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art.011/6/011/5/011/4

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     ARTICLE 11 AS AMENDED

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRANSPORTATION

     SECTION 1. Sections 31-2-1 and 31-2-27 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-2 entitled

"Division of Motor Vehicles" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-2-1. Establishment — Duties — Chief of division.

     Within the department of revenue there shall be a division of motor vehicles. The division

will be responsible for activities assigned to it by law, including, but not limited to, motor vehicle

registration, testing and licensing of motor vehicle operators, inspection of motor vehicles, and

enforcement of laws relating to the issuance, suspension and revocation of motor vehicle

registrations and drivers’ licenses. The division shall administer the financial responsibility law.

The chief of the division shall use the title and designation “registrar” or “administrator” on all

licenses, registrations, orders of suspensions, financial responsibility notices or orders, or any other

official documents issued or promulgated by the division. He or she shall exercise all powers and

duties prescribed by chapters 1 — 27 of this title and shall supervise and direct the promotion of

highway traffic safety.

     On or before January l, 2027, the administrator in consultation with the department of

transportation is hereby directed to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the

general assembly regarding options to index or update fees charged in § 31-6-1 (27)(i) and any

other related changes for battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hybrid

electric vehicles. The report at a minimum shall include information and practices in other states.

     31-2-27. Technology surcharge fee.

     (a) The division of motor vehicles shall collect a technology surcharge fee of two dollars

and fifty cents ($2.50) three dollars and fifty cents ($3.50) per transaction for every division of

motor vehicles’ fee transaction, except as otherwise provided by law and provided no surcharge

fee is assessed on motor vehicle inspection transactions conducted pursuant to § 31-38-4. One

dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) of each two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) collected pursuant to this

section shall be deposited into the information technology investment fund established pursuant to

§ 42-11-2.5 and shall be used for project-related payments and/or ongoing maintenance of and

enhancements to the division of motor vehicles’ computer system and to reimburse the information

technology investment fund for advances made to cover project-related payments. The remaining

one dollar ($1.00) All technology surcharge fees collected pursuant to this section shall be

deposited into a restricted-receipt account managed by the division of motor vehicles and restricted

to the project-related payments and/or ongoing maintenance of and enhancements to the division

of motor vehicles’ computer system.

     (b) [Deleted by P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 7, § 1].

     (c) Beginning July 1, 2022, the full two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) shall be deposited

into the division of motor vehicles restricted account and restricted to the project-related payments

and/or ongoing maintenance of and enhancements to the division of motor vehicles’ computer

system.

     SECTION 2. Section 31-6-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-6 entitled "Registration

Fees" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-6-1. Amount of registration and miscellaneous fees.

     The following registration fees shall be paid to the division of motor vehicles for the

registration of motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, and school buses subject to registration for

each year of registration:

     (1) For the registration of every automobile, when equipped with pneumatic tires, the gross

weight of which is not more than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.): thirty dollars ($30.00).

     (2) For the registration of every motor truck or tractor when equipped with pneumatic tires,

the gross weight of which is not more than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.): thirty-four dollars

($34.00).

     (3) For the registration of every automobile, motor truck or tractor, when equipped with

pneumatic tires, the gross weight of which is:

     (i) More than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.), but not more than five thousand pounds

(5,000 lbs.): forty dollars ($40.00);

     (ii) More than five thousand pounds (5,000 lbs.), but not more than six thousand pounds

(6,000 lbs.): forty-eight dollars ($48.00);

     (iii) More than six thousand pounds (6,000 lbs.), but not more than seven thousand pounds

(7,000 lbs.): fifty-six dollars ($56.00);

     (iv) More than seven thousand pounds (7,000 lbs.), but not more than eight thousand

pounds (8,000 lbs.): sixty-four dollars ($64.00);

     (v) More than eight thousand pounds (8,000 lbs.), but not more than nine thousand pounds

(9,000 lbs.): seventy dollars ($70.00);

     (vi) More than nine thousand pounds (9,000 lbs.), but not more than ten thousand pounds

(10,000 lbs.): seventy-eight dollars ($78.00);

     (vii) More than ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.), but not more than twelve thousand

pounds (12,000 lbs.): one hundred six dollars ($106);

     (viii) More than twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.), but not more than fourteen thousand

pounds (14,000 lbs.): one hundred twenty-four dollars ($124);

     (ix) More than fourteen thousand pounds (14,000 lbs.), but not more than sixteen thousand

pounds (16,000 lbs.): one hundred forty dollars ($140);

     (x) More than sixteen thousand pounds (16,000 lbs.), but not more than eighteen thousand

pounds (18,000 lbs.): one hundred fifty-eight dollars ($158);

     (xi) More than eighteen thousand pounds (18,000 lbs.), but not more than twenty thousand

pounds (20,000 lbs.): one hundred seventy-six dollars ($176);

     (xii) More than twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.), but not more than twenty-two

thousand pounds (22,000 lbs.): one hundred ninety-four dollars ($194);

     (xiii) More than twenty-two thousand pounds (22,000 lbs.), but not more than twenty-four

thousand pounds (24,000 lbs.): two hundred ten dollars ($210);

     (xiv) More than twenty-four thousand pounds (24,000 lbs.), but not more than twenty-six

thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.): two hundred thirty dollars ($230);

     (xv) More than twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.), but not more than twenty-eight

thousand pounds (28,000 lbs.): two hundred ninety-six dollars ($296);

     (xvi) More than twenty-eight thousand pounds (28,000 lbs.), but not more than thirty

thousand pounds (30,000 lbs.): three hundred sixteen dollars ($316);

     (xvii) More than thirty thousand pounds (30,000 lbs.), but not more than thirty-two

thousand pounds (32,000 lbs.): four hundred and twenty-two dollars ($422);

     (xviii) More than thirty-two thousand pounds (32,000 lbs.), but not more than thirty-four

thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.): four hundred and forty-eight dollars ($448);

     (xix) More than thirty-four thousand pounds (34,000 lbs.), but not more than thirty-six

thousand pounds (36,000 lbs.): four hundred and seventy-six dollars ($476);

     (xx) More than thirty-six thousand pounds (36,000 lbs.), but not more than thirty-eight

thousand pounds (38,000 lbs.): five hundred and two dollars ($502);

     (xxi) More than thirty-eight thousand pounds (38,000 lbs.), but not more than forty

thousand pounds (40,000 lbs.): five hundred and twenty-eight dollars ($528);

     (xxii) More than forty thousand pounds (40,000 lbs.), but not more than forty-two thousand

pounds (42,000 lbs.): five hundred and fifty-four dollars ($554);

     (xxiii) More than forty-two thousand pounds (42,000 lbs.), but not more than forty-six

thousand pounds (46,000 lbs.): six hundred and eight dollars ($608);

     (xxiv) More than forty-six thousand pounds (46,000 lbs.), but not more than fifty thousand

pounds (50,000 lbs.): six hundred and sixty dollars ($660);

     (xxv) More than fifty thousand pounds (50,000 lbs.), but not more than fifty-four thousand

pounds (54,000 lbs.): seven hundred and twelve dollars ($712);

     (xxvi) More than fifty-four thousand pounds (54,000 lbs.), but not more than fifty-eight

thousand pounds (58,000 lbs.): seven hundred and sixty-eight dollars ($768);

     (xxvii) More than fifty-eight thousand pounds (58,000 lbs.), but not more than sixty-two

thousand pounds (62,000 lbs.): eight hundred and sixteen dollars ($816);

     (xxviii) More than sixty-two thousand pounds (62,000 lbs.), but not more than sixty-six

thousand pounds (66,000 lbs.): eight hundred and seventy-six dollars ($876);

     (xxix) More than sixty-six thousand pounds (66,000 lbs.), but not more than seventy

thousand pounds (70,000 lbs.): nine hundred and twenty-four dollars ($924);

     (xxx) More than seventy thousand pounds (70,000 lbs.), but not more than seventy-four

thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.): nine hundred and seventy-two dollars ($972);

     (xxxi) Over seventy-four thousand pounds (74,000 lbs.): nine hundred and seventy-two

dollars ($972), plus twenty-four dollars ($24.00) per two thousand pounds (2,000 lbs.) gross

weight.

