reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-11. - Registration and licensing of vehicles and operators — CPR training requirement.

§ 39-13-11. Registration and licensing of vehicles and operators — CPR training requirement.
(a)
Upon the granting of a certificate of public convenience and necessity as provided in this chapter, the division of motor vehicles shall have jurisdiction over the registration of any jitney and over the licensing of its operator and its lighting, safety, and sanitary conditions.
(b)
Effective January 1, 1986, no new license shall be issued to a jitney operator unless he or she has presented evidence of satisfactory completion of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training program. The program is to be approved by the American Heart Association, Rhode Island Affiliate, Inc., or the American Red Cross Association, Inc.; provided, however, that any person licensed as a jitney operator prior to January 1, 1986, shall not be required to complete the training program.
(c)
This section shall not apply to operators of “taxicabs” or “limited public motor vehicles” as defined in chapter 14 of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-11; P.L. 1985, ch. 34, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 65, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 120, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 115.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-12. - License plates.

§ 39-13-12. License plates.
Every jitney shall carry markers to be furnished by the division of motor vehicles, which markers shall indicate that the vehicle is licensed for jitney service.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-12.1. - Issuance of a permit to interstate carriers.

§ 39-13-12.1. Issuance of a permit to interstate carriers.
Every motor carrier engaged in transporting passengers over the highways of this state for compensation in interstate commerce, shall file an application with the administrator for a permit of registration. The application shall be accompanied by a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). Upon a showing by the carrier that it has been authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission to conduct an operation into, from, within, or through this state, and that the carrier is in compliance with all other requirements of this chapter, the administrator shall issue a permit of registration to the carrier as soon as possible and the carrier shall not so operate in interstate commerce unless and until the permit of registration shall have been issued. The motor carrier shall be required to file with the administrator only that portion of its interstate authority permitting operations within the borders of this state, and the motor carrier shall not be required to file with the administrator emergency or temporary operating authority having a duration of thirty (30) consecutive days or less, if the carrier has registered its interstate authority and registered and identified its vehicles under the provisions of this chapter. The administrator shall prescribe reasonable rules and regulations governing the registration of interstate authority. Each intrastate motor carrier holding a common-carrier certificate from the administrator is hereby granted the right to operate motor vehicles in interstate commerce in the transportation of passengers for compensation, as authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission without obtaining a permit of registration from the administrator.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 15; P.L. 1986, ch. 34, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-12.2. - Registration and identification of vehicles.

§ 39-13-12.2. Registration and identification of vehicles.
Every interstate motor carrier engaged in the transportation of passengers for compensation over the highways of this state, subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall apply to the administrator for the issuance of a vehicle identification device for the registration and identification of vehicles. The application shall be accompanied by a filing fee in the amount of eight dollars ($8.00) for each identification device applied for. All intrastate carriers shall be assessed twenty dollars ($20.00) for each identification device for which an application is made; provided, however, that this fee shall not apply to any city or town, or any agency or department of any city or town of the state, or any nonprofit jitney service utilized for the transportation of senior citizens. All revenues received under this section shall be deposited as general revenues. The identification device shall be furnished annually to every carrier whose duty it shall be to apply therefor. It shall be unlawful for any motor vehicle to be engaged in transporting passengers for compensation in either intrastate or interstate commerce without the owner thereof having applied for and received the required identification device, unless the vehicle is exempted from the provisions of this chapter. Each identification device shall be accompanied by a registration card issued by the administrator which shall be in the possession of the vehicle’s driver when the vehicle is in operation. Transfers of the identification device from one vehicle to another are hereby prohibited. The administrator in his or her discretion may refuse to reissue the identification device to the holder of any certificate, permit, or permit of registration, pending any complaint or hearing upon the question of revocation or suspension or in which the question is involved. The administrator shall prescribe reasonable rules and regulations governing the registration and identification of motor vehicles authorized for operation under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 15; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 34, § 6; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 115.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-14. - Administrative powers.

§ 39-13-14. Administrative powers.
The division is authorized to make such rules and regulations, to hold such hearings, and to issue such certificates as the provisions of §§ 39-13-1 — 39-13-6 and §§ 39-13-10 — 39-13-16 may require.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-15. - Penalty for violations.

§ 39-13-15. Penalty for violations.
Any person or the officers of any association or corporation, who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter or any order, rule, or regulation adopted or established by the division under the provisions of this chapter, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100) or imprisoned not more than sixty (60) days, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-16. - Severability.

§ 39-13-16. Severability.
Each section of this chapter and every part of each section are hereby declared to be independent sections; and the holding of any section or sections, or part or parts thereof, to be void, ineffective, or unconstitutional for any cause, shall not be deemed to affect any other section or part thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-17. - Exemptions.

§ 39-13-17. Exemptions.
Every person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of public passenger transportation in the state of Rhode Island shall be and remain exempt from gasoline and diesel engine fuel taxes for such fuel as is consumed by its public passenger buses used exclusively in its public passenger transportation system, as distinguished from buses used for charter, contract, lease, or school transportation service, and shall be and remain exempt from the motor vehicle registration fees for each public passenger bus used exclusively in its public passenger transportation system as distinguished from buses used for charter, contract, lease, or school transportation service, as provided in § 31-6-1, as amended, in excess of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 166, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13.1 - Motor Carrier Transportation Contracts › Section 39-13.1-1. - Definitions.

