Rhode Island General Laws Title 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-9-19. Sale of spray paint to minors

(a) No person shall knowingly sell to any child under eighteen (18) years of age any aerosol container of paint capable of defacing property.

(b) For purposes of this section, bona fide evidence of majority, identity of majority and identity of the person is a document issued by a federal, state, county, or municipal government, or subdivision or agency of them, including, but not limited to, a motor vehicle operator's license, a registration certificate issued under the federal Selective Service Act, 50 App. U.S.C. § 451 et seq., or an identification card issued to a member of the armed forces.

(c) Proof that the defendant, or his employee or agent, demanded, was shown and acted in reliance upon bona fide evidence in any sale transaction forbidden by subsection (a) of this section, shall be a defense to any criminal prosecution for that violation.

(d) Any person who owns, manages or operates a place of business where aerosol containers of paint capable of defacing property are sold shall conspicuously post notice of this law in the place of business in letters at least three-eighths of an inch (3/8″) high.

(e) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.