R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 6-13.1 § 6-13.1-18
Manufacturers' duties under motor vehicle warranties
Operative Text
Failure by a motor vehicle manufacturer, as defined in § 31-5.2-1, to comply with the provisions of chapter 5.2 of title 31 entitled "Consumer Enforcement of Motor Vehicle Warranties" shall constitute a deceptive trade practice under the terms of this chapter. All of the public and private remedies provided for in this chapter shall be available to enforce the provisions of chapter 5.2 of title 31.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1-18, when a motor vehicle manufacturer fails to meet its obligations under Rhode Island's 'Consumer Enforcement of Motor Vehicle Warranties' law (Title 31, Chapter 5.2), that failure is treated as a deceptive trade practice under the state's consumer protection statute. This classification means that both the public enforcement tools and the private legal remedies available under the broader consumer protection chapter apply equally to warranty violations. The provision effectively links two separate bodies of law, giving warranty disputes the full weight of Rhode Island's deceptive trade practice framework.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1-18 is directed at motor vehicle manufacturers rather than property owners or managers, landlords who provide or arrange vehicle-related services or warranties as part of a rental offering should be aware that warranty non-compliance can trigger deceptive trade practice liability. Operators generally ensure that any representations made about vehicle warranties are accurate and that they fulfill any warranty commitments they undertake. Familiarity with both Title 31, Chapter 5.2 and the broader Chapter 6-13.1 framework helps operators understand the scope of potential exposure.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1-18 gives consumers whose motor vehicle warranty rights have been violated access to the full range of remedies available under Rhode Island's deceptive trade practice law, not just those found in the warranty statute itself. This can include both private civil claims and complaints pursued through public enforcement channels. Consumers who believe a manufacturer has failed to honor warranty obligations may wish to consult a tenant-rights or consumer-rights organization, or review the remedies outlined in Chapter 6-13.1, to understand the options generally available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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