Driving in Inclement Weather | RI Division of Motor Vehicles

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.

Driving in Inclement Weather

Winter Driving

Drivers may not be prepared for driving on ice or snow and should take it slow. Remember to drive well below the posted speed limit and increase your following distance between other vehicles leaving plenty of room between vehicles.

Black ice, also known as invisible ice, can be extremely dangerous. Roads that seem dry may be slippery and dangerous. Reduce your speed when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shady areas – all are increased areas for black ice.

Brake – Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly, and never slam on the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. Either way, give yourself plenty of space and distance to stop your vehicle safely.

DRIVING TIP THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN OR SNOW WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON.

If the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydroplane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you lose control.