Motorcycles and Motorized Bikes/Scooters

Per Rhode Island General Law, all motorcycles and other motorized vehicles must be registered with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The storage of unregistered vehicles on RISD property is prohibited. Unregistered vehicles found on campus and other RISD properties are subject to towing. In addition, unregistered vehicles may be impounded by the city of Providence or the municipality to which they are towed. Any fines and fees associated with said towing and/or impounding are the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle. RISD shall not be held liable for any resultant fees or damages.

Any City of Providence, Rhode Island State, or local law enforcement authorities who see an unregistered vehicle parked in RISD lots or on city property may cite or seize said vehicle without notice.

All motorized vehicles parked in RISD lots are subject to the institution’s parking policies. Any motorized vehicle parked in a RISD lot without a visible parking permit is subject to towing, regardless of its registration status with the State of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island General Law also requires a special license license for the operation of motorcycles, motor scooters and other motor-driven vehicles.

Motorcycle operators must possess a driver’s license with official motorcycle endorsement. Rhode Island DMV will convert a motorcycle license from another state to a first-time Rhode Island license. Those seeking a first motorcycle operators’ license must complete a 10-hour motorcycle safety course, which is conducted by the Rhode Island Department of Education at the Community College of Rhode Island. Required safety equipment includes:

• protective goggles or a windscreen
• helmet for any passenger
• one (1) rearview mirror

Motorcycles and mopeds must be registered with the DMV. The fee is $13 per year. Moped operators do not require a special license but must have a valid Rhode Island driver's license. Mopeds are not permitted on Interstate highways.

Students who are not full-time Rhode Island residents are not required to obtain a RI-issued motorcycle license, but must hold a valid motorcycle license from their home state. Anyone not licensed to operate a motorcycle should obtain one from their home state or from the State of Rhode Island.

Operation of a motorcycle, motor scooter or other motor-driven cycle without a license that meets the provisions of Rhode Island General Law is considered a crime and is subject to citation. Operation of such vehicles with no license at all is a criminal offense that may result in the arrest of the operator.

Kit vehicles (motor vehicles that are built by an individual rather than a manufacturer) are also subject to registration with the State of Rhode Island and require an operator’s license. More information is available from the Rhode Island DMV.