R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-12.1-5: Special procedure regarding certain abandoned vehicles.

(a) If an abandoned, abandoned and of no value, or unattended vehicle, as defined in § 39-12.1-2, is at least ten (10) years old or less than ten (10) years old and has an altered vehicle identification number; has not been registered within one year; has no established fair market value; and would not pass a safety inspection pursuant to chapter 38 of title 31, a certificated tower shall not be required to comply with the provisions of § 39-12.1-4.

(b) If a police department takes possession or orders the removal of a vehicle that meets the requirements of this section, the police department shall request that the state police conduct a computer search to determine if the vehicle is a stolen vehicle. The police department shall remove the vehicle identification number from the vehicle and shall maintain a record of all numbers removed from vehicles for a period of two (2) years.

(c) A police department that complies with the provisions of this section may dispose of the vehicle in accordance with the provisions of § 39-12.1-9 five (5) days after the removal of the vehicle identification number.