R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 6-13.1 § 6-13.1-19
Motor vehicle dealer's duty when selling used vehicle
Operative Text
Failure of a motor vehicle dealer to comply with the provisions of chapter 5.3 of title 31 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 5.3 of title 31.
Rhode Island General Laws § 6-13.1-19 establishes that when a motor vehicle dealer fails to meet the requirements set out in chapter 5.3 of title 31 (which governs used vehicle sales disclosures), that failure is treated as a deceptive trade practice under the state's consumer protection law. This classification unlocks both the public enforcement tools available to state authorities and the private legal remedies available to individual consumers. In effect, the provision ties used-car dealer compliance obligations directly into Rhode Island's broader deceptive trade practices framework.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although § 6-13.1-19 is directed at motor vehicle dealers rather than residential landlords, property managers who operate or are affiliated with dealerships should be aware that non-compliance with Rhode Island's used vehicle disclosure requirements under chapter 5.3 of title 31 carries the full weight of the state's deceptive trade practices law. Compliant dealers generally ensure that all required disclosures are made accurately and completely at the point of sale. Failure to do so exposes the business to both state-initiated enforcement actions and civil claims brought by individual buyers.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
While § 6-13.1-19 applies to motor vehicle dealers rather than landlords or tenants, consumers who purchased a used vehicle from a Rhode Island dealer and believe required disclosures were withheld or misrepresented may have recourse under the state's deceptive trade practices law. The provision makes both public remedies—such as enforcement by state authorities—and private remedies available to affected buyers. Individuals in this situation may consider consulting a tenant-rights or consumer-rights organization, or reviewing the complaint processes available through Rhode Island's consumer protection offices, to understand which enforcement paths may be relevant.
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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