If passed, the bill would stipulate a one-time pre-registration surcharge of $50 for each street rod and custom vehicle. This fee will go towards the funding of special registration plates for these vehicles, requiring the accumulation of $23,000 before the manufacturing of the plates can be initiated. The bill also mandates that owners of street rods and custom vehicles certify that their vehicles will not be used for daily transportation, positioning them as options for occasional use and exhibitions.
Summary
Bill S0750 is targeted at the registration process for street rods and custom vehicles in Rhode Island. It proposes to amend existing legislation regarding the registration of these vehicles by establishing a specific definition for street rods and custom vehicles, along with the requirements and fees associated with their registration. Under the proposed law, a street rod is defined as a motor vehicle manufactured before 1949 or resembles such a vehicle, while custom vehicles are identified as vehicles over 25 years old or designed to look like them but have undergone modifications to their original specifications.
Contention
Notably, the bill specifies that registered vehicles will be exempt from standard vehicle inspection requirements and regulations concerning emission controls, which raises concerns among some stakeholders. Critics worry this could lead to potential safety and environmental issues since modifications to these vehicles might allow them to operate without adherence to certain safety and emissions standards that typically apply to standard passenger vehicles.
Creates "Manufacturing Reboot Program" in EDA to provide financial assistance to certain manufacturing businesses; makes $10 million appropriation to EDA.
Creates "Manufacturing Reboot Program" in EDA to provide financial assistance to certain manufacturing businesses; makes $10 million appropriation to EDA.