250-RICR-80-00-8. Rules and Regulations Relating to Registration and Control of Snowmobiles and Recreational Vehicles (version Periodic Refile, 12/31/2001 to 09/10/2018)

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Division of Law Enforcement RULES AND REGULATIONS RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES 11/17/71 Regulations Short Title: REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AUTHORITY: These regulations are adopted pursuant to Chapters 42-35, 42-17.1, and 31-3.2 of the Rhode Island General laws of 1956, as amended. RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I REGISTRATION OF SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Sec. 1. Registration of Snowmobiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. Registration of Recreational vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 3. Application for certificate of registration and identification certificate. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4. Duration of registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5. Lost, destroyed, stolen, abandoned snowmobiles or recreational vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . 1 6. Sold or traded snowmobiles or recreational vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7. Change of address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8. Lost or destroyed identification certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9. Rental or liveried snowmobiles or recreational vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 10. Temporary Operation of newly acquired snowmobiles or recreational vehicles . . . . . . 1 Section 1. Registration of Snowmobiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Section 2. Registration of Recreational Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Section 3. Application for Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Section 4. Duration of Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Section 5. Lost, Destroyed, Stolen or Abandoned, Snowmobiles or Recreational Vehicles . . . 2 Section 6. Sold or Traded Snowmobiles or Recreational Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Section 7. Change of Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Section 8. Lost or Destroyed Identification Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Section 9. Rental Snowmobiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Section 10. Temporary Operation of Newly acquired Snowmobiles or Recreational Vehicles 3 PART II DEALER REGISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Section 1. Procedure for Issuance of Dealer Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 PART III SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES -REQUIRED EQUIPMENT . . . . . . 5 Section 1. Mufflers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Section 2. Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Section 3. Tail Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Section 4. Reflectorized Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Section 5. Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Section 6. Deflector on snowmobiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 PART IV SNOWMOBILE AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES-ACCIDENT REPORTS . . . . . . . . . . 6 Section 1. Accident Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Section 2. Police Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 PART V USE OF SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ON PUBLIC LANDS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Section 1. Areas Where Snowmobiles are Permitted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Section 2. Areas Where Other Recreational Vehicles are Permitted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Section 3. Protective Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Section 4. Prohibitive Operation During Certain Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Section 5. Carrying of Firearms Prohibited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Section 6. Operation at Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Section 7. Organized Race or Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Section 8. Youthful Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Section 9. Other Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 PART VI SNOWMOBILE AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES-REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO GAME AD FISH RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Section 1. Harassment of Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 PART VII REGULATIONS COVERING OPERATION OF SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ON STREETS AND HIGHWAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Section 1- Reflector Required on Back of Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Section 2 - Emergency Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1 PART I REGISTRATION OF SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (Statutory Authority Chapter 31-3.2 of the General Laws) Sec. 1. Registration of Snowmobiles 2. Registration of Recreational vehicles 3. Application for certificate of registration and identification certificate. 4. Duration of registration 5. Lost, destroyed, stolen, abandoned snowmobiles or recreational vehicles. 