SECTION 1. Chapter 31-47 of the General Laws entitled "Motor Vehicle Reparations Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

31-47-15.2. Exception -- Vehicles owned by active duty military personnel. -- (a) "Highway," as used in this section, means all roads as defined in section 31-1-23, except a private road or driveway.

(b) Upon receipt of a signed written request for a suspension from the owner of a registered motor vehicle stating that the vehicle will not be operated upon any highway during a period of not less than thirty (30) consecutive days as a consequence of the entrance of the owner into the active duty military service of the United States the insurer of that vehicle shall suspend, to the extent requested by the owner, insurance afforded under the policy providing the security required by this chapter, for that vehicle until notified by the owner that the coverage should be reinstated. During the period of suspension only, the provisions of this chapter do not apply as to that vehicle. If the vehicle is operated upon any highway by or with the permission of the owner during the period of suspension, the provisions of this chapter immediately become applicable. Reinstatement of coverage shall be under the same terms and conditions as were in effect at the time of notification of suspension.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.