R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23.1-5: Rhode Island commissioner.

The commissioner of this state on the vehicle equipment safety commission shall be the administrator of the division of motor vehicles who shall serve during his or her continuance as the officer. The commissioner of this state appointed pursuant to this section may designate an alternate from among the officers and employees of the commissioner’s agency to serve in his or her place and stead on the vehicle equipment safety commission. Subject to the provisions of the compact and bylaws of the vehicle equipment safety commission, the authority and responsibilities of the alternate shall be as determined by the commissioner designating the alternate.