Second Crackdown of Out-of-State Registration Violators

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2018

 Contact: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt
                baldellihunt@woonsocketri.org; (401) 767-9205

Second Crackdown of Out-of-State Registration Violators

WOONSOCKET, RI:  Thirty-one individuals are scheduled to appear at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal on Thursday, October 18, 2018 to answer Woonsocket Police Department citations for parking their out-of-state registered motor vehicle overnight for more than 30 days in the City.

"This fall sweep is a continuation of the police department's spring sweep which successfully resulted in the issuance of 54 motor vehicle citations," said Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt.  "The goal is to more evenly distribute the motor vehicle tax burden among those who are currently paying and everyone who should be paying."

Police Chief Thomas F. Oates, III emphasized the importance of residents providing the City with accurate and up-to-date contact information and the impact it has upon public safety departments. “This is the second group of violators located and cited this year," said Chief Oates.  "As I have stated before, the Woonsocket Police Department will continue to monitor the City of Woonsocket for vehicles in violation of this section of the state's motor vehicle law.  This is first and foremost a concern of public safety to have this correct information.  Our goal is to have people comply with this legal requirement.  Those who fail to do so shall be held accountable through the traffic court as well as the Woonsocket Tax Assessors’ Office.”

State law requires a motor vehicle owner to formally update its registration with a change of address within 10 days of moving. The registration should reflect the address where the vehicle is kept.  "Equal distribution of motor vehicle tax liability among City vehicle owners lessens the burden whereas evading payment of tax simply increases the burden," added Mayor Baldelli-Hunt.

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