6. Sold or traded snowmobiles or recreational vehicles 7. Change of address 8. Lost or destroyed identification certificate 9. Rental or liveried snowmobiles or recreational vehicles 10. Temporary Operation of newly acquired snowmobiles or recreational vehicles Section 1. Registration of Snowmobiles (a) Every snowmobile, except those exempted under Section 31-3.2-2, operated within the State of Rhode Island shall be registered and numbered as hereinafter provided. (b) The numbering system shall consist of two identical, reflectorized pre-numbered registration decals having four Arabic numerals on each. (c) The numbered registration decals shall be applied to each side of the cowling of the snowmobile for which they have been issued, (d) The identification certificate shall be carried on the snowmobile whenever the snowmobile is in use. Section 2. Registration of Recreational Vehicles (a) Every recreational vehicle, except those exempted under Sec. 31-2.2-2, operated within the State of Rhode Island shall be registered and numbered as hereinafter provided. (b) The numbering system shall consist of a reflectorized, numbered registration decal having five Arabic numerals. 2 (c) The single numbered registration decal shall be applied to the recreational vehicle in such place on the vehicle so it will be both conspicuous and receive the least amount of wear and tear. (d) The identification certificate shall be carried on the recreational vehicle whenever it is in use. Section 3. Application for Registration (a) The application for an identification certificate for snowmobiles and recreational vehicles shall include, but not be limited to, the following:: (1) Make of vehicle (2) Year Built (3) Frame or body number (4) Type of vehicle (5) Engine make (6) Engine serial number (8) Fees (9) Maximum capacity of vehicle (10) Horsepower or cc of engine (11) Color (l2) Name, address and date of birth of owner (13) Signature of owner (14) From whom vehicle was acquired (b) The identification certificate shall contain, in addition to the above, the registration number assigned and the expiration date. It shall also contain instructions for notification if vehicle is sold, lost, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of. (c) Proof of ownership of a snowmobile or recreational vehicle is required for registration. Section 4. Duration of Registration The identification certificate and the number assigned shall expire at midnight on the thirty-first day of October each year. Section 5. Lost, Destroyed, Stolen or Abandoned, Snowmobiles or Recreational Vehicles (a) The owner shall report and surrender the identification certificate to the department within 15 days after the loss, destruction, theft, abandonment of the snowmobile or recreational vehicle. The assigned number shall be held for one (1) year and if another vehicle is not obtained and registered within that period the number may be reassigned to someone else. Section 6. Sold or Traded Snowmobiles or Recreational Vehicles If the vehicle is sold or traded the reflectorized validation decal (s) shall be removed or otherwise destroyed and within fifteen (15) days the Department shall be notified of the name and address of the person or persons to whom the vehicle was sold or traded. 3 Section 7. Change of Address The owner shall report in writing to the Department within 15 days of any change of address. The owner shall also note such changes on the identification certificate. Section 8. Lost or Destroyed Identification Certificate In the event that an identification certificate should become lost, destroyed, or stolen, the owner of the registered snowmobile or recreational vehicle shall report to the Department forthwith the loss or destruction and may obtain a duplicate by making application to the Department upon payment of a fee of one dollar. If the lost or stolen certificate is subsequently recovered, the owner shall surrender it within 15 days to the Department. Section 9. Rental Snowmobiles (a) The registration and numbering requirements of this part shall apply to rental snowmobiles. (b) Rental snowmobile and/or recreational vehicle owners shall keep or cause to be kept a record of the date and time a snowmobile or recreational vehicle is rented, the registration number of said vehicle, and the name and address of the person renting it. This record shall be kept for a period of at least six months and shall be available for inspection at reasonable times upon request by the Department or a representative thereof. Section 10. Temporary Operation of Newly acquired Snowmobiles or Recreational Vehicles. An individual purchasing a new or used snowmobile or recreational vehicle, may operate said vehicle for a period not to exceed ten (10) days without it being numbered in accordance with this act provided, however, that the operator shall have in his possession the bill of sale for said vehicle which shall contain the date of the sale. 4 PART II DEALER REGISTRATION (Statutory Authority -31-3.2-6 and 31-3.2-7) Sec. 1. Procedure for issuance of dealer registration - Section 1. Procedure for Issuance of Dealer Registration (a) A dealer seeking to register with the Department shall make application on the same form as provided in Part I, Subsection 3 checking the circle marked dealer. Information pertaining to vehicle identification is not required. (b) After investigation and acceptance of the application, the Department shall assign a distinguishing dealer identification number and certificate. (1) Dealer identification certificate must be displayed in a conspicuous place in the registrant's place of business. (c) The Department will issue to the Dealer three (3) reflectorized pre-numbered registration decals, each bearing the same identical numbers. These decals will consist of three (3) Arabic numerals followed by a letter "D" suffix. (1) The dealer shall mount these on wood, metal or other durable material. Under no circumstances are they to be directly applied to a recreational vehicle. (2) Snowmobiles or recreational vehicles being demonstrated or tested shall have one (1) of these mounted decals tied or otherwise not permanently affixed to the vehicle. 