R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-4-8: Dismantled vehicles.

(a) Any owner dismantling or wrecking any registered vehicle shall immediately forward to the division of motor vehicles, the registration card, and the registration plate or plates last issued for that vehicle.

(b) Any motor vehicle, if repaired must be inspected and approved by the motor vehicles enforcement division prior to registration and, if required, reissuance of a new Rhode Island vehicle identification plate.