Tax incentives and/or other incentives for drivers of electric vehicles in Newport.
A low-speed vehicle may operate on the roadways of Prudence Island between the hours of 6am and 6pm. A low-speed vehicle may not operate on a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour (mph), but it may cross a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph. For the purpose of this regulation, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a self-propelled, electric or gas powered motor vehicle that is designed to carry no more than four passengers; is designed to be and is operated at speeds of not more than 25 mph; and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-19.4-1)
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may issue special vehicle license plates to owners of electric drive vehicles, including those powered in whole or in part by a storage battery. Eligible vehicles include hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and all-electric vehicles registered as electric drive vehicles in the state. For more information, including license plate fee, see the Rhode Island DMV Other Plates website.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-3-101)
Vehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state emissions control inspections. For more information, see the Rhode Island Emissions and Safety Testing Program website.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-47.1-5)
The Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE EV) rebate program offers rebates for the purchase or lease of ZEVs and PHEVs. Rebate amounts vary based on vehicle type:
| Vehicle Technology | Maximum Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| ZEV | $1,500 for a new vehicle; $1,000 for a pre-owned vehicle |
| PHEV | $1,000 for a new vehicle; $750 for a pre-owned vehicle |
ZEVs include all-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. New vehicles may not have a purchase price above $60,000, and pre-owned vehicles may not have a purchase price above $40,000. All eligible vehicles must be purchased on or after July 7, 2022. An additional rebate of up to $1,500 is available to applicants that participate in a state or federal income-qualified program. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including a list of income-qualified programs, see the DRIVE EV and DRIVE EV+ websites.
No person can stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a parking space where there is an EV charger and signage indicating that parking is for EV charging only, unless the vehicle is connected to the charging equipment. Violations will be subject to a fine of $85.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-21-18 and Rhode Island General Laws 31-41.1-4)
A low-speed vehicle may operate on the roadways of the City of Newport as a commercial jitney service between the hours of 6am and 12am. A low-speed vehicle may not operate on a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour (mph), but it may cross a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph. For the purpose of this regulation, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a self-propelled, electric, or gas powered motor vehicle that is designed to carry no more than eight passengers; is designed to be and is operated at speeds of not more than 25 mph; and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-19.5-1)
Beginning July 1, 2024, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a four wheeled electric vehicle that has a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph, has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds, and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. Low speed vehicles may not be driven on any roadway or highway with a speed limit greater than 35 mph. Additional requirements apply.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-19.6-1)
Find all electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in and/or near Newport (Rhode Island). Search and compare local EV charging stations in Newport, and find a convenient location to charge your car.