2026 -- S 2178

========

LC003225

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND

PRIVILEGES

     Introduced By: Senators Urso, Felag, Patalano, Rogers, Appollonio, Vargas, Paolino,
Tikoian, and Dimitri

     Date Introduced: January 16, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 31-28 of the General Laws entitled "Parking Facilities and

Privileges" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     31-28-7.4. Motor vehicle plates for persons with disabilities -- Adaptive vehicle license

plate.

     (a) Definitions. As used in the section:

     (1) "Adaptive vehicle" means a motor vehicle that has been structurally modified or

equipped with specialized equipment (such as ramps, lifts, lowered floors, specialized hand

controls, or restraint systems) to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a

significant mobility impairment.

     (2) "Adaptive vehicle license plate" means a special registration plate issued under this

section that identifies a vehicle as an adaptive or mobility-modified vehicle.

     (3) "Qualified individual" means a person who has a permanent mobility impairment

certified by a licensed physician or a physical therapist, necessitating the use of an adaptive vehicle

for transport.

     (b) Eligibility requirements.

     (1) Completed application form from the department of motor vehicles.

     (2) Medical certification of disability/need for vehicle modification.

     (3) Proof of vehicle modification.

     (4) Standard registration fees apply.

     (c) Privileges and access. Vehicles displaying an adaptive vehicle license plate shall be

eligible for:

     (1) Parking in designated accessible loading/unloading zones for the purpose of assisting a

qualified individual;

     (2) Exemption from certain height, width, or bumper restrictions applicable to non-

modified vehicles, as allowed by state law;

     (3) Use of designated areas at public facilities where adaptive vehicles require additional

space for ramp deployment or passenger transfer.

     (d) The division of motor vehicles may, in addition to the provisions of § 31-28-7, furnish

plates displaying the "Internation Symbol of Access" for a pleasure passenger vehicle or a pickup

truck used exclusively for noncommercial purposes for a qualified individual.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC003225

========

LC003225 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND

PRIVILEGES

***

     This act would create a new registration plate for qualified individuals to possess an

"adaptive vehicle license plate" to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a

significant mobility impairment.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC003225

========

LC003225 - Page 3 of 3