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Rhode Island VIN Lookup

Rhode Island VIN Lookup

If you are in the market for a used car in Rhode Island, it is essential to conduct a VIN lookup. The vehicle history report reveals information about the car's history, allowing individuals to learn more about past maintenance, damages, and repairs.

In the state, there are multiple vehicle options available for its residents. In cities like Providence, Warwick, and Cranston, sedans, SUVs, and sports cars are standard vehicles to find on the road. However, in Rhode Island's rural areas, people use pickup trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles for towing and transporting farm produce and equipment around.

It is always important to know about a vehicle's history before buying it. In some cases, private sellers and automotive dealers can withhold information like whether a car was stolen, recalled, flooded, or salvaged, which is valuable information to know if a car is safe to use. Conducting a VIN lookup can help potential buyers fill these gaps and decide whether to buy the vehicle.

Rhode Island offers various options for potential buyers to look up VINs and learn more about the cars. The first way is to use the state's DMV lookup service. The NHTSA website also allows users to check a vehicle's history, such as recalls, damage status, and ownership, by entering its VIN. Rhode Island residents can also use free or paid web services that conduct VIN checks to search a vehicle's history.

VIN Verification

VIN Verification

VIN verification confirms the accuracy of a vehicle's VIN and whether it matches the certificate of title. In Rhode Island, VIN verification is required before registering vehicles registered or titled in another state. It is also necessary before registering cars manufactured in 2001 and after 2001.

VIN verification in Rhode Island can be done at local police stations across the state. The police departments charge a $20 fee for verifications. During verification, individuals must present various documents, including the car's original title and proof of identity.

Rhode Island Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate
Low

Low Car Ownership Rate

In 2021, Rhode Island's average car ownership rate was two cars per household, which is significantly low compared to other states.

Miles Per Year
9,961

Average Annual Mileage

The average driver in Rhode Island has an average annual mileage of 9,961.

Popular Car
Toyota RAV4

Popular Car Makes in Rhode Island

The most popular car in Rhode Island was the Toyota RAV4. Other popular car models in the state include the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Fatalities
72

Car Accidents

In 2022, 72 crash fatalities occurred in the state.

Fatalities
41

Speeding Related Crashes

In 2023, about 41 deaths were caused by speed-related crashes.

Crashes
43.7%

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

Rhode Island has one of the worst alcohol-impaired driving fatality rates in the nation. In 2022, 43.7% of accidents in the state were as a result of alcohol-related crashes.

Fatalities
8

Teen Safety

In 2021, eight teen drivers aged between 15 and 20 were involved in fatal car crashes.

Rhode Island DMV

Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides a range of motor vehicle-related services to state residents. They include:

  • Vehicle Registration and Titling: The DMV handles the registration and titling of vehicles. This includes initial registration, renewal, and transfer of vehicle ownership.
  • Driver's Licensing: The DMV issues and renews driver's licenses, permits, and identification cards. They may also conduct written and road tests to obtain a driver's license.
  • Vehicle Inspections: The DMV may oversee and regulate vehicle inspections to ensure compliance with safety and emission standards.
  • License Plates: The DMV issues and manages license plates for vehicles registered in Rhode Island.
  • Online Services: Many DMV services can be accessed online, including license and registration renewal, address changes, and appointment scheduling.
  • Driving Records: Residents can obtain their driving records, which include information about driving violations, accidents, and license status.
  • Specialty Plates: The DMV may offer a variety of specialty license plates to support specific causes or interests in the state.
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Services: The DMV provides CDL issuance and renewal services for those requiring a commercial driver's license.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Resources for Car Drivers/Vehicle Owners in Rhode Island

Key resources that provide information on federal law compliance and environmental quality for drivers in Rhode Island include:

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Buying a Used Car in Rhode Island

Used car buyers in Rhode Island should understand certain rules and precautions to ensure smooth transactions and registration. They include:

Rhode Island Lemon Laws

The Rhode Island Lemon Law covers all motor vehicles, including used cars, as long as they are sold, replaced, or leased by a dealer or manufacturer after May 11, 1984. However, the law does not protect motorized campers. Used vehicles qualify if they are within the dealer warranty or have been out of service for 15 days within the warranty coverage.

Title Transfer and Registration

After purchasing the vehicle, individuals need to register and title it. Usually, registration must occur within 30 days after purchase or moving to the state. The state requires car buyers to present various documents to the DMV during registration.

Conducting a VIN Check

Even though the state Lemon Law protects used car buyers, it is still advisable to conduct a VIN check. However, Rhode Island requires all out-of-state vehicles to undergo a VIN check before being titled or registered.

