Green Driver State Incentives in Rhode Island
Rhode Island encourages local drivers to go green with money-saving incentives. These include emissions test exemptions for electric cars, state tax exemptions and federal tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles, auto insurance discounts for fuel-efficient vehicles, and more.
As Rhode Island focuses even more energy of environmental issues, these green driver incentives and related eco-friendly vehicle laws might also evolve. Keep up with the latest by also consulting your local Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles branch and the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Rhode Island Emissions Test Exemptions
Rhode Island exempts electric vehicles from the emissions test portion of the required biennial inspection. However, EVs still must undergo safety inspections to maintain valid RI vehicle registration.
All other Rhode Island-registered alternative fuel vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 lbs. or fewer, must pass biennial safety and emissions. This includes hybrids with the ability to run on gasoline.
For more on inspections, consult the Official Manual for Motor Vehicle Inspection and our page on Rhode Island safety and emissions checks.
To find a nearby inspection station, scroll down to our locator widget at the bottom of this page.
Auto Insurance Discounts for Eco-Friendly Driving and Green Vehicles
If you have green driving habits or drive a fuel-efficient vehicle, you might be eligible for an auto insurance discount. Consult your car insurance company about potential green vehicle discounts such as:
- Hybrid auto discounts.
- Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) discounts.
- Economy car discounts.
- Low-mileage discounts.
- Pay as you drive discounts.
Auto insurance discounts can vary by provider, your personal circumstances and your state. There are many good discounts available and some can be combined. Owning or leasing a hybrid car can get you up to a 10% discount and if you keep the mileage low you can earn an additional discount.
Not all car insurance providers reward Earth-conscious driving. Compare auto insurance rates online and find a Rhode Island provider that values going green and saving green.
State and Federal Tax Incentives
Rhode Island taxpayers in Warren and new car buyers throughout the state might be eligible for an excise tax exemption and federal tax credits, respectively. Keep reading for specifics.
If you have questions on taking advantage of the tax breaks below when it comes time to file, consider consulting a tax professional, the Rhode Island Division of Taxation, or your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Excise Tax Exemption for Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Warren, RI
If your alternative fuel vehicle is registered in the town of Warren and primarily fueled by one of the following, Rhode Island exempts the excise tax imposed up to $100:
- An electric motor that drawers power from rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, or some other portable source of electric current.
- Gas produced from biomass*.
- Liquid produced from coal (either as gaseous or solid synthetic fuels).
- Coke (or coke gas).
*Any organic organic material (or product thereof) other than oil, natural gas, and coal.
Federal Tax Credits for Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Owners
Federal tax credits offer new fuel-efficient car buyers yet another reason to go green. You might qualify for tax credits offered by the IRS if you purchase:
- Electric cars (EV).
- Hybrids.
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEV).
- Diesels.
- Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV).
To find out if you're eligible to save even more money, check out fueleconomy.gov.
Transportation & Climate Initiative of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States
The Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) is a collaboration of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions. The goal of the TCI is to increase the clean energy economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are related to transportation, and lower oil dependence. As an eco-friendly driver, you might be interested in TCI's efforts to enhance the environment.
Find a Nearby Rhode Island Emissions Testing Station
Locate the closest RI smog and emissions testing station with the widget below:
