§ 31-23.3-4. Exemptions.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
(1) Motor vehicles manufactured with windshields and window glass areas equipped in accordance with specifications of 49 CFR 571.205 as authorized by 15 U.S.C. § 1407.
(2) Motor vehicles owned or leased by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
(3) The use of nontransparent or sunscreen material or window application on motor vehicles which has a total visible light transmittance of not less than seventy percent (70%) measured perpendicular to the surface of the glass on the windshield and side windows immediately adjacent to the right and left of the operator’s seat, the side windows immediately to the rear of the operator’s seat and the front passenger seat or on the rear window if the vehicle is equipped with two (2) outside mirrors, one on each side, adjusted so that the driver has a clear view of the highway behind the vehicle.
(4) The use of any transparent material limited to the uppermost six inches (6") along the top of the windshield, provided the strip does not encroach upon the driver’s direct forward viewing area as more particularly described and defined in applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
(5) Motor vehicles not required to be registered in this state.
(6) The use of sunscreen material on windows behind the driver in trucks, buses, trailers, mobile homes, campers, multipurpose vehicles, charter buses, funeral service vehicles, or limousines, provided that the vehicle is equipped with two (2) outside mirrors, one on each side, if those mirrors meet federal standards adjusted so the driver has a clear view of the highway behind the vehicle.
(7) A motor vehicle registered in this state in the name of a person, or the person’s legal guardian, who has an affidavit signed by a physician or an optometrist licensed to practice in this state that states that the person has a physical condition that makes it necessary to equip the motor vehicle with a sunscreening device which may exceed federal standards. The division of motor vehicles, upon application of the individual, which shall include the affidavit, shall issue a sticker to be applied to the driver’s side window to identify this exemption.
(8) Any motor vehicle, registered and garaged within this state, whose sole purpose is to provide executive security to persons within this state. The owner(s) of the vehicle shall first seek and obtain written permission from the local police chief where the vehicle is garaged and registered before the waiver is granted.
History of Section.P.L. 1993, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 408, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 76, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles
Chapter 31-23.3 - Nontransparent Windshields and Windows
Section 31-23.3-1. - Definitions.
Section 31-23.3-2. - Windshields and windows obscured by nontransparent materials.
Section 31-23.3-4. - Exemptions.
Section 31-23.3-5. - Penalties.
Section 31-23.3-6. - Vehicles with existing sunscreening materials.