Sales Tax

Before purchasing a vehicle in the state, it is important to note that Rhode Island has a sales tax of 7% on all vehicle purchases, whether new or used. Individuals must pay the sales tax before registering or titling a vehicle at the DMV,

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Rhode Island

Reasons to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Rhode Island

Performing a VIN check in Rhode Island can be crucial for the following reasons:

  • Title Verification: Ensuring that the VIN on the vehicle matches the information on the title is crucial for title verification. This helps prevent issues related to title fraud.
  • Pre-Purchase Inspection: Before buying a used vehicle, a VIN check can reveal important information about its history, including accidents, title status, and odometer readings.
  • Insurance Purposes: Some insurance companies may require a VIN check to provide accurate insurance quotes. The vehicle's history can affect insurance rates.
  • Ensuring Compliance with State Regulations: Rhode Island may have specific regulations regarding vehicle emissions and safety, so checking the VIN can help ensure the vehicle meets these requirements.
  • Recall Information: A VIN check can reveal whether a vehicle has any outstanding recalls. This information is essential for addressing safety concerns and ensuring necessary repairs or replacements.
  • Lien Verification: Checking the VIN can help verify if there are any outstanding liens on the vehicle. This is crucial for understanding the financial status of the vehicle.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Rhode Island

If a person is looking to buy a used vehicle in Rhode Island, they can use the following services to look up its VIN:

Option 1: Using the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The state's DMV keeps motor vehicle records open to the public. The VIN check includes all vehicles previously registered and titled in the state. However, the database will not have any history before the vehicle is registered and titled in Rhode Island.

People can apply for a VIN check through the local police department. When residents want to look up a VIN, they should provide:

  • Valid proof of car ownership.
  • The original title or photocopy of the title if there is a lien.

Option 2: Using the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) portal

The NHTSA website is another easily accessible resource for checking a vehicle's VIN number. Rhode Islanders can use the VIN Recall service to check if a vehicle was recalled, salvaged, or flooded. Additionally, they can use the VIN Decoder lookup to verify if the vehicle's information matches its title, preventing cases of fraud.

Option 3: Using InfoTracer to Lookup a Rhode Island VIN Online

Finally, Rhode Island residents can search for a car's history on the InfoTracer website using its VIN. The website contains copies of freely available public records, including vehicle details that a person can use before making a purchasing decision.

VIN Replacement in Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not have documented guidelines for VIN replacement. The best course of action is to contact the local law enforcement agency, the nearest DMV office, or the online customer portal for more information. However, car owners whose VINs have been changed or tampered with will be fined.

New Vehicle Registration in Rhode Island

New car owners are required to register their vehicles within 30 days of purchase if they want to avoid penalties. People should visit the local DMV office if they want to register a new vehicle. Here are a few things that a person should bring with them to the office:

  • A completed and signed Application for Registration form.
  • Identification documents like a state-issued driver's license or identification card.
  • Proof of Rhode Island insurance.
  • A bill of sale.
  • Original certificate of title.
  • The gross vehicle weight (GVWR).
  • Completed Sales Tax Form.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires residents to transfer their certificate of title within 30 days of purchase to avoid penalties. During the title transfer, the new owner will receive the car's details, including the VIN.

The Rhode Island DMV handles car title transfers. When requesting a title transfer, the new owner must present the following documents:

  • A completed and signed Application for a Certificate of Title.
  • The original Certificate of Title.
  • Proof of identity like a Rhode Island driver's license or identification card.
  • Rhode Island insurance.
  • Bill of sale.
  • A completed odometer disclosure statement.
  • All new or used vehicles from other states must undergo a VIN inspection before being titled in Rhode Island.
  • Vehicle owners titling out-of-state cars must perform a VIN check at the nearest police department.
  • A completed Sales Tax Form (T-334).
  • Title transfer fee.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in Rhode Island

A Rhode Island vehicle history report includes details about the vehicle's title history, information on past accidents, records of vehicle inspections, recalls, and maintenance, and odometer readings.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

Individuals may use free and paid third-party services to look up license plates. After entering a vehicle's license plate number, they receive information about it, including the VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in Rhode Island

Vehicle Inspections in Rhode Island

The state requires individuals who register their cars in the state to pass a Vehicle Safety and Emissions inspection within five days of registration. If the vehicle is new, it does not have to undergo inspection. Similarly, vehicles with a state inspection sticker/certificate do not have to undergo inception.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, all out-of-state vehicles must be inspected before getting titled or registered in the state. Car owners can expect the following information after conducting a vehicle inspection report in Rhode Island:

  • Details about the vehicle's safety features.
  • If the car's lights are working properly.
  • Ensure that the brakes are up to standard.
  • If the vehicle's tires are road-worthy and meet the state standards.
  • The vehicle's engine is operating as expected.
  • The air and oil filters are not worn out.

The report may also cover exhaust system components for emissions inspections to verify compliance with environmental regulations.

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