R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-25: Issuance of dealer’s plates.

(a) The division of motor vehicles shall issue special “dealer’s plates” as applied for, which shall have displayed on them the general distinguishing number assigned to the applicant. Each plate so issued shall also contain a number or symbol identifying the plate from every other plate bearing the same general distinguishing number. The division of motor vehicles shall issue dealer’s plates every three (3) years in clearly distinguishable colors, one color to be used by new vehicle dealers, another color for used vehicles dealers, and another color for transporter and bailee plates. The color for each category enumerated in this section shall be changed every three (3) years with the issuance of the plates, and vehicle identification devices will be provided annually.

(b) The dealer plate issuance scheduled for January 1, 2017, shall be deferred until January 1, 2018 to coincide with the dealer license renewal cycle.