R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-40

All safety belts must be of a type and must be installed in a manner approved by the division of motor vehicles. The division of motor vehicles shall establish specifications and requirements for approved types of safety belts and attachments to them. The division of motor vehicles will accept, as approved, all seat belt installations and the belt and anchor meeting the Society of Automotive Engineers’ specifications. No new passenger motor vehicle shall be registered unless it is equipped with an approved type of safety seat belt. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall suspend the registration of any motor vehicle not so equipped until it is made to conform to the requirements of this section. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.