§ 31-23.2-6 - Transfer of vehicle.
SECTION 31-23.2-6
§ 31-23.2-6 Transfer of vehicle. –(a) Any sales agreement for the transfer of a motor vehicle between persons asdefined in this chapter shall contain the words "both buyer and seller haveexamined the title certificate of this motor vehicle and it correctly reflectsthe mileage as it appears on the odometer" which shall be placed conspicuouslyand prominently on the agreement.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to transfer ownershipof a motor vehicle previously registered in this state or a motor vehicle usedby a dealer as a demonstrator unless the person:
(1) Enters on a form prescribed by the department of revenue,as prescribed by state law, the mileage the motor vehicle has been operated.The form shall be signed by both the seller and buyer and contain a statementthat both parties have viewed the odometer of the motor vehicle. The form ascompleted shall then be attached to the instrument evidencing transfer ofownership; or
(2) Enters upon the form "not actual mileage" in the eventthat the odometer mileage is known to the person to be less than the motorvehicle has actually traveled; or
(3) Enters the total cumulative mileage on the form in theevent that it is known that the mileage indicated on the odometer is beyond itsdesignated mechanical limits;
(4) Enters the same information as set forth in subdivisions(1) through (3) of this subsection on the owner's title certificate; and
(5) The owner of a motor vehicle shall supply its mileageupon the annual renewal registration form supplied by the division of motorvehicles.
(c) It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person togive a false statement to a transferee under the provisions of this section;provided, however, that no person shall be in violation of this chapter where avehicle has been resold in reliance on the required statement of the priorowner made pursuant to this section.
(d) No motor vehicle, previously registered in another state,shall be registered for use in this state unless the application for acertificate of title in Rhode Island is accompanied by the prior owner'scertificate of title and a form as set forth in subdivision (b)(1) of thissection.
(e) The certificate of title of the motor vehicle issued tothe new owner by the state of Rhode Island shall:
(1) Be printed using a process determined by the director tobe the most efficient and effective means of avoiding unauthorized duplication;
(2) Indicate on its face the mileage required to be disclosedby the transferor under subsections (b)(1) and (d) of this section; and
(3) Contains a space for the transferee to disclose themileage at the time of any future transfer and to sign and date the disclosure.
(f) No registration card may be issued in this state for anymotor vehicle unless:
(1) The application for the registration card contains theprior owner's most recent registration card and the prior owner's title; and
(2) The new registration card contains such information asprovided on the application.