Engine Failure

RHODE ISLAND’S TITLE LAW HAS CHANGED Effective March 1, 2024

The Rhode Island DMV will no longer be accepting photocopies, images, or electronic copies of titles.
All new registration and/or new title transactions will now REQUIRE THE ORIGINAL TITLE to be submitted to the RI DMV at the time the transaction takes place.
Your lienholder or leasing company can send the original title to the RI DMV, ATTN: Research Office, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920 or to you directly. We highly recommend that the title and other documents are sent with tracking information to enable customers and lienholders to know when the title was received.
As long as your contact information (name, address, phone and e-mail) is included with the title, the RI DMV will contact you once your original title has been received so you can complete your transaction. Be advised that this process can take several weeks for the original title to be sent to the RI DMV. Please also be advised that the RI DMV cannot request a title from a lienholder or lease company.
A VIN check is required for all transactions involving an Out-of-State title/vehicle.
Reservations are required for all visits. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
For more information on RI’s new title laws, and new requirements for registration and title transactions, CLICK HERE and scroll down.

Engine Failure

If you are driving and the engine suddenly shuts off, sputters or spots, shift to NEUTRAL (and try to restart the vehicle) when the engine first sputters or stops.

Begin moving out of traffic to the nearest shoulder or curbing.

Turn on the hazard flashers. Do not brake.

Try to restart the engine while you are moving. If the engine starts, shift to a forward gear and proceed. If it does not start, move onto the shoulder or to the curb, if possible. Steering will be harder when power is lost by engine failure. Try to start the engine.

If the engine still fails to start, pull to the side of the road, and stop the vehicle. Raise the hood and leave the hazard flashers on. If you have a wireless communication device (cellular phone), use it to secure assistance.

Go for assistance.

If you are driving and the engine suddenly shuts off, sputters or spots, shift to NEUTRAL (and try to restart the vehicle) when the engine first sputters or stops.