2026 -- S 2178 SUBSTITUTE A

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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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 division 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 not be

required to display the disability parking privilege placard issued under § 31-28-7:

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

an "adaptive vehicle license plate" displaying the "International Symbol of Access" for any motor

vehicle eligible for registration as an automobile, commercial vehicle or combination vehicle that

qualifies as an "adaptive vehicle" as defined in this section used exclusively for noncommercial

purposes for a qualified individual.

     (e) Nothing in this section shall preclude an eligible individual from obtaining both the

disability parking privilege placard pursuant to § 31-28-7 and the adaptive vehicle license plate

pursuant to this section provided all eligibility requirements are met.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect six (6) months after passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- PARKING FACILITIES AND

PRIVILEGES

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     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 six (6) months after passage.

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