2005 Rhode Island Code - § 39-12.1-5 — Special procedure regarding certain abandoned vehicles.

    (a) If an abandoned, abandoned and of no value, or unattended vehicle, as defined in § 39-12.1-2 is at least ten (10) years old, or less than ten (10) years old and has altered vehicle identification number, has not been registered within one year, has no established fair market value and would not pass a safety inspection pursuant to chapter 38 of title 31 a certificated tower shall not be required to comply with the provisions of § 39-12.1-4.

   (b) If a police department takes possession or orders the removal of a vehicle which meets the requirements of this section the police department shall request that the state police conduct a computer search to determine if the vehicle is a stolen vehicle. The police department shall remove the vehicle identification number from the vehicle, and shall maintain a record of all numbers removed from vehicles for a period of two (2) years.

   (c) A police department which complies with the provisions of this section may dispose of the vehicle in accordance with the provisions of § 39-12.1-9 five (5) days after the removal of the vehicle identification number.