Rhode Island PE Stamp Overview
PE stamps in Rhode Island are regulated by the Rhode Island State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers (RISBRPE) to ensure the authenticity and accountability of engineering work. In this blog post, we will summarize the key requirements for Rhode Island PE stamps and provide a comprehensive overview of the relevant regulations and guidelines.
Rhode Island Code Reference: The requirements for Rhode Island PE stamps are outlined in the Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) and the Rhode Island Administrative Code (RIAC). The specific sections that cover PE stamps are:
- RIGL § 5-8-23: Seals
- RIAC 10-05-000-008: Rules of Professional Conduct
Stamp Size and Design – The Rhode Island PE stamp must meet the following size and design requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | The seal shall be 1-1/2 inches in diameter and consist of two concentric circles. |
| Design | The seal shall bear the licensee’s name, license number, and the words “Registered Professional Engineer” and “State of Rhode Island.” |
| Border | The seal shall have two concentric circles with the outer circle having a diameter of 1-1/2 inches and the inner circle having a diameter of 1 inch. |
| Lettering | The licensee’s name and license number shall be placed within the inner circle. The words “Registered Professional Engineer” and “State of Rhode Island” shall be placed between the inner and outer circles. |
Other Important Information:
- Signing and Sealing: All final engineering documents must be signed, dated, and sealed by the licensee in responsible charge of the work. The signature and date shall be placed adjacent to the seal. The purpose of the seal is to certify that the work has been performed by the licensee or under their direct supervision.
- Electronic Signatures: The use of electronic signatures and digital seals is permitted in Rhode Island, provided they meet the requirements set forth by the RISBRPE. The electronic seal and signature must be unique to the licensee, verifiable, and under the sole control of the licensee. The use of electronic seals and signatures does not negate the requirements for proper signing and sealing of engineering documents.
- Out-of-State Licensees: Professional engineers licensed in other states must obtain a Rhode Island PE license through comity or reciprocity to practice engineering in Rhode Island and use the Rhode Island PE stamp on their documents. The RISBRPE has specific requirements for out-of-state licensees seeking to obtain a Rhode Island PE license, including education, experience, and examination requirements.
- Stamp Ownership: The PE stamp is the property of the licensee and must be under their control at all times. It is the licensee’s responsibility to prevent unauthorized use of their stamp and to report any lost or stolen stamps to the RISBRPE immediately.
- Stamp Usage: The PE stamp should only be used on documents that have been prepared by the licensee or under their direct supervision. The licensee is responsible for ensuring that all documents bearing their seal are accurate, complete, and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards. Misuse of the stamp, such as sealing documents not prepared by the licensee or under their direct supervision, may result in disciplinary action by the RISBRPE, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the PE license.
- Retention of Sealed Documents: Rhode Island regulations require that licensees maintain a record of all documents bearing their seal for a minimum of ten years following the date of sealing. These records must be made available to the RISBRPE upon request and may be used in the event of a complaint or disciplinary action against the licensee.
- Professional Conduct: Rhode Island PEs are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics. This includes maintaining competency in their field of practice, avoiding conflicts of interest, and promptly reporting any violations of the Rhode Island PE laws and regulations to the RISBRPE.
By adhering to these requirements and staying informed about any updates or changes to the Rhode Island PE stamp regulations, professional engineers can ensure compliance with state laws and maintain the integrity of their professional work. Regular review of the relevant RIGL and RIAC sections and the RISBRPE website is essential for staying current with the latest requirements and guidelines.
For more detailed information, please refer to the official website of the Rhode Island State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers at https://bdp.ri.gov/engineers/.