5 PART III SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES -REQUIRED EQUIPMENT (Statutory Authority - 31-3.2-6 and 31-3.2-7) Sec. 1. Mufflers 2. Headlamps 3. Tail Lamps 4. Reflectorized material 5. Brakes Section 1. Mufflers Every snowmobile or recreational vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler to control excessive noise. After June 1, 1972 no new snowmobiles or recreational vehicles may be sold or offered for sale unless the muffler limits engine noise to no more than 82 decibels on the a scale at 50 ft. After June 1, 1974 the muffler system must limit engine noise to no more than 73 decibels. Section 2. Headlamps Every snowmobile or recreational vehicle being operated across public highways, or between the hours of sunset and sunrise, shall be equipped with at least one white or amber headlamp of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 100 ft. ahead, during the hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions, while the motor is running. Section 3. Tail Lamps Every snowmobile or recreational vehicle being operated across public highways, or between the hours of sunset and sunrise, shall be equipped with at least one white or amber headlamp of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 100 ft. ahead, during the hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions, while the motor is running. Section 4. Reflectorized Material Every recreational vehicle shall be equipped with 16 square inches of reflectorized material on each side of the vehicle forward of the handle bars. This material shall be placed on the vehicle in such a manner that it reflects light being directed upon the vehicle from either side. Section 5. Brakes Every snowmobile or recreational vehicle shall have at least one (l) brake which may be operated by hand or foot and which is adequate to control and stop the vehicle within a straight twelve (12) feet wide path or lane when decelerating. Section 6. Deflector on snowmobiles Every snowmobile shall be equipped with a device mounted forward of the operator that will deflect wind, snow and/or small flying objects from the body and face of the operator. 6 PART IV SNOWMOBILE AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES-ACCIDENT REPORTS (Statutory Authority - 31-3.2-6) Sec. 1. Accident reporting 2. Police reporting Section 1. Accident Reporting (a) It shall be the duty of the operator of a snowmobile or recreational vehicle involved in any accident as defined herein, so far as he can do so to render to other persons affected by said accident such assistance as may be practicable and as may be necessary in order to save them from or minimize any danger caused by the occurrence. (b) The operator of any snowmobile or recreational vehicle involved in any accident shall stop and exhibit his identification certificate if he is required to have one, give his name, address and the identification number of his vehicle, in writing, to any person injured and to the operator or owner of any snowmobile, recreational vehicle or property damaged. In the event the person injured or the owner of property damaged cannot be located at theplace where the accident occurred, then said information and a description of the accident shall be reported by the operator of the vehicle, within 24 hours, to the nearest police officer or enforcement agency. (c) The operator of every snowmobile, or recreational vehicle involved in any reportable accident as defined herein, shall within seven days, file a complete written report and description of the accident as provided below. A reportable accident is one resulting in death or personal injury causing incapacitation for more than 72 hours, or property damage in excess of $100 total per accident. (d) Accidents shall be reported on forms provided by the Department of Environmental Management for that purpose. Forms may be obtained at any police station or office of the Department. (e) Accident reports are to be filed with the Department and a copy thereof shall be filed with the local enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction the accident occurred. (f) Every written report shall contain, but not be limited to, the following information: (1) Number of snowmobiles or recreational vehicles involved. (2) Locality where accident occurred. (3) Time and date when accident occurred.. (4) Name, address, age and snowmobile or recreational vehicle operating experience. 7 (5) Weather conditions at the time of accident. (6) Name and address of operator of other vehicles involved. (7) Name and address of owners of snowmobiles, recreational vehicles or property involved. (8) Name and address of any person injured or killed. (9) nature and extent of injury to any person or persons (10) Description of damage to property, and estimated cost of repairs. (11) Description of accident. (12) Make, year built, type of snowmobile or recreational vehicle. (13) Name and address of all known witnesses. (14) Type of accident. (15) Signature of persons reporting. (16) Registration numbers of vehicles involved. (17) Motor vehicle operators license number, if any. (18) Name of Insurance Company. Section 2. Police Reporting (a) Any employee of an enforcement agency who investigates, or received information of an accident involving a snowmobile, or recreational vehicle, shall make a written report of the investigation or information received, and such additional facts relating to the accident as may come to his knowledge and mail the same within 48 hours to the Department, keeping a record of same in his office. (b) Where a serious injury or death has resulted from such accident, the investigating officer may delay mailing his report to the Department pending a final determination as to the condition of the injured person or persons, however, in such cases the investigating officer or his superior must promptly notify the Department by telephone, teletype or in writing of such delay and the reason therefore. Said written report is to be filed not later than seven days after the accident. 