The division of motor vehicles is authorized to assign a distinguishing number to a motor vehicle whenever the motor or serial number thereon is destroyed or obliterated and to issue to the owner a special plate bearing such distinguishing number which shall be affixed to the vehicle in a position to be determined by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles. The motor vehicle shall be registered under this distinguishing number in lieu of the former serial number.
Assignment of new identifying numbers
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-37., under Chapter 31-3 Registration of Vehicles.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-37.