucks — Identification required.

(a) Every motor vehicle used for the purpose of towing or assisting disabled motor vehicles shall display, in sharp color contrast to the background, and be of such size, shape, and color as to be readily legible during daylight hours, from a distance of fifty feet (50′) while the vehicle is not in motion; the name, address, and telephone number of the registered owner shall be displayed on both sides of the vehicle.

(b) Any person violating this section shall be fined as provided in § 31-41.1-4.

(c) Any vehicle, except those vehicles exempt from regulation pursuant to the provisions of § 39-12-3, which are used for the purpose of towing or assisting disabled motor vehicles, which does not have a towing certificate issued by the division of public utilities must have the words “Limited Towing” lettered upon the hood or fenders of the vehicle. The letters must be four inches (4") high in a color which contrasts with the vehicle color and must be on both sides of the hood or both sides of the front fender.

(d) Any person who shall violate this provision shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100) upon conviction for a first offense, not more than two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) upon conviction for a second offense, and for each subsequent conviction may be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500).

History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 270, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 106, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 346, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 58, § 3; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 9.