     (4) For the registration of every semi-trailer to be used with a truck-tractor, as defined in §

31-1-4(f), shall be as follows: an annual fee of twelve dollars ($12.00) for a one-year registration;

for multi-year registrations the fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) for a five-year (5) registration; and

eighty dollars ($80.00) for an eight-year (8) registration. However, when in use, the weight of the

resulting semi-trailer unit and its maximum carrying capacity shall not exceed the gross weight of

the original semi-trailer unit from which the gross weight of the tractor was determined. A

registration certificate and registration plate shall be issued for each semi-trailer so registered.

There shall be no refund of payment of such fee, except that when a plate is returned prior to ninety

(90) days before the effective date of that year’s registration, the pro rate amount, based on the

unused portion of the multi-year registration plate period at time of surrender, shall be refunded. A

multi-year semi-trailer registration may be transferred to another semi-trailer subject to the

provisions and fee set forth in § 31-6-11. Thirty percent (30%) of the semi-trailer registration fee

shall be retained by the division of motor vehicles to defray the costs of implementation of the

international registration plan (IRP) and fleet registration section.

     (5) For the registration of every automobile, motor truck, or tractor, when equipped with

other than pneumatic tires, there shall be added to the above gross weight fees a charge of ten cents

(10¢) for each one hundred pounds (100 lbs.) of gross weight.

     (6) For the registration of every public bus, the rates provided for motor vehicles for hire

plus two dollars ($2.00) for each passenger that bus is rated to carry, the rating to be determined by

the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.

     (7) For the registration of every motorcycle, or motor-driven cycle, thirteen dollars

($13.00). Three dollars ($3.00) from that sum shall be turned over to the department of education

to assist in the payment of the cost of the motorcycle driver’s education program as enumerated in

§ 31-10.1-1.1.

     (8) For the registration of every trailer, not including semi-trailers used with a truck-tractor

as defined in § 31-1-4(d), with a gross weight of three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) or less, five

dollars ($5.00). Trailers with a gross weight of more than three thousand pounds (3,000 lbs.) shall

be assessed a registration fee of one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per thousand pounds (1,000 lbs.).

     (9) The annual registration fee for a motor vehicle, commonly described as a boxcar and/or

locomotive, and used only by La Societe Des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux for civic demonstration,

parades, convention purposes, or social welfare work, shall be two dollars ($2.00).

     (10) For the registration of every motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer owned by any

department or agency of any city or town or district, provided the name of the city or town or

district or state department or agency owning the same shall be plainly printed on two (2) sides of

the vehicle, two dollars ($2.00).

     (11) For the registration of motor vehicles used for racing, fifteen dollars ($15.00).

     (12) For every duplicate registration certificate, seventeen dollars ($17.00).

     (13) For every certified copy of a registration certificate or application, ten dollars ($10.00).

     (14) For every certificate assigning a special identification number or mark as provided in

§ 31-3-37, one dollar ($1.00).

     (15) For every replacement of number plates or additional pair of number plates, without

changing the number, thirty dollars ($30.00).

     (16) For the registration of every farm vehicle, used in farming as provided in § 31-3-31:

ten dollars ($10.00).

     (17) For the registration of antique motor vehicles, five dollars ($5.00).

     (18) For the registration of a suburban vehicle, when used as a pleasure vehicle and the

gross weight of which is not more than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.), the same rates as charged

in subsection (1) of this section shall be applicable and when used as a commercial vehicle and the

gross weight of which is not more than four thousand pounds (4,000 lbs.), the same rates as

provided in subsection (2) of this section shall be applicable. The rates in subsection (3) of this

section shall be applicable when the suburban vehicle has a gross weight of more than four thousand

pounds (4,000 lbs.), regardless of the use of the vehicle.

     (19) For the registration of every motor bus that is used exclusively under contract with a

political subdivision or school district of the state for the transportation of school children, twenty-

five dollars ($25); provided that the motor bus may also be used for the transportation of persons

to and from church and Sunday school services, and for the transportation of children to and from

educational or recreational projects sponsored by a city or town or by any association or

organization supported wholly or in part by public or private donations for charitable purposes,

without the payment of additional registration fee.

     (20) For the registration of every motorized bicycle, ten dollars ($10.00).

     (21) For the registration of every motorized tricycle, ten dollars ($10.00).

     (22) For the replacement of number plates with a number change, twenty dollars ($20.00).

     (23) For the initial issuance and each reissuance of fully reflective plates, as required by §§

31-3-10, 31-3-32, and 31-3-33, an additional eight dollars ($8.00); provided, however, for the initial

issuance of new license plates as required by § 31-3-33(c) that feature the 2022 approved design,

the fee shall be waived when the plate is issued for a vehicle with an existing registration.

     (24) For the issuance of a trip permit under the International Registration Plan, twenty-five

dollars ($25.00) per vehicle. The division of motor vehicles is authorized to issue seventy-two-hour

(72) trip permits for vehicles required to be registered in the International Registration Plan that

have not been apportioned with the state of Rhode Island.

     (25) For the issuance of a hunter’s permit under the International Registration Plan, twenty-

five dollars ($25.00) per vehicle. The division of motor vehicles is authorized to issue hunter’s

permits for motor vehicles based in the state of Rhode Island and otherwise required to be registered

in the International Registration Plan. These permits are valid for thirty (30) days.

     (26) For the registration of a specially adapted motor vehicle necessary to transport a family

member with a disability for personal, noncommercial use, a fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) assessed.

     (27)(i) For the registration of every automobile, motor truck, or tractor, there shall be added

to the above gross weight fees:

     (A) A fee of two hundred dollars ($200) for each battery electric vehicle;

     (B) A fee of one hundred dollars ($100) for each plug-in hybrid electric vehicle; and

     (C) A fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each hybrid electric vehicle.

     (ii) For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:

     (A) “Battery electric vehicle” means a motor vehicle which operates solely by use of a

battery or battery pack. The term includes a motor vehicle which is powered mainly through the

use of an electric battery or battery pack but which uses a flywheel that stores energy produced by

the electric motor or through regenerative braking to assist in operation of the motor vehicle.

