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SB 3097

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES GENERALLY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island SB 3097 requires intrastate carriers to display a USDOT number on vehicles and enforces FMCSA-style safety standards, with exemptions and new enforcement.

05/28/2026 Referred to House State Government & Elections
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3097

Summary of SB 3097 (2026) – Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes requirements related to motor vehicle equipment and, notably, updates the enforcement framework for motor carriers operating in Rhode Island.
  • Aims to enhance safety by aligning state enforcement with federal motor carrier safety standards (FMCSR) and related regulations.
  • Introduces a mandate that, starting April 1, 2027, every carrier operating intrastate commerce must display a USDOT number on its vehicles in a manner consistent with federal requirements (49 CFR 390.21T).

Key provisions and changes

  1. Driving and safety standards

    • It remains a civil violation to drive a vehicle in an unsafe condition or to fail to meet required equipment standards, with enforcement under chapters 31-23 and related chapters.

  2. FMCSR and intrastate marking requirement

    • Intrastate carriers must comply with FMCSR standards applicable to safety, with Rhode Island-specific rules to ensure uniform enforcement and defect correction.
    • Effective April 1, 2027, every intrastate carrier must permanently display a USDOT number on its motor vehicle(s), following a format consistent with 49 CFR 390.21T.

  3. Exemptions for Rhode Island-identified vehicles

    • The marking and USDOT number requirement has several exemptions for vehicles operating entirely within Rhode Island, including:
      • State and political subdivision vehicles.
      • Certain hazardous materials (owned/operated by local governments; private contractors for city/town/state agencies excluded for some cases).
      • Transit-type buses operated by municipalities, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) vehicles, school buses, and school pupil transport vehicles.
      • Vehicles of driving schools used to train for CDL classes (A, B, C).

  4. Violations and fines

    • Violations of these provisions trigger fines as specified in Rhode Island law (notably, § 31-41.1-4 for offenses).
    • Any fine imposed is not subject to additional state assessments beyond the specified fine.

  5. Enforcement authority and procedures

    • Authorized examiners, investigators, officers, and regulatory inspectors from the Department of Revenue, state police, and local law enforcement may inspect motor carrier equipment and related records.
    • Inspectors may declare a vehicle “out of service” if in imminently hazardous condition, requiring the sticker to be displayed and not removed until repairs are completed.
    • Vehicles may be operated to the nearest safe repair site under strict conditions, and carriers may not require operation of an out-of-service vehicle until repairs are completed.

  6. Training and certification

    • Inspectors enforcing these provisions must complete DOT-prescribed safety inspection training and receive at least annual in-service training.
    • The Rhode Island State Police will manage inspector certification and ongoing training as the lead Motor Carrier Safety Administration Program agency.

  7. Recordkeeping

    • Violations must be recorded in the commercial vehicle inspection report approved by FMCSA, in addition to Rhode Island summons.

Who is affected

  • Commercial motor carriers and entities operating in intrastate Rhode Island commerce (≥10,001 lbs GVWR or similar criteria; or transporting hazardous materials, or passenger transport as defined) will be subject to the USDOT marking requirement and enhanced FMCSA-aligned enforcement.
  • Carriers that operate exclusively within Rhode Island may be exempt from the USDOT marking requirement under the enumerated exemptions.
  • State and local government vehicles, transit authorities, school buses, and specific driving schools operating in-state have potential exemptions from the marking requirement.
  • Law enforcement, Department of Revenue, and state police personnel will gain and apply new enforcement and inspection authorities, including certification requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date for the USDOT marking requirement: April 1, 2027.
  • Immediate effects upon passage (as noted in the bill’s explanatory text): act takes effect upon passage for other provisions; marking requirement is the primary post-enactment implementation with the 2027 deadline.
  • The bill was introduced March 13, 2026, referred to Senate Housing & Municipal Government, with committee actions indicating consideration and potential for further study prior to final passage.

Notable technical details

  • The bill references alignment with FMCSA regulations in 49 CFR Parts 387, 390-399, and Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 107, 171-173, 177, 178, 180), with some potential inapplicability determined by U.S. DOT.
  • Adds a specific definition of “carrier” based on GVWR, passenger capacity, and related criteria to determine applicability.
  • Establishes procedures for “out of service” determinations, display of stickers, and prohibition on operating out-of-service vehicles until repairs are completed.

Overall, SB 3097 strengthens safety oversight of commercial motor carriers in Rhode Island by codifying FMCSA-based standards, introducing a USDOT marking requirement for intrastate carriers (with targeted exemptions), and expanding enforcement, inspection, and training processes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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