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HB 8510

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Baginski and 2 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would allow Kei cars/trucks on public roads under a new 35 mph framework, with municipal bans on certain roads and DMV rulemaking to implement the kei regime.

05/01/2026 Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections
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Bill Summary · HB 8510

Bill Summary: HB 8510 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Registration of Vehicles

Overview

  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
  • Session: 2026
  • Introduced: May 1, 2026 by Reps. J. Brien, Baginski, and Chippendale
  • Committee: House State Government & Elections
  • Effective date: Upon passage

HB 8510 proposes to remove the current vehicle registration restriction on Kei cars and Kei trucks and create a new, dedicated regulatory framework for Kei vehicles, including operating limits on where they may drive and potential local (municipal) restrictions.

1) Main Purpose and Intent

  • To remove the existing prohibition or restriction on Kei cars and Kei trucks being registered and operated on Rhode Island public roads.
  • To establish a clear statutory framework governing Kei cars/trucks, including where they may be operated, inspection requirements, and the authority for regulatory rules.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Grounds for Registration (Section 31-3-5)

  • Retains standard grounds for refusing registration (false statements, mechanical unsafe condition, fraud concerns, suspended/revoked registrations, unpaid fines, noncompliance with certain regulations, etc.).
  • Adds specific treatment related to Kei vehicles through the new Kei chapter (see below). Notably, subsection (10) in the current grounds addresses Kei cars/trucks by:
    • Maintaining that Kei vehicles must comply with the Kei-specific requirements to be registered, but the explicit new Kei-specific regime is established in a separate chapter (31-19.8).

B. New Kei Car or Kei Truck Chapter (Proposed Chapter 19.8)

  • Definition and Registration:
    • Kei cars/trucks may operate on public ways if registered under this chapter and compliant with all operational requirements.
    • Kei vehicles must display their registration number as required by § 31-3-10 and are subject to required inspections under Chapter 38.
  • Operation and Speed Limits:
    • Kei vehicles may operate on public highways inside the state with a maximum posted speed of 35 mph.
    • They are not allowed to operate on state highways with speeds greater than 35 mph.
    • They may cross a public highway with a speed limit between 35 and 45 mph under conditions where both the original and crossing highways have speed limits no higher than 35 mph and both are controlled by signals or stop signs.
  • Local Regulation (Municipal Authority):
    • Municipalities may prohibit Kei vehicles on laned roadways or certain portions of highways within their jurisdiction if use would pose unreasonable risks (e.g., high traffic speeds, volumes, or other factors).
    • Where prohibited, municipalities must post notice signage.
  • Regulatory Authority:
    • The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Director is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the Kei chapter.
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Kei vehicles must comply with all general traffic laws and state regulations.
    • The Kei chapter contemplates inspections under existing framework (Chapter 38).

3) Who/What Is Affected

  • Kei Cars and Kei Trucks:
    • New category of motor vehicles with specific allowances and restrictions under 31-19.8.
    • Vehicle owners must register Kei vehicles under this chapter to operate legally on public roads, subject to 35 mph speed limit, inspection, and visibility requirements.
  • Municipalities:
    • May enact ordinances to restrict Kei vehicles on certain roadways within their jurisdiction if safety concerns arise.
  • Rhode Island DMV:
    • Responsible for registration, enforcement, and rulemaking related to Kei vehicles, including noncompliance consequences and inspection regimes.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: Immediate upon passage (no delayed effective date).
  • Registration Process: Kei vehicles must adhere to standards for registration similar to other vehicles but under a new specialized chapter, with required display of registration numbers and periodic inspections.
  • Rulemaking: The DMV director is empowered to issue rules/regulations to implement the Kei framework.
  • Transfers/Continuity: The act clarifies that Kei registrations valid prior to June 1, 2024, remain renewable but cannot be transferred. This preserves some existing Kei vehicle registrations while stabilizing the framework moving forward.

5) Notable Considerations

  • The bill aims to balance broader access to Kei vehicles with safety and local traffic considerations.
  • It creates clear speed-based operating limits to align Kei vehicles with typical urban/low-speed contexts.
  • Local control allows municipalities to address specific road safety concerns.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or draft a one-page explainer for general audiences.

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

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