RI S3097

Requires all motor vehicles engaged in intrastate commerce to be permanently marked with a USDOT number effective April 1, 2027, conforming to federal provisions in 49 CFR 390.21T

Exempts state and municipal vehicles, Rhode Island public transit authority buses, school buses, municipal transit buses, government-owned hazardous materials vehicles, and professional driving school vehicles from the marking requirement

Expands the definition of "carrier" to include vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 lbs. or more, vehicles transporting 8+ passengers for compensation, vehicles transporting 15+ passengers not for compensation, and vehicles transporting placarded hazardous materials

Designates the Rhode Island State Police as the lead agency for managing motor carrier safety inspector certification and annual in-service training programs

Takes effect upon passage, with the USDOT marking requirement becoming enforceable on April 1, 2027