Latest Woonsocket Out-of-State Plate Crackdown Nets 37 Violators

WOONSOCKET, R.I.: Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt, Public Safety Director Eugene Jalette, and Police Chief Thomas F. Oates III today released results of the City’s latest enforcement effort to restrict out-of-state vehicles parked or garaged overnight in the City for more than 30 days. City Police issued 37 citations to out-of-state registered vehicles during a sweep across the City from April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020. Violators were summoned to appear before the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal (RITT) on October 8, 2020.

Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt stated, “We have prioritized enforcing the state law against out-ofstate vehicle parking.” The Mayor further explained, “First, it is imperative that we have correct information for all vehicles in our City so we can quickly identify vehicle owners and contact next-of-kin should a public safety emergency arise where time is of the essence. Second, it is only fair to all of our resident taxpayers that if you live and drive a car in Woonsocket and use our City services, you need to register your car here and pay your fair share of car tax.”

Director Jalette added, “We are extremely thankful to the public who took the time to report the violators and are appreciative of their patience during the process. Citing violators is extremely labor extensive but worth the effort.”

Chief Oates said; “Enforcement of this statute (RIGL 31-7-1) helps ensure the public safety by being able to quickly identify and locate vehicle owners should the need arise.” Chief Oates further implores residents to properly register their vehicles to their home address.

The 37 citations represent the following out-of-state registrations;

Massachusetts 30
Florida 3
Connecticut 1
Maine 1
New York 2

Since January 2018, the police have now issued 264 citations to owners of out-of-state registered motor vehicles observed parked within the city overnight in excess of 30 days.