Low-speed Vehicles (LSV)

Effective July 1, 2024, in accordance with RIGL § 31-19.6 -1, Low-speed Vehicles as defined in RIGL § 31-1-3 (l), may be registered for use on public roads with posted speed limits up to 35 mph. These vehicles are to be registered, insured, and inspected in accordance with the Rhode Island laws and regulations established for motor vehicles.

A municipality may, by ordinance, prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles on a laned roadway or local highway or a portion of a highway within its jurisdiction and under its control.  It is highly recommended that you check with your local city or town BEFORE purchasing a Low-speed vehicle. Municipalities without their own Low-speed vehicle laws will operate under State law. Municipalities may choose to adopt local LSV ordinances at any time.  The following municipalities have provided the RI DMV with LSV information specific to their city or town, as of September 2024: 

Providence: https://library.municode.com/ri/providence/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH15MOVETR_ARTXIMOVE_S15-132LOSPVE

Westerly: https://ecode360.com/WE1997/laws/LF2086312.pdf

Portsmouth: https://www.portsmouthri.gov/1773/Low-Speed-Vehicles

West Warwick: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=964231809076853&id=100064701277753&set=a.306086981558009

What qualifies as a Low-speed vehicle (LSV)

A "Low-speed vehicle" (LSV) is any 4-wheeled motor vehicle that:

  • Is exclusively electric powered; and
  • Has been issued a certificate of origin; and
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 3,000 pounds; and
  • Has a top speed greater than 20 mph but not greater than 25 mph; and
  • Is National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)-certified to the standards established in 49 C.F.R. § 571.500, as a "Low- speed vehicle”, demonstrated by:
    • The certificate of origin, title, or out-of-state registration listing the body style or body type as "LSV" or " Low- speed vehicle "; and/or
    • The manufacturer's certification label posted on the vehicle containing the VIN and indicating the type of vehicle as a " Low- speed vehicle".

IMPORTANT NOTE: Golf carts are not manufactured to Low-speed vehicle standards and therefore may NOT be registered as Low-speed vehicles.

How to register a Low-speed vehicle (LSV)

An application for registration and title certificate (TR-1) must be completed and signed by the owner(s).

The completed application must be accompanied by one of the following documents:

  • A manufacturer's’ certificate of origin (new vehicles only), or
  • The previous owner's certificate of title listing the body style or body type as "LSV" or " Low- speed vehicle ", or
  • The previous registration and bill of sale (for vehicles that are from states where the vehicle was exempt from titling requirements)

*Effective January 1, 2024* ALL VEHICLES registered or titled in another state, regardless of model year, require a VIN Check from a local municipal police department prior to registration in Rhode Island. Only new vehicles NEVER titled or registered in another state are exempt from this requirement.

Low-speed vehicles must be insured with a policy meeting the minimum Rhode Island liability insurance requirements for on-road vehicles.  Off-road vehicle insurance policies are not acceptable and may result in the registration being revoked and a reinstatement fee. 

Bring the completed TR-1 application form, as well as all other required documents (as listed on the Registration Document Checklist), along with the required DMV fees to the DMV at the time of your reservation for a new title and registration transaction. Reservations can be made at https://ridmvreservations.ri.gov/.

Only Low-speed vehicle plates will be available and be issued to LSVs. Low-speed vehicles, bearing Low-speed vehicle plates, may bear lettering and be used for commercial purposes.

Low-speed vehicle (LSV) Operator Licensing requirements

A valid driver's license is required to operate a Low-speed vehicle.

Operating a Low-speed vehicle (LSV)

To be on a public way, LSVs must be registered, titled, insured, and inspected.

Low-speed vehicles may be operated on any state highway, through highway, limited access highway or public highway or roadway with a posted speed limit of thirty-five miles per hour (35 m.p.h.) or less. No low-speed vehicle shall operate on any state highway, through highway, limited access highway or public highway or roadway with a speed limit greater than thirty-five miles per hour (35 m.p.h.).

Local cities and towns may have their own ordinances regarding Low-speed vehicles. It is highly recommended that you check with your local city or town BEFORE purchasing a Low-speed vehicle.

Low-speed vehicle (LSV) Inspection requirements

Low-speed vehicles shall be inspected in accordance with the law and shall display a valid unexpired RI certificate of inspection (inspection sticker) or shall be required to pass such an inspection within 5 business days from the date of registration. 

New Low-speed vehicles are exempt from inspection for two years or 24,000 miles from the date of purchase, whichever occurs first.