Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)?
   
   In Rhode Island, the Department of Transportation and the Division of Motor Vehicles are completely separate departments of state government. The Division of Motor Vehicles has a website on which DMV information can be found.
   
   If your question concerns auto registration, vehicle titles, insurance requirements, financial responsibility, accident reports, automobile dealers' license and regulation, disability plates, driver's licenses and renewals, handicapped plates, learner's permit and first license, license examinations, license suspension/reinstatement, oversize permits, plates, road test, safety and emission control, motor vehicle sales tax, school bus safety, or commercial drivers' licenses, go to the DMV Web site.
   
   If your question concerns emissions and safety inspections, please visit the Rhode Island Inspections Page.
   
   If your question concerns driver's education in Rhode Island please visit the CCRI Driver's Education Page.
2. How do I file a damage claim with the State?
   
   Click here for detailed information regarding damage claims. The Department’s Highway and Bridge Maintenance Claims Section also provides detailed instructions on filing a claim through its automated, 24 hour Claims Line at 734-4817.
   
   Timeliness is important - Notice of a pothole claim must be postmarked or received within 7 days of the incident.
3. What are the primary mailing addresses and phone numbers for RIDOT?
   
   RIDOT Headquarters
   Two Capitol Hill
   Providence, RI 02903
   (Telephone 401 222-2481)
   
   RIDOT Maintenance Headquarters
   360 Lincoln Ave.,
   Warwick RI 02888-3030
   (Telephone 401 222-2378)
4. Is the Pell Newport Bridge still accepting tokens?
   
   E-ZPass is fully up and running in every lane on the Newport/Pell Bridge, which is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority. Tokens are no longer being sold and are not accepted in the toll lanes.  Unused tokens can be credited towards an E-ZPass account or the RITBA will send a check. E-ZPass transponders are available at the E-ZPass Office and new accounts take 24 hours to activate. Redeem tokens at either of the following locations:
   
   RITBA Administration Office:
   Monday through Friday
   8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
   
   E-ZPass Office
   (Located adjacent to the RITBA Office)
   Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
   Saturday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
   
5. Where can I find the traffic count on a certain state road?
   RIDOT posts its popular "Traffic Flow" map online at http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/gis/maps/sm02.pdf. Once you have the map open, use the Acrobat Reader tools to zoom and pan the map to find the location you are seeking.

6. Can I get free state maps from the RIDOT?
   The distribution of free Rhode Island road maps is handled by the Rhode Island Tourism Department's Visit Rhode Island website and click the “Get a Free Travel Guide” button on the left. Please contact them toll free 24 hours a day at (800) 556-2484 or send an email to visitrhodeisland@riedc.com.
   
   You can download an electronic version here in either an 8.5 x 11 size for easy printing or full size.
   
   RIDOT does offer digital and print versions of all Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Maps. Available maps include state highway maps, traffic flow, and area maps. A complete list is available at the GIS Digital Maps page.
7. Where are the Park & Ride Facillities?
   Click here (http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/intermodal/parknride.htm) for a list of all Park & Ride facilities.
8. Who can I contact with questions regarding utility permits?
   All inquiries about utility permits are handled by the Transportation Development section. They can be contacted at (401) 222-2482 ext. 4820.
9. Where can I find a list of all posted bridges in the state of Rhode Island?
   Posted bridges are available in the engineering section of our site. They are available via a pdf map (../documents/engineering/br/bridges.pdf) as well as via a table (http://www.dot.ri.gov/engineering/pages/bridges.asp) displaying a list of all bridges.
10. What is the mission of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation?
    The mission of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation is stated here.
11. Where does the Rhode Island Department of Transportation get its funding?
    In 2005, President George W. Bush signed a $286.5 billion transportation reauthorization bill. Funding.
12. How can I request to have tree limbs trimmed from around my power lines?
    This service is not provided by the Rhode Island DOT. Please contact the power company that services your area and they will be able to help you.
13. Can the RIDOT get me a truck driver's health card?
    No, this process is handled by Rhode Island Trucker Owner's Association. Please call them for more details at 401-729-5210.
14. Where can I get a Hoisting Engineer/Heavy Lifter's License?
    This is not handled by RIDOT. Please contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor at (401) 462-1860 or (401) 243-9100 for more information.
15. How can I request to have roads or crosswalks re-striped?
    For requests for repainting of crosswalks and re-striping of roads please contact Highway and Bridge Maintenance at (401) 222-2378 extension 4881.
16. How can I get an oversized load permit?
    These permits are not handled by the Rhode Island DOT. To get a permit please contact the Rhode Island DMV at (401) 588-3011.
17. What are those W3R signs all over Rhode Island?
    
    The symbol seen at left marks the historic Washington Rochambeau Revolutonary Route through Rhode Island. For more information, click here.