Guide to legal modifications to cars in Rhode Island
Auto repair

Guide to legal modifications to cars in Rhode Island

09.11.2022 /

If you want to modify your vehicle and live in Rhode Island or move to a state with a modified vehicle, you need to know the laws and regulations so you can keep your car or truck legal. The following information will help you legally drive a modified vehicle on the roads of Rhode Island.

Sounds and noise

Rhode Island has regulations regarding sound levels from both sound systems and mufflers.

Sound systems

When listening to your sound system, no sound will be heard inside a closed vehicle from 20 feet away, or by anyone outside and 100 feet away. There is a $100 fine for the first violation of this law, a $200 fine for the second, and a $300 fine for the third and any additional violations.

Muffler

  • Silencers are required on all vehicles and should prevent unusual or excessive noise.

  • Headers and side exhausts are permitted as long as the rest of the exhaust system limits engine noise and they do not increase sound above the maximum decibel levels described below.

  • Muffler cutouts and bypasses on the highway are not allowed.

  • Silencer systems may not be altered or modified so that they are louder than those installed on the vehicle by the original manufacturer.

Failure to comply with these conditions will result in the same penalties as above.

FunctionsA: Always check with your local Rhode Island laws to ensure you are complying with any municipal noise ordinances, which may be stricter than state laws.

Frame and suspension

The suspension and framework laws of Rhode Island include:

  • Vehicles cannot exceed 13 feet 6 inches in height.
  • Suspension lift cannot exceed four inches.
  • Frame, body lift or bumper height is not limited.

ENGINES

Rhode Island requires emissions testing but does not have any regulations regarding engine replacement or modification.

Lighting and windows

Lanterns

  • White light is required to illuminate the license plate at the rear of the vehicle.

  • Two spotlights are allowed, provided they do not illuminate the road within 100 feet of the vehicle.

  • Two fog lights are permitted provided the light does not rise more than 18 inches above the roadway at a distance of 75 feet or more.

  • All lamps with a luminous intensity greater than 300 candles must be pointed so that they do not fall on the roadway more than 75 feet in front of the vehicle.

  • Red lights front center are not allowed on passenger cars.

  • Flashing or rotating lights are not permitted on the front of passenger vehicles other than direction indicators.

Window tinting

  • Non-reflective windshield tinting above the AC-1 line from the manufacturer is allowed.

  • The front side, rear side and rear windows must let in more than 70% of the light.

Vintage/classic car modifications

Rhode Island offers vintage plates for cars that are 25 years old or more. These vehicles can be used for club activities, exhibitions, parades and other types of social gatherings. However, it cannot be used for daily normal driving. You will need to apply for registration and proof of ownership.

If you want your vehicle modifications to comply with the laws of Rhode Island, AvtoTachki can provide mobile mechanics to help you install new parts. You can also ask our mechanics what modifications are best for your vehicle using our free online Ask a Mechanic Q&A system.

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