     (B) “Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle” means a motor vehicle that can deliver power to the

drive wheels solely by a battery-powered electric motor but which also incorporates the use of

another fuel to power a combustion engine. The battery of the vehicle must be capable of receiving

energy from an external source, such as an outlet or charging station.

     (C) "Hybrid electric vehicle" means a motor vehicle which is primarily powered by an

internal combustion engine, (gasoline, diesel, or alternative fuel) in conjunction with an electric

motor.

     SECTION 3. Section 31-8-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-8 entitled "Offenses

Against Registration and Certificate of Title Laws" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-8-1. Operation of vehicles without evidences of registration.

     No person shall operate, nor shall an owner knowingly permit to be operated, upon any

highway or bicycle trail or path, any vehicle required to be registered pursuant to this title unless

there has been issued for it a valid registration card and unless there is attached to it and displayed

on it, when and as required by chapters 3 — 9 of this title, a valid registration plate or plates issued

for it by the division of motor vehicles for the current registration year except as otherwise expressly

permitted in those chapters. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of eighty-

five dollars ($85.00) one hundred dollars ($100).

     SECTION 4. Section 31-10-6.4 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-10 entitled "Operators’

and Chauffeurs’ Licenses" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-10-6.4. Violations.

     It is unlawful for the holder of a limited learner’s permit, a temporary permit or a limited

provisional license to drive a motor vehicle in violation of the restrictions that apply to that permit

or license. Failure to comply with a restriction concerning time of driving or the presence of a

supervising driver in the vehicle constitutes operating a motor vehicle without a license. Failure to

comply with any other restriction, including seating and passenger limitations, is an infraction

punishable by a monetary fine of eighty-five dollars ($85.00) one hundred dollars ($100) for the

first offense, ninety-five dollars ($95.00) one hundred ten dollars ($110) for the second offense,

and one hundred dollars ($100.00) one hundred forty dollars ($140) for a third or any subsequent

offenses.

     SECTION 5. Section 31-23-51 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-23 entitled "Equipment

and Accessories Generally" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-23-51. Earphones and headsets prohibited.

     (a) No person shall operate a bicycle or motor vehicle upon any highway while wearing

earphones, a headset, headphone, or other listening device. Any person who violates this section

shall be fined: (1) eighty-five dollars ($85.00) one hundred dollars ($100) for the first offense, (2)

ninety-five dollars ($95.00) one hundred ten dollars ($110) for the second offense, and (3) one

hundred forty dollars ($140) for the third and each subsequent offense.

     (b) This section shall not apply to:

     (1) Any emergency vehicle operator using an integrated intercom system;

     (2) Any person operating a motorcycle who is using a headset installed in a helmet and

worn so as to prevent the speakers from making direct contact with the user’s ears so that the user

can hear surrounding sounds;

     (3) Any person using a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides

sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear;

     (4) Any person using a headset in conjunction with the communicating with the central

base operation that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard

with the other ear;

     (5) Any person using a hearing aid(s) or instrument for the improvement of hearing.

     (c) The department of motor vehicles shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to

implement the provisions of this section.

     SECTION 6. Section 31-25-16 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-25 entitled "Size,

Weight, and Load Limits" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-25-16. Authorized weight shown in registration — Exceeding limit.

     (a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall insert in the registration card

issued for a vehicle the gross weight for which it is registered. If it is a truck tractor to be used for

propelling semi-trailers, he or she shall separately insert the total permissible gross weight of the

truck tractor and semi-trailers to be propelled by it. It shall be unlawful for any carrier to operate

or permit to be operated any vehicle or combination of vehicles of a gross weight in excess of that

registered by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles, permitted by the department of

transportation, or in excess of the limitations set forth in this chapter.

     (b) For the purposes of this chapter, “carrier” means and includes any company or person

who furthers their commercial or private enterprise by use of the vehicle.

     (c)(1) Penalties for violations of this section will be calculated on the legal weight in

comparison to the actual weight and shall be heard and adjudicated at the traffic tribunal.

     (2) The overweight penalties for vehicles with ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) gross

vehicle weight or less shall be eighty-five dollars ($85.00) one hundred dollars ($100) per thousand

pounds overweight or portion of it.

     (3) The overweight penalties for vehicles exceeding ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.)

gross vehicle weight shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00) per five hundred pounds

(500 lbs.) overweight or portion of it.

     (4) The overweight penalty for vehicles being operated in excess of one hundred four

thousand, eight hundred pounds (104,800 lbs.) gross vehicle weight shall be one thousand twenty-

five dollars ($1,025) in addition to the penalties enumerated in subsection (c)(3) of this section.

     (5) The overweight penalty for vehicles being operated in excess of one hundred thirty

thousand pounds (130,000 lbs.) gross vehicle weight shall be two thousand five hundred dollars

($2,500) in addition to the penalties enumerated in subsection (c)(3) of this section.

     SECTION 7. Section 31-27-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-27 entitled "Motor

Vehicle Offenses" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-27-6. Lanes of operation.

     (a) Any bus, commercial vehicle, camper, vehicle registered as a camper, trailer, or vehicle

carrying a camper or trailer traveling on Rhode Island interstate highways shall be allowed to travel

only in the first two (2) right hand lanes, except in cases of left hand exits, in which case the vehicle

shall be allowed to enter the third and fourth left hand lanes one mile prior to an exit.

     (b) For the purpose of this section, “commercial vehicle” means any vehicle registered for

commercial purposes and designed and used primarily for the transportation of goods, wares, or

merchandise. “Bus” means any vehicle designed for carrying ten (10) or more passengers and used

primarily for the transportation of persons.

     (c) The provisions of this section shall only be effective during the period that official

traffic signs are in place to notify operators of the provisions of this section. Any persons violating

the provisions of this section upon conviction shall be fined not more than eighty-five dollars

($85.00) one hundred dollars ($100).

     SECTION 8. Sections 31-36-7 and 31-36-20 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-36 entitled

"Motor Fuel Tax" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-36-7. Monthly report of distributors — Payment of tax.

     (a) State requirements. (1) Every distributor shall, on or before the twentieth (20th) day of

each month, render a report to the tax administrator, upon forms to be obtained from the tax

administrator, of the amount (number of gallons) of fuels purchased, sold, or used by the distributor

within this state and the amount of fuels sold by the distributor without this state from fuels within

this state during the preceding calendar month, and, if required by the tax administrator as to

purchases, the name or names of the person or persons from whom purchased and the date and

amount of each purchase, and as to sales, the name or names of the person or persons to whom sold

and the amount of each sale, and shall pay at the same time to the administrator tax at the rate of

thirty-two cents ($0.32) per gallon on all taxable gallons of fuel sold or used in this state for periods

ending on or before June 30, 2025.

     (2) Every distributor shall, on or before the twentieth day of each month, render a report to

the tax administrator, upon forms to be obtained from the tax administrator, of the amount (number

of gallons) of fuels purchased, sold, or used by the distributor within this state and the amount of

fuels sold by the distributor without this state from fuels within this state during the preceding

calendar month, and, if required by the tax administrator as to purchases, the name or names of the

person or persons from whom purchased and the date and amount of each purchase, and as to sales,

the name or names of the person or persons to whom sold and the amount of each sale, and shall

pay at the same time to the administrator, tax at the rate of forty cents ($0.40) per gallon on all

taxable gallons of fuel sold or used in this state for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2025.

     (b) Federal requirements. In the event the federal government requires a certain portion of

the gasoline tax to be dedicated for highway improvements, then the state controller is directed to

establish a restricted receipt account and deposit that portion of gasoline tax receipts which brings

the state into federal compliance.

     (1) Beginning July 1, 2015, and every other year thereafter, through June 30, 2025, the

gasoline tax shall be adjusted by the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index for all

Urban Consumers (CPI-U) as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics determined

as of September 30 of the prior calendar year; said adjustment shall be rounded to the nearest one

cent ($.01) increment, provided that the total tax shall not be less than provided for in section (a)

(1).

     (2) Beginning July 1, 2027, and every other year thereafter, the gasoline tax shall be

adjusted by the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-

U) as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics determined as of September 30 of

the two (2) prior calendar years; said adjustment shall be rounded to the nearest one cent ($0.01)

increment; provided that, the total tax shall not be less than provided for in subsection (a) (2).

     31-36-20. Disposition of proceeds.

     (a) Disposition of proceeds. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary,

all moneys paid into the general treasury under the provisions of this chapter or chapter 37 of this

title, and title 46 shall be applied to and held in a separate fund and be deposited in any depositories

that may be selected by the general treasurer to the credit of the fund, which fund shall be known

as the Intermodal Surface Transportation Fund; provided, that in fiscal year 2004 for the months of

July through April six and eighty-five hundredth cents ($0.0685) per gallon of the tax imposed and

accruing for the liability under the provisions of § 31-36-7, less refunds and credits, shall be

transferred to the Rhode Island public transit authority as provided under § 39-18-21. For the

months of May and June in fiscal year 2004, the allocation shall be five and five hundredth cents

($0.0505). Thereafter, until fiscal year 2006, the allocation shall be six and twenty-five hundredth

cents ($0.0625). For fiscal years 2006 through FY 2008, the allocation shall be seven and twenty-

five hundredth cents ($0.0725); provided, that expenditures shall include the costs of a market

survey of non-transit users and a management study of the agency to include the feasibility of

moving the Authority into the Department of Transportation, both to be conducted under the

auspices of the state budget officer. The state budget officer shall hire necessary consultants to

perform the studies, and shall direct payment by the Authority. Both studies shall be transmitted by

the Budget Officer to the 2006 session of the General Assembly, with comments from the

Authority. For fiscal year 2009, the allocation shall be seven and seventy-five hundredth cents

($0.0775), of which one-half cent ($0.005) shall be derived from the one cent ($0.01) per gallon

environmental protection fee pursuant to § 46-12.9-11. For fiscal years 2010 and thereafter through

FY fiscal year 2025, the allocation shall be nine and seventy-five hundredth cents ($0.0975), of

which of one-half cent ($0.005) shall be derived from the one cent ($0.01) per gallon environmental

protection fee pursuant to § 46-12.9-11. For fiscal years 2026 and thereafter, the allocation shall be

eleven and seventy-five hundredths cents ($0.1175) of which one-half cent ($0.005) shall be

derived from the one cent ($0.01) per gallon environmental protection fee pursuant to § 46-12.9-

11. One cent ($0.01) per gallon shall be transferred to the Elderly/Disabled Transportation Program

of the department of human services, and the remaining cents per gallon shall be available for

general revenue as determined by the following schedule:

     (i) For the fiscal year 2000, three and one-fourth cents ($0.0325) shall be available for

general revenue.

     (ii) For the fiscal year 2001, one and three-fourth cents ($0.0175) shall be available for

general revenue.

     (iii) For the fiscal year 2002, one-fourth cent ($0.0025) shall be available for general

revenue.

     (iv) For the fiscal year 2003, two and one-fourth cent ($0.0225) shall be available for

general revenue.

     (v) For the months of July through April in fiscal year 2004, one and four-tenths cents

($0.014) shall be available for general revenue. For the months of May through June in fiscal year

2004, three and two-tenths cents ($0.032) shall be available for general revenue, and thereafter,

until fiscal year 2006, two cents ($0.02) shall be available for general revenue. For fiscal year 2006

through fiscal year 2009 one cent ($0.01) shall be available for general revenue.

     (2) All deposits and transfers of funds made by the tax administrator under this section,

including those to the Rhode Island public transit authority, the department of human services, the

Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority, and the general fund, shall be made within twenty-four

(24) hours of receipt or previous deposit of the funds in question.

     (3) Commencing in fiscal year 2004, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of

Transportation is authorized to remit, on a monthly or less frequent basis as shall be determined by

the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, or his or her designee, or at the

election of the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, with the approval of the

Director of the Department of Administration, to an indenture trustee, administrator, or other third

party fiduciary, in an amount not to exceed two cents ($0.02) per gallon of the gas tax imposed, in

order to satisfy debt service payments on aggregate bonds issued pursuant to a Joint Resolution and

Enactment Approving the Financing of Various Department of Transportation Projects adopted

during the 2003 session of the General Assembly, and approved by the Governor.

     (4) Commencing in fiscal year 2015, three and one-half cents ($0.035) shall be transferred

to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority to be used for maintenance, operations, capital

expenditures and debt service on any of its projects as defined in chapter 12 of title 24 in lieu of a

toll on the Sakonnet River Bridge. The Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority is authorized to

remit to an indenture trustee, administrator, or other third-party fiduciary any or all of the foregoing

transfers in order to satisfy and/or secure its revenue bonds and notes and/or debt service payments

thereon, including, but not limited to, the bonds and notes issued pursuant to the Joint Resolution

set forth in Section 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 23 of the Public Laws of 2010. Notwithstanding any

other provision of said Joint Resolution, the Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority is expressly

authorized to issue bonds and notes previously authorized under said Joint Resolution for the

purpose of financing all expenses incurred by it for the formerly authorized tolling of the Sakonnet

River Bridge and the termination thereof.

     (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, all other funds in the fund

shall be dedicated to the department of transportation, subject to annual appropriation by the general

assembly. The director of transportation shall submit to the general assembly, budget office and

office of the governor annually an accounting of all amounts deposited in and credited to the fund

together with a budget for proposed expenditures for the succeeding fiscal year in compliance with

§§ 35-3-1 and 35-3-4. On order of the director of transportation, the state controller is authorized

and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payments of any sum or

portion of the sum that may be required from time to time upon receipt of properly authenticated

vouchers.

     (c) At any time the amount of the fund is insufficient to fund the expenditures of the

department of transportation, not to exceed the amount authorized by the general assembly, the

general treasurer is authorized, with the approval of the governor and the director of administration,

in anticipation of the receipts of monies enumerated in this section to advance sums to the fund, for

the purposes specified in this section, any funds of the state not specifically held for any particular

purpose. However, all the advances made to the fund shall be returned to the general fund

immediately upon the receipt by the fund of proceeds resulting from the receipt of monies to the

extent of the advances.

     SECTION 9. Section 31-36.1-17 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-36.1 entitled "Fuel

Use Reporting Law" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-36.1-17. Penalties.

     (a) Any motor carrier failing to secure or display upon demand the license or identification

device required in § 31-36.1-3, or under the International Fuel Tax Agreement shall be guilty of a

civil violation and subject to a fine not exceeding: (1) eighty-five dollars ($85.00) one hundred

dollars ($100) for the first offense and (2) not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) one hundred

ten dollars ($110) for subsequent offenses. Any motor carrier willfully violating any other

provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a civil violation and subject to a fine not

exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for the first offense and not exceeding five hundred dollars

($500) for subsequent offenses.

     (b) Filing of a false statement to obtain credit or refund. Any person who willfully and

knowingly makes a false statement orally, in writing, or in the form of a receipt for the sale of motor

fuel, for the purpose of obtaining, attempting to obtain, or to assist any other person, partnership,

or corporation to obtain or attempt to obtain a credit or refund or reduction of liability for taxes

under this chapter, shall be fined not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) nor more than ten

thousand dollars ($10,000), or be imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

     (c) Failure to file return or pay tax. When any motor carrier fails to file a return within the

time prescribed by this chapter for the filing of it or fails to pay the amount of taxes due when they

are payable, a penalty of ten percent (10%) or fifty dollars ($50.00), whichever is greater, shall be

added to the amount of the tax due, and the penalty shall immediately accrue, and the tax shall bear

interest at the annual rate provided by § 44-1-7, as amended, until the tax is paid. The tax

administrator may waive all or part of the penalties provided in this chapter when it is proved to

the tax administrator’s satisfaction that the failure to file the return or pay the taxes on time was

due to reasonable cause.

     SECTION 10. Section 31-41.1-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-41.1 entitled

"Adjudication of Traffic Offenses" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-41.1-4. Schedule of violations.

     (a) The penalties for violations of the enumerated sections, listed in numerical order,

correspond to the fines described. However, those offenses for which punishments may vary

according to the severity of the offense, or punishment that requires the violator to perform a

service, shall be heard and decided by the traffic tribunal or municipal court. The following

violations may be handled administratively through the method prescribed in this chapter. This list

is not exclusive and jurisdiction may be conferred on the traffic tribunal with regard to other

violations.

VIOLATIONS SCHEDULE

Section of Total

General Laws Fine 

8-8.2-2 DOT, DEM, or other agency and department violations $85.00100.00

24-10-17 Soliciting rides in motor vehicles 85.00100.00

24-10-18 Backing up prohibited 85.00100.00

24-10-19 Advertising motor vehicle for sale on state highways 100.00

24-10-20 Park and ride lots 85.00100.00

24-12-37 Nonpayment of toll 100.00

31-3-12 Visibility of plates 85.00100.00

31-3-18 Display of plates 85.00100.00

31-3-32 Driving with expired registration 85.00100.00

31-3-34 Failure to notify division of change of address 85.00100.00

31-3-35 Notice of change of name 85.00100.00

31-3-40 Temporary plates – dealer issued 85.00100.00

31-4-3 Temporary registration – twenty-day (20) bill of sale 85.00100.00

31-10-10 Rules as to armed forces license 85.00100.00

31-10-30 Driving on expired license 85.00100.00

31-10-32 Notice of change of address 85.00100.00

31-10.1-4 No motorcycle helmet (operator) 85.00100.00

31-10.1-5 Motorcycle handlebar violation 85.00100.00

31-10.1-6 No motorcycle helmet (passenger) 85.00100.00

31-10.1-7 Inspection of motorcycle required 85.00100.00

31-12-12 Local motor vehicle ordinance 85.00100.00

31-13-4 Obedience to devices 85.00100.00

31-13-6(3)(i) Eluding traffic light 85.00100.00

31-13-9 Flashing signals 85.00100.00

31-13-11 Injury to signs or devices 85.00100.00

31-14-1 Reasonable and prudent speed 95.00

31-14-3 Condition requiring reduced speed 95.00

31-14-9 Below minimum speed 95.00

31-14-12 Speed limit on bridges and structures 95.00

31-15-1 Leaving lane of travel 85.00100.00

31-15-2 Slow traffic to right 85.00100.00

31-15-3 Operator left of center 85.00100.00

31-15-4 Overtaking on left 85.00100.00

31-15-5(a) Overtaking on right 85.00100.00

31-15-6 Clearance for overtaking 85.00100.00

31-15-7 Places where overtaking prohibited 85.00100.00

31-15-8 No passing zone 85.00100.00

31-15-9 One way highways 85.00100.00

31-15-10 Rotary traffic islands 85.00100.00

31-15-11 Laned roadway violation 85.00100.00

31-15-12 Following too closely 85.00100.00

31-15-12.1 Entering intersection 100.00

31-15-13 Crossing center section of divided highway 85.00100.00

31-15-14 Entering or leaving limited access roadways 85.00100.00

31-15-16 Use of emergency break-down lane for travel 85.00100.00

31-15-17 Crossing bicycle lane 85.00100.00

31-15-18 Unsafe passing of person operating a bicycle 85.00100.00

31-16-1 Care in starting from stop 85.00100.00

31-16-2 Manner of turning at intersection 85.00100.00

31-16-4 U turn where prohibited 85.00100.00

31-16-5 Turn signal required 85.00100.00

31-16-6 Time of signaling turn 85.00100.00

31-16-7 Failure to give stop signal 85.00100.00

31-16-8 Method of giving signals 85.00100.00

31-16.1-3 Diesel vehicle idling rules first offense not to exceed 100.00

second and subsequent offense not to exceed 500.00

31-17-1 Failure to yield right of way 85.00100.00

31-17-2 Vehicle turning left 85.00100.00

31-17-3 Yield right of way (intersection) 85.00100.00

31-17-4 Obedience to stop signs 85.00100.00

31-17-5 Entering from private road or driveway 85.00100.00

31-17-8 Vehicle within right of way, rotary 85.00100.00

31-17-9 Yielding to bicycles on bicycle lane 85.00100.00

31-18-3 Right of way in crosswalks first violation 85.00100.00

second violation or any subsequent violation $100.00

31-18-5 Crossing other than at crosswalks 85.00100.00

31-18-8 Due care by drivers 85.00100.00

31-18-12 Hitchhiking 85.00100.00

31-18-18 Right of way on sidewalks 85.00100.00

31-19-3 Traffic laws applied to bicycles 85.00100.00

31-19-20 Sale of new bicycles 85.00100.00

31-19-21 Sale of used bicycles 85.00100.00

31-19.1-2 Operating motorized bicycle on an interstate highway 85.00100.00

31-19.2-2 Operating motorized tricycle on an interstate highway 85.00100.00

31-20-1 Failure to stop at railroad crossing 85.00100.00

31-20-2 Driving through railroad gate 85.00100.00

31-20-9 Obedience to stop sign 85.00100.00

31-21-4 Places where parking or stopping prohibited 85.00100.00

31-21-14 Opening of vehicle doors 85.00100.00

31-21-18 Electric vehicle charging station restriction 85.00100.00

31-22-2 Improper backing up 85.00100.00

31-22-4 Overloading vehicle 85.00100.00

31-22-5 Violation of safety zone 85.00100.00

31-22-6 Coasting 85.00100.00

31-22-7 Following fire apparatus 85.00100.00

31-22-8 Crossing fire hose 85.00100.00

31-22-9 Throwing debris on highway – snow removal 85.00100.00

31-22-11.5 Improper use of school bus – not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500)

for each day of improper use

31-22-22(a) No child restraint 85.00100.00

31-22-22(a) Child restraint/seat belt but not in any rear seating position 85.00100.00

31-22-22(b), (f) No seat belt – passenger 40.00

31-22-22(g) No seat belt – operator 40.00

31-22-23 Tow trucks – proper identification 275.00

31-22-24 Operation of interior lights 85.00100.00

31-23-1(b)(2) U.S. department of transportation motor carrier safety rules

and regulations Not less than 85.00100.00

or more than $500.00

31-23-1(e)(6) Removal of an “out of service vehicle” sticker 125.00

31-23-1(e)(7) Operation of an “out of service vehicle” 100.00

31-23-2(b) Installation or adjustment of unsafe or prohibited parts,

equipment, or accessories:

(first offense) 250.00

(second offense) 500.00

(third and subsequent offenses) 1,000.00

31-23-4 Brake equipment required 85.00100.00

31-23-8 Horn required 85.00100.00

31-23-10 Sirens prohibited 85.00100.00

31-23-13 Muffler required 85.00100.00

31-23-13.1 Altering height or operating a motor vehicle with an

altered height 85.00100.00

31-23-14 Prevention of excessive fumes or smoke 85.00100.00

31-23-16 Windshield and window stickers (visibility) 85.00100.00

31-23-17 Windshield wipers 85.00100.00

31-23-19 Metal tires prohibited 85.00100.00

31-23-20 Protuberances on tires 85.00100.00

31-23-26 Fenders and wheel flaps required 85.00100.00

31-23-27 Rear wheel flaps on buses, trucks, and trailers 85.00100.00

31-23-29 Flares or red flag required over four thousand pounds

(4,000 lbs.) 85.00100.00

31-23-40 Approved types of seat belt requirements 85.00100.00

31-23-42.1 Special mirror – school bus 85.00100.00

31-23-43 Chocks required (1 pair) – over four thousand pounds

(4,000 lbs.) 85.00100.00

31-23-45 Tire treads – defective tires 85.00100.00

31-23-47 Slow moving emblem required 85.00100.00

31-23-49 Transportation of gasoline – passenger vehicle 85.00100.00

31-23-51 Operating bike or motor vehicle wearing ear phones

(first offense) 85.00100.00

second offense 95.00110.00

for the third and each subsequent offense 140.00

31-24-1 through

31-24-54 Times when lights required 85.00100.00

31-25-9 Leaking load 85.00100.00

31-25-11 Connections between coupled vehicles 85.00100.00

31-25-12 Towing chain, twelve-inch (12") square flag required 85.00100.00

31-25-12.1 Tow truck – use of lanes

(first offense) 85.00100.00

second offense 95.00110.00

for the third and each subsequent offense 100.00140.00

31-25-17 Identification of trucks and truck-tractors

(first offense) 85.00100.00

(second offense) 95.00110.00

for the third and subsequent offenses 125.00140.00

31-25-24 Carrying and inspection of excess load limit 350.00

31-27-2.3 Refusal to take preliminary breath test 85.00100.00

31-28-7(d) Wrongful use of handicapped parking placard 500.00

31-28-7(f) Handicapped parking space violation:

First offense 100.00

Second offense 175.00

Third offense and subsequent offenses 325.00

31-28-7.1(e) Wrongful use of institutional handicapped parking

placard 125.00

31-33-2 Failure to file accident report 85.00100.00

31-34-2 Proof of insurance – motor vehicle rental 85.00100.00

31-34-3 Operation by person other than lessee 85.00100.00

31-36.1-17 No fuel tax stamp (out-of-state) 85.00100.00

and not exceeding ($100) for

subsequent offense

31-38-3 No inspection sticker 85.00100.00

31-38-4 Violation of inspection laws 85.00100.00

31-41.3-15 Automated school zone speed enforcement system 50.00

31-47.2-6 Heavy-duty vehicle emission inspections:

First offense 125.00

Second offense 525.00

Third and subsequent offenses 1,025.00

37-15-7 Littering not less than 55.00,

not more than five hundred dollars ($500)

39-12-26 Public carriers violation 300.00 

SPEEDING Fine

(A) One to ten miles per hour (1-10 m.p.h.) in excess of posted speed limit $ 95.00

(B) Eleven miles per hour (11 m.p.h.) in excess of posted speed limit with 205.00 minimum

a fine of ten dollars ($10.00) per mile in excess of speed limit shall be

assessed.

     (b) In addition to any other penalties provided by law, a judge may impose the following

penalties for speeding:

     (1) For speeds up to and including ten miles per hour (10 m.p.h.) over the posted speed

limit on public highways, a fine as provided for in subsection (a) of this section for the first offense;

ten dollars ($10.00) per mile for each mile in excess of the speed limit for the second offense if

within twelve (12) months of the first offense; and fifteen dollars ($15.00) per mile for each mile

in excess of the speed limit for the third and any subsequent offense if within twelve (12) months

of the first offense. In addition, the license may be suspended up to thirty (30) days.

     (2) For speeds in excess of ten miles per hour (10 m.p.h.) over the posted speed limit on

public highways, a mandatory fine of ten dollars ($10.00) for each mile over the speed limit for the

first offense; fifteen dollars ($15.00) per mile for each mile in excess of the speed limit for the

second offense if within twelve (12) months of the first offense; and twenty dollars ($20.00) per

mile for each mile in excess of the speed limit for the third and subsequent offense if within twelve

(12) months of the first offense. In addition, the license may be suspended up to sixty (60) days.

     (c) Except for a technology surcharge assessed in accordance with § 8-15-11, any person

charged with a violation who pays the fine administratively pursuant to this chapter shall not be

subject to any additional costs or assessments, including, but not limited to, the hearing fee

established in § 8-18-4.

     SECTION 11. Section 37-15-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 37-15 entitled "Litter

Control and Recycling" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     37-15-7. Penalties.

     (a) Any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter shall, except where a penalty is

specifically set forth, be subject to a fine of not less than eighty-five dollars ($85.00) one hundred

dollars ($100), nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). In addition to, or in lieu of, the fine

imposed hereunder, the person so convicted may be ordered to pick up litter for not less than two

(2), nor more than twenty-five (25), hours.

     (b) Any person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this chapter shall, except

where a penalty is specifically set forth, be subject to a fine of not less than three hundred dollars

($300), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). In addition to, or in lieu of, the fine imposed

upon a second or subsequent violation of this chapter, the person so convicted may be ordered to

pick up litter for not less than four (4), nor more than fifty (50), hours.

     (c) Jurisdiction to punish violators of the provisions of this chapter is conferred on the

traffic tribunal.

     (d) Any person convicted of a violation of this chapter shall, in addition to all other

penalties, be liable for the removal of all litter or ordered to pay restitution for the cost of removal

of all litter illegally disposed of by that person. The traffic tribunal may hold the registration of any

vehicle owned by the violator and used in the act of littering until the aforementioned liability is

satisfied.

     (e) The funds received by a state law enforcement agency shall be deposited as general

revenues; provided, however, that thirty percent (30%) of any fine collected pursuant to a complaint

filed by a local law enforcement agency shall inure to the benefit of that agency, with remittances

to be made not less often than once every three (3) months.

     (f) Penalties of eighty-five dollars ($85.00) one hundred dollars ($100) for violations of

this section may be disposed of without the necessity of personally appearing before the traffic

tribunal. Said penalty may be handled administratively by mailing a check or money order, together

with the properly executed form provided, to the appropriate address as set forth in the summons

issued by the enforcing agent.

     SECTION 12. Sections 39-18.1-4 and 39-18.1-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-18.1

entitled "Transportation Investment and Debt Reduction Act of 2011" are hereby amended to read

as follows:

     39-18.1-4. Rhode Island highway maintenance account created.

     (a) There is hereby created a special account in the intermodal surface transportation fund

as established in § 31-36-20 that is to be known as the Rhode Island highway maintenance account.

     (b) The fund shall consist of all those moneys that the state may, from time to time, direct

to the fund, including, but not necessarily limited to, moneys derived from the following sources:

     (1) There is imposed a surcharge of thirty dollars ($30.00) forty dollars ($40.00) per vehicle

or truck, other than those with specific registrations set forth below in subsection (b)(1)(i). Such

surcharge shall be paid by each vehicle or truck owner in order to register that owner’s vehicle or

truck and upon each subsequent biennial registration. This surcharge shall be phased in at the rate

of ten dollars ($10.00) each year through June 30, 2016. The total surcharge will be ten dollars

($10.00) from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014, twenty dollars ($20.00) from July 1, 2014,

through June 30, 2015, and thirty dollars ($30.00) from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016,

December 31, 2025 and forty dollars ($40.00) from January 1, 2026, and each year thereafter.

     (i) For owners of vehicles or trucks with the following plate types, the surcharge shall be

as set forth below and shall be paid in full in order to register the vehicle or truck and upon each

subsequent renewal:

Plate Type Surcharge

Antique $5.0010.00

Farm $10.0015.00

Motorcycle $13.0018.00

     (ii) For owners of trailers, the surcharge shall be one-half (½) of the biennial registration

amount and shall be paid in full in order to register the trailer and upon each subsequent renewal;

     (2) There is imposed a surcharge of fifteen dollars ($15.00) twenty dollars ($20.00) per

vehicle or truck, other than those with specific registrations set forth in subsection (b)(2)(i) below,

for those vehicles or trucks subject to annual registration, to be paid annually by each vehicle or

truck owner in order to register that owner’s vehicle or truck and upon each subsequent annual

registration. This surcharge will be phased in at the rate of five dollars ($5.00) each year through

June 30, 2016. The total surcharge will be five dollars ($5.00) from July 1, 2013, through June 30,

2014, ten dollars ($10.00) from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015, and fifteen dollars ($15.00)

from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016 December 31, 2025, and twenty dollars ($20.00) from

January 1, 2026, and each year thereafter.

     (i) For registrations of the following plate types, the surcharge shall be as set forth below

and shall be paid in full in order to register the plate, and upon each subsequent renewal:

Plate Type Surcharge

Boat Dealer $6.2511.25

Cycle Dealer $6.2511.25

In-transit $5.0010.00

Manufacturer $5.0010.00

New Car Dealer $5.0010.00

Used Car Dealer $5.0010.00

Racer Tow $5.0010.00

Transporter $5.0010.00

Bailee $5.0010.00

     (ii) For owners of trailers, the surcharge shall be one-half (½) of the annual registration

amount and shall be paid in full in order to register the trailer and upon each subsequent renewal.

     (iii) For owners of school buses, the surcharge will be phased in at the rate of six dollars

and twenty-five cents ($6.25) each year through June 30, 2015. The total surcharge will be six

dollars and twenty-five cents ($6.25) from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014, and twelve dollars

and fifty cents ($12.50) from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015 December 31, 2025, and

seventeen dollars and fifty cents ($17.50) from January 1, 2026, and each year thereafter.

     (3) There is imposed a surcharge of thirty dollars ($30.00) forty dollars ($40.00) per license

to operate a motor vehicle to be paid every five (5) years by each licensed operator of a motor

vehicle. This surcharge will be phased in at the rate of ten dollars ($10.00) each year through June

30, 2016. The total surcharge will be ten dollars ($10.00) from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014,

twenty dollars ($20.00) from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015, and thirty dollars ($30.00) from

July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016 December 31, 2025, and forty dollars ($40.00) from January

1, 2026, and each year thereafter. In the event that a license is issued or renewed for a period of

less than five (5) years, the surcharge will be prorated according to the period of time the license

will be valid;

     (4) All fees assessed pursuant to § 31-47.1-11, and chapters 3, 6, 10, and 10.1 of title 31,

shall be deposited into the Rhode Island highway maintenance account, provided that for fiscal

years 2016, 2017, and 2018 these fees be transferred as follows:

     (i) From July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, twenty-five percent (25%) will be deposited;

     (ii) From July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, fifty percent (50%) will be deposited;

     (iii) From July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018, sixty percent (60%) will be deposited; and

     (iv) From July 1, 2018, and each year thereafter, one hundred percent (100%) will be

deposited;

     (5) All remaining funds from previous general obligation bond issues that have not

otherwise been allocated.

     (c) Effective July 1, 2019, ninety-five percent (95%) of all funds collected pursuant to this

section shall be deposited in the Rhode Island highway maintenance account and shall be used only

for the purposes set forth in this chapter. The remaining funds shall be retained as general revenues

to partially offset cost of collections

     (d) Unexpended balances and any earnings thereon shall not revert to the general fund but

shall remain in the Rhode Island highway maintenance account. There shall be no requirement that

monies received into the Rhode Island highway maintenance account during any given calendar

year or fiscal year be expended during the same calendar year or fiscal year.

     (e) The Rhode Island highway maintenance account shall be administered by the director,

who shall allocate and spend monies from the fund only in accordance with the purposes and

procedures set forth in this chapter.

     39-18.1-5. Allocation of funds.

     (a) The monies in the highway maintenance fund to be directed to the department of

transportation pursuant to § 39-18.1-4(b)(1) — (b)(3) shall be allocated through the transportation

improvement program process to provide the state match for federal transportation funds, in place

of borrowing, as approved by the state planning council. The expenditure of moneys in the highway

maintenance fund shall only be authorized for projects that appear in the state’s transportation

improvement program.

     (b) Provided, however, that beginning with fiscal year 2015 and annually thereafter, the

department of transportation will allocate necessary funding to programs that are designed to

eliminate structural deficiencies of the state’s bridge, road, and maintenance systems and

infrastructure.

     (c) Provided, further, that beginning July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2025, five percent (5%)

of available proceeds in the Rhode Island highway maintenance account shall be allocated annually

to the Rhode Island public transit authority for operating expenditures.

     (d) Provided, that beginning July 1, 2025, ten percent (10%) of available proceeds in the

Rhode Island highway maintenance account shall be allocated annually to the Rhode Island public

transit authority for operating expenditures.

