It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 31-3-17.3 of the General Laws, in Chapter 31-3 entitled "Registration of Vehicles" is hereby amended to read as follows:

31-3-17.3. Temporary plates. -- (a) The administrator of motor vehicles may design and issue, under such regulations as he or she shall deem appropriate, temporary registration plates. Any vehicle issued a temporary plate may be operated on the public highways for a period of five (5) days from the date of issuance.

(b) Temporary plates shall be issued at a charge of ten dollars ($10.00) per plate.

(c) Temporary plates {ADD issued after January 1, 1997 ADD} shall contain the vehicle identification number (VIN) along with the date of issue of the plates. The date shall be stamped and not handwritten on the plate. Any temporary plate distributed by a licensed motor vehicle dealer shall have stamped thereon the dealer's identification number and shall be affixed to the vehicle where the rear plate is normally affixed.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage, and shall be retroactive to July 5, 1995.