Rhode Island General Laws Title 31. Motor and Other Vehicles § 31-38-2. Inspection by any proper officer

(a) The director of the department of revenue, members of the state and local police, and any other officers and employees of the division of motor vehicles as the director of the department of revenue may designate, may at any time require the seller at retail or driver of the vehicle to stop and submit the vehicle to an inspection and test with reference to it as may be appropriate.

(b) In the event the vehicle is found to be in unsafe condition or any required part or equipment is not in proper repair and adjustment, the officer shall give a written notice to the seller at retail or driver and shall send a copy to the director of the department of revenue. The notice shall require that the vehicle be placed in safe condition and its equipment in proper repair and adjustment, specifying the particulars with reference to it, and that the notice be approved within five (5) days.

(c) The director of the department of revenue, or the director's designee, upon written notice, may require the seller at retail, owner, or driver to submit the vehicle to the state inspection facility for inspection. If the notice is not complied with, the director may suspend the registration of the vehicle described in the notice.

(d) If three (3) notices are issued in a twelve (12) month period for any motor vehicle for the same or substantially the same unsafe condition or required part or equipment not being in proper repair and adjustment, the director shall suspend the registration of the vehicle described in the notice, and the owner shall be subject for each violation to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.