     (d)(e) Provided, further, that from July 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, in addition to the

amount above, the Rhode Island public transit authority shall receive an amount of not less than

five million dollars ($5,000,000) each fiscal year, except for the period July 1, 2019, through June

30, 2022, during which such amount or a portion thereof may come from federal coronavirus relief

funds.

     (e) Provided, further, that the Rhode Island public transit authority shall convene a

coordinating council consisting of those state agencies responsible for meeting the needs of low-

income seniors and persons with disabilities, along with those stakeholders that the authority deems

appropriate and are necessary to inform, develop, and implement the federally required coordinated

public transit human services transportation plan.

     The council shall develop, as part of the state’s federally required plan, recommendations

for the appropriate and sustainable funding of the free-fare program for low-income seniors and

persons with disabilities, while maximizing the use of federal funds available to support the

transportation needs of this population.

     The council shall report these recommendations to the governor, the speaker of the house

of representatives, and the president of the senate no later than November 1, 2018.

     SECTION 13. Section 44-34.1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-34.1 entitled "Motor

Vehicle and Trailer Excise Tax Elimination Act of 1998" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     44-34.1-2. City, town, and fire district reimbursement.

     (a) In fiscal years 2024 and thereafter, cities, towns, and fire districts shall receive

reimbursements, as set forth in this section, from state general revenues equal to the amount of lost

tax revenue due to the phase out of the excise tax. When the tax is phased out, cities, towns, and

fire districts shall receive a permanent distribution of sales tax revenue pursuant to § 44-18-18 in

an amount equal to any lost revenue resulting from the excise tax elimination.

     (b)(1) In fiscal year 2024, cities, towns, and fire districts shall receive the following

reimbursement amounts:

     Barrington $ 5,894,822

     Bristol $ 2,905,818

     Burrillville $ 5,053,933

     Central Falls $ 2,077,974

     Charlestown $ 1,020,877

     Coventry $ 5,872,396

     Cranston $ 22,312,247

     Cumberland $ 6,073,469

     East Greenwich $ 2,417,332

     East Providence $ 11,433,479

     Exeter $ 2,241,381

     Foster $ 1,652,251

     Glocester $ 2,381,941

     Hopkinton $ 1,629,259

     Jamestown $ 622,793

     Johnston $ 10,382,785

     Lincoln $ 5,683,015

     Little Compton $ 366,775

     Middletown $ 1,976,448

     Narragansett $ 1,831,251

     Newport $ 2,223,671

     New Shoreham $ 163,298

     North Kingstown $ 5,378,818

     North Providence $ 9,619,286

     North Smithfield $ 4,398,531

     Pawtucket $ 16,495,506

     Portsmouth $ 2,414,242

     Providence $ 34,131,596

     Richmond $ 1,448,455

     Scituate $ 1,977,127

     Smithfield $ 7,098,694

     South Kingstown $ 3,930,455

     Tiverton $ 1,748,175

     Warren $ 2,090,911

     Warwick $ 25,246,254

     Westerly $ 5,765,523

     West Greenwich $ 1,331,725

     West Warwick $ 5,673,744

     Woonsocket $ 9,324,776

     Lime Rock Fire District $ 133,933

     Lincoln Fire District $ 208,994

     Manville Fire District $ 64,862

     Quinnville Fire District $ 13,483

     (2) In fiscal year 2024, funds shall be distributed to the cities, towns, and fire districts as

follows:

     (i) On August 1, 2023, twenty-five percent (25%) of the funds.

     (ii) On November 1, 2023, twenty-five percent (25%) of the funds.

     (iii) On February 1, 2024, twenty-five percent (25%) of the funds.

     (iv) On May 1, 2024, twenty-five percent (25%) of the funds.

     The funds shall be distributed to each city, town, and fire district in the same proportion as

distributed in fiscal year 2023.

     (3) For the city of East Providence, the payment schedule is twenty-five percent (25%) on

November 1, 2023, twenty-five percent (25%) on February 1, 2024, twenty-five percent (25%) on

May 1, 2024, and twenty-five percent (25%) on August 1, 2024.

     (4) On any of the payment dates specified in subsections (b)(2)(i) through (b)(2)(iv), or

(b)(3), or (d) of this section, the director of revenue is authorized to deduct previously made over-

payments or add supplemental payments as may be required to bring the reimbursements into full

compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

     (c) When the tax is phased out to August 1, of the following fiscal year the director of

revenue shall calculate to the nearest thousandth of one cent ($0.00001) the number of cents of

sales tax received for the fiscal year ending June 30, of the year following the phase-out equal to

the amount of funds distributed to the cities, towns, and fire districts under this chapter during the

fiscal year following the phase-out and the percent of the total funds distributed in the fiscal year

following the phase-out received by each city, town, and fire district, calculated to the nearest one-

hundredth of one percent (0.01%). The director of the department of revenue shall transmit those

calculations to the governor, the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, the chairperson

of the house finance committee, the chairperson of the senate finance committee, the house fiscal

advisor, and the senate fiscal advisor. The number of cents, applied to the sales taxes received for

the prior fiscal year, shall be the basis for determining the amount of sales tax to be distributed to

the cities, towns, and fire districts under this chapter for the second fiscal year following the phase-

out and each year thereafter. The cities, towns, and fire districts shall receive that amount of sales

tax in the proportions calculated by the director of revenue as that received in the fiscal year

following the phase-out, subject to a maximum two percentage point increase from the previous

fiscal year. For fiscal year 2026 only, the increase shall be based on the amount received pursuant

to subsection (b)(1) or subsection (c) of this section whichever is greater.

     (d) In fiscal years 2025 and thereafter, twenty-five percent (25%) of the funds shall be

distributed to the cities, towns, and fire districts on August 1, 2024, and every August 1 thereafter;

twenty-five percent (25%) shall be distributed on November 1, 2024, and every November 1

thereafter; twenty-five percent (25%) shall be distributed on February 1, 2025, and every February

1 thereafter; and twenty-five percent (25%) shall be distributed on May 1, 2025, and every May 1

thereafter.

     (e) [Deleted by P.L. 2024, ch. 400, § 1 and P.L. 2024, ch. 401, § 1.]

     SECTION 14. Section 8-18-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 8-18 entitled "State and

Municipal Court Compact" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     8-18-6. Joint violation fines — Distribution of funds.

     Cities or towns with municipal courts shall dedicate four dollars ($4.00) for reimbursement

from each summons to the general fund. Cities or towns without a municipal court shall dedicate

six dollars ($6.00) for reimbursement from each summons to the general fund. State agencies shall

dedicate twenty-two dollars ($22.00) from each summons to the general fund. Provided that cities,

towns and state agencies shall also dedicate all revenues generated directly as a result of fee

increases effective July 1, 2002 and, July 1, 2008, and July 1, 2025, to the general fund.

     SECTION 15. Sections 1, 13 and 14 shall take effect upon passage. Sections 3 through 7

and sections 9 through 11 shall take effect upon passage and shall apply to offenses committed on

July 1, 2025 and thereafter. Sections 8 and 12 shall take effect on July 1, 2025. Section 2 shall take

effect upon January 1, 2026.