The best thing you can do is call the RI dmv and explain what you're trying to do, same with Florida, and see if going the temp reg route is possible given your situation. That's probably the best legal answer, strictly speaking.

The best gray area answer is make sure that you have insurance on the car, in your name, with the proper VIN and an insurance card with complete coverage, and stick another plate on it and don't do anything dumb on the way home. This way you and anyone else on the road is covered against possible accidents, so you're minimizing your risk to tickets or towing expenses, at the very worst.

I'd probably call both DMVs first, see if it's possible to get a temp reg, and then as a last resort just stick another plate on the car.

 

and stick another plate on it and don't do anything dumb on the way home.

DO NOT DO THIS

in NH this is know as misuse of plates and a Huge Fine and potential loss of license, plus the car gets towed and impounded for not being registered. I'm sure it is the same or similar in other states as well.

Not doing anything dumb doesn't stop a cop from running the plate and seeing the vehicle doesn't match (most states share all info these days). And knowingly putting the incorrect plate on the car is a crime (in most states a major crime as its what car thieves etc do)

If the DMVs wont work with you the best bet is towing. That is how most people do this when the car isn't registered yet.

 

Yeah you'll def need to contact the DMV's. I know for example that in NH it's super easy to get 20 day plates, but they're not legal right next door in Mass. I had to get a car home from CT this summer, but the PO was nice enough to let me drive it home on his plates and I just mailed them as soon as I get it home.

 

In VA you can get a transit/trip tag for 3 days. You need the VIN, start and end point and insurance on the vehicle.

If the PO will let you use the tags, that also works.

 

Awesome! I'm planning a very similar trip (from VT to CO and back) over new year's. Buying a tow vehicle for the SPG in preparation for my relocation next spring. Figured it's more efficient and affordable than renting a U-Haul truck and dolly. Good luck sorting the details, keep us posted!

 

Really? lol

In Indiana, it is more acceptable to take a plate from another car even if it's not transferred yet, than to not have one.

 

yes really.

and just because one state says its okay doesnt mean a state you drive through will accept it.

i recommend calling each state you will be driving through to find out what they require to do this.

or tow it. honestly thats why so many people tow the cars.

 

Yeah. All states are different.
In MA, you can drive on your old plates/registration for 7-days if you carry proof that you purchased the new car, and that you sold/do not own the old car.

With all the different laws, it's best to call the RMVs and not guess.

 

Yeah. All states are different.

Eggzachery.

In California you don't even need license plates. Many, many, many cars just rock the new registration taped to the inside of the windshield. Totally legal.

If I was OP, I'd get insurance and have a copy of it, and the bill of sale, and just drive.

 

Guess I'm just a risk taker! Then again, I live in farm town USA, and have literally ridden my tractor to a friends house for kicks.

 

Wrong thread, methinks.

 

Florida dealers will get you a temp tag for an additional fee and enough notice. IIRC, it's 30 days. (I haven't lived in the state since 2000)