A commercial registration is used primarily for trucks designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. Any commercial vehicle with a gross weight in excess of 26,000 lbs. and used both in RI and out-of- state must be registered with the IRP Services Section as apportioned. A combination registration can be used for any motor vehicle eligible for registration as a commercial vehicle having a gross weight up to eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.). The combination plates will allow those vehicles to be driven for both commercial and pleasure purposes. Any motor vehicle eligible for registration as a commercial vehicle having a gross weight over eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) and up to eleven thousand four hundred pounds (11,400 lbs.) may be issued a combination plate if applicants present DMV with proof of ownership of a camping trailer, fifth wheel camper trailer, travel trailer or truck camper as defined in state law. A combination registration will allow those vehicles to be driven for pleasure purposes only. Vehicles displaying combination or commercial plates may be restricted from travel on certain parkways and residential roadways. Registrations for combination and commercial plates are renewable every year during the month of March. A suburban registration may be issued for a motor vehicle with a convertible or interchangeable body or with removable seats, usable for both passenger and delivery purposes. This includes vehicles commonly known as station wagons or depot wagons and vehicles into which access can be gained through the rear by means of a hatch or trunk. The rear seats can be folded down to permit the carrying of articles as well as passengers. Suburban registrations are renewed every two years and are not allowed on pickup trucks with open beds.
For more information about vehicle registrations and inspections, please visit our website at www.dmv.ri.gov.