Q: I always thought Rhode Island law was that each car registered in the state should have two license plates, front and back. While running my errands this morning I saw two Teslas and three Alfa Romeos with only one plate in the back. Has the law changed? If it hasn’t, why are these cars allowed on the road with just one plate?
– Michael O.
A: You are correct that Rhode Island is a two-plate state (RIGL 31-3-18 Display of plates – Penalties) for most of our vehicle types. Below is the RI law.
§ 31-3-18. Display of plates — Penalties.
(a) Registration plates issued for a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, trailer, transporter vehicle, in-transit vehicle, or a bailee engaged in a business as defined in § 31-1-17(a), or other than a motor vehicle owned by a duly authorized dealer in motor vehicles and which is used in the dealer’s business shall be attached thereto one in the front and the other in the rear. The registration plate issued for a motorcycle, trailer, bailee, or a dealer’s motor vehicle as defined in this subsection shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle.