AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

HB 8177 amends vehicle registration laws to allow the surviving spouse of a deceased Rhode Island National Guard member to transfer the late spouse's special "National Guard" license plates to their own name. This transfer is permitted for the lifetime of the surviving spouse or until they remarry, provided the deceased was certified as serving or having retired under honorable conditions. The bill also maintains existing provisions requiring a $25 fee for plate issuance and authorizes active Guard members with these plates to drive on highways during state emergencies.