8 PART V USE OF SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ON PUBLIC LANDS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT. (Statutory Authority - Section 31-3.2-6) Sec. 1. Areas Where Snowmobiles are Permitted 2. Areas there Other Recreational Vehicles are Permitted 3. Protective Equipment Required 4. Prohibitive Operation During Certain Seasons 5. Carrying of Firearms Prohibited 6. Operation at Night 7. Organized Race or Rally 8. Youthful Operator 9. Other Restrictions Section 1. Areas Where Snowmobiles are Permitted Snowmobiling is permitted only on designated snowmobile trails in the following areas: Bristol County; Colt State Park Kent County; Beach Pond State Park Big River Reservoir Acquisition Area Wickaboxet Management Area Providence County; Black Hut Management Area Buck Hill Management Area Durfee Hill Management Area George Washington Management Area Lincoln Woods State Park Pulaski State Park Snake Den State Park (Interim Management Area) Washington County; Arcadia Management Area Arcadia State Park Burlingame State Park Carolina Management Area Indian Cedar Swamp Management Area Rockville Management Area Woody Hill Management Area 9 Section 2. Areas Where Other Recreational Vehicles are Permitted Recreational vehicles are permitted only on designated trails in the following areas : Bristol County; Colt State Park Kent County; Beach Pond State Park Big River Reservoir Acquisition Area Wickaboxet Management Area Providence County: Black Hut Management Area - exclusive of portion south of Spring Lake Rd. Buck Hill Management Area Durfee Hill Management Area - exclusive of Manfred Young Section George Washington Management Area Lincoln Woods State Park Pulaski State Park Snake Den State Park Diamond Hill State Park - from Saturday after Labor Day until skiing season. Then, after skiing season to Memorial Day - Parking Lot only. Washington County Arcadia Management Area Arcadia State Park Burlingame Management Area Burlingame State Park Carolina Management Area - exclusive of portion south of Pine Hill Road Ninigret Conservation on Area - on beach front and designated - sand road only from Labor Day to the day before Memorial Day. Rockville Management Area Roger Wheeler Memorial State Beach Parking Lot - from Saturday after Labor Day to day before Memorial Day. Scarborough State Beach Parking Lot - from Saturday after Labor Day to day before Memorial Day. Section 3. Protective Equipment Required. (a) The operator of every snowmobile or recreational vehicle shall wear while the vehicle is in operation a protective safety helmet of the type approved by the Registry of Motor Vehicles for motorcycle operators. (b) The towing of sleds or trailers is allowed only with standard solid hitch; no ropes. Section 4. Prohibitive Operation During Certain Seasons. 10 (a) All snowmobiles and recreational vehicles are prohibited from Management Areas during the hunting hours of the shot-gun deer seasons. (b) Trails for snowmobiles and/or recreational vehicles-may be closed without notice where conditions warrant. There may include, but not be limited to, periods of high or extreme forest fire danger, erosion or other physical damage, excessive harassment of wildlife populations, etc. Section 5. Carrying of Firearms Prohibited. The carrying of any firearm or bow and arrow in or upon any snowmobile or recreational vehicle or its attachments is prohibited. This section will not apply to an enforcement officer carrying firearms in the course of duty. Section 6. Operation at Night. (a) Snowmobiling is permitted during the period from one-half hour before sunrise to 11 P.M. During the period from one-half hour after sunset to ll P.M. a minimum-of-two snowmobiles must be in operation together. (Buddy-system), (b) The same hours shall apply to other recreational vehicles but the buddy system shall not be required unless snow covers the ground. Section 7. Organized Race or Rally A written permit from the Director must be acquired for any organized activity such as a race or rally. Section 8. Youthful Operator. No person under twelve (12) years of age shall operate any snowmobile or recreational vehicle on property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Management. Those persons over twelve (12) years of age but under sixteen (16) years of age shall be accompanied by an adult who shall be liable according to law for personal injury or property damage to others which may result from such operation. Section 9. Other Restrictions (a) Snowmobiles and recreational vehicles shall grant the right of way to all pedestrians, horses and vehicular traffic when crossing roads in State areas. (b) Horses are restricted from the use of trails designated for recreational vehicles other than those trails designated for snowmobiles exclusively. 11 PART VI SNOWMOBILE AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES-REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO GAME AD FISH RESOURCES (Statutory Authority Section 31-3.2-6(b) ) Sec. 1. Harassment of Game Section 1. Harassment of Game Snowmobile or recreational vehicles shall not be operated at any time in any manner intended to or reasonably be expected to harass, drive or pursue any wildlife. 12 PART VII REGULATIONS COVERING OPERATION OF SNOWMOBILES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ON STREETS AND HIGHWAYS (Statutory Authority - Section 31-3.2-6(2) Sec. 1) Reflector Required on Rear of Vehicles 2) Emergency Vehicles Section 1- Reflector Required on Back of Vehicle. Every snowmobile and recreational vehicle being operated across a street or highway shall be equipped with a red reflector on the rear of the vehicle, of such size to be visible at night time from all distances within 500 feet to 50 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps. A separate reflector is not required if the tail light itself is reflectorized. Section 2 - Emergency Vehicles. Snowmobiles and recreational vehicles of police and fire departments, municipal departments or public service corporations, shall be allowed to operate on streets and highways in the performance of their official duties. Notice Given on: Public Hearing held: Filing Date: Effective Date: