R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-21: Manufacturer’s license required.

(a) No manufacturer, factory representative, or distributor shall engage in business as a manufacturer, factory representative, or distributor in this state without a license to do so as provided in § 31-5-22.

(b) For the purpose of this chapter, each division of a motor vehicle manufacturer or distributor shall be considered a separate manufacturer or distributor for purposes of licensing under this chapter. The department of revenue is empowered to obtain from the Rhode Island superior court for Providence County a restraining order temporarily, preliminarily, and permanently restraining any manufacturer, distributor, or factory representative from engaging in business within this state unless licensed.