R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-14: Retention of suspended, cancelled, or revoked license — Seizure by peace officer.

The division of motor vehicles upon suspending, canceling, or revoking a license shall require that the license be surrendered to and be retained by the division of motor vehicles. At the end of the period of suspension the license so surrendered may be returned to the licensee in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. If any person shall fail to return to the division of motor vehicles the license as required by the division of motor vehicles, the division of motor vehicles shall immediately direct any peace officer to secure possession of the license and to return it to the division of motor vehicles.