§ 39-13.1-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Motor carrier” means a contract carrier, a common carrier, or a private carrier of property or passengers by motor vehicle.
(2)
“Motor carrier transportation contract” means a contract, agreement, or understanding covering:
(i)
The transportation of property for compensation by a motor carrier or a service incidental thereof;
(ii)
Entrance on property by a motor carrier for the purposes of loading, unloading, or transporting property for compensation or a service incidental thereof; or
(iii)
A service incidental to an activity described in subsections (2)(i) and (2)(ii).
(3)
“Promisee” means the promisee and any agents, employees, servants, or independent contractors who are directly responsible to the promisee except for motor carriers party to a motor carrier transportation contract with the promisee, and the motor carrier’s agents, employees, servants, or independent contractors directly responsible to the motor carrier.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 83, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 89, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13.1 - Motor Carrier Transportation Contracts › Section 39-13.1-2. - Indemnity agreement in motor carrier transportation contract void.

§ 39-13.1-2. Indemnity agreement in motor carrier transportation contract void.
(a)
Notwithstanding the provisions of chapters 12 and 13 of this title, or any general or public law to the contrary, any provision, clause, covenant, or agreement contained in a motor carrier transportation contract that purports to indemnify, defend, or hold harmless, or has the effect of indemnifying, defending, or holding harmless, an indemnitee from or against any liability for loss or damage resulting from the indemnitee’s negligence or intentional acts or omissions shall be void and unenforceable.
(b)
This section does not apply to the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement administered by the Intermodal Association of North America or other agreements providing for the interchange, use, or possession of intermodal chassis or other intermodal equipment.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 83, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 89, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13.1 - Motor Carrier Transportation Contracts › Section 39-13.1-3. - Applicability.

§ 39-13.1-3. Applicability.
This chapter shall apply to motor carrier transportation contracts entered into or renewed on or after the effective date of this chapter [June 28, 2018].
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 83, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 89, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-1. - Definitions.

§ 39-14-1. Definitions.
Terms used in this chapter shall be construed as follows, unless another meaning is expressed or is clearly apparent from the language or context:
(1)
“Certificate” means a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued to a common carrier.
(2)
“Common carrier” means any person who holds himself, herself, or itself out to the general public as engaging in the transportation by motor vehicle of passengers for compensation in a taxicab or in a limited public motor vehicle.
(3)
“Driver” means any person operating a motor vehicle used for the transportation of passengers which he or she owns or is operating with the expressed or implied consent of the owner.
(4)
“Limited public motor vehicle” means and includes every motor vehicle for hire, other than a jitney, as defined in § 39-13-1, or a taxicab, as defined in this chapter, equipped with a taximeter used for transporting members of the general public for compensation only from a designated location on private property to such points as may be directed by the passenger.
(5)
“Motor carrier” means a common carrier by motor vehicle.
(6)
“Person” means and includes any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association, or company, and his, her, or its lessee, trustee, receiver, assignee, or personal representative, and, where the context requires, “driver” as defined in this section.
(7)
“Taxicab” means and includes every motor vehicle for hire, other than a jitney as defined in § 39-13-1, equipped with a taximeter, used for transporting members of the general public for compensation to any place within this state as may be directed by a passenger on a call-and-demand basis, when the solicitation or acceptance of the passenger occurs within the location named in the certificate; provided, that the vehicle’s driver may, if and when solicited on a public highway at any location at which he or she is discharging a passenger, which location is not shown in the certificate, provide transportation from the location only to a place named in the certificate.
(8)
“Taximeter” means any instrument or device by which the charge for transportation in any taxicab or limited public motor vehicle is mechanically calculated and indicated by means of figures, either for distances traveled or for waiting time, or for both.
(9)
“Wheelchair-accessible taxicab” means a taxicab designed and equipped to allow the transportation of a person(s) who uses a wheelchair without requiring that person(s) to be removed from the wheelchair, but the taxicab is not restricted to transporting only persons using wheelchairs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1423, § 1; P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 1; P.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-1; P.L. 1965, ch. 193, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 16; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 116; P.L. 2007, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-2. - Powers of division.

§ 39-14-2. Powers of division.
Every person owning or operating a motor vehicle engaged or to be engaged in operating a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle is declared a common carrier and subject as such to the jurisdiction of the division of public utilities and carriers. The division shall prescribe such rules and regulations as it shall deem proper to assure adequate, economical, safe, and efficient service at reasonable charges without unjust discrimination, undue preference or advantages, or unfair or destructive competitive practices. The division may require common carriers to prepare records and to preserve them, and to make such reports to it as shall disclose to the division the character of service rendered, the safety of equipment used, and the safety of operation, the character of the management and conduct of the common-carrier business, and its relation to and control of or by other carriers or other businesses. Upon complaint or upon his or her own initiative, the administrator may investigate or conduct a hearing as to compliance by any common carrier with the provisions of this title or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and shall issue orders as his or her findings shall indicate to be necessary or desirable for the public welfare. The findings of the administrator shall be reported in writing and copies thereof shall be furnished to the parties involved.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 2; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-2; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-2.1. - Filing and availability of rate schedules.

§ 39-14-2.1. Filing and availability of rate schedules.
Every taxicab or limited public motor vehicle shall file with the public utilities administrator current schedules that shall be open to public inspection, showing all rates, tolls, and charges it has established and that are in force at the time for any service performed by it within the state, or for any service in connection therewith or performed by any taxicab or limited public motor vehicle controlled or operated by it. A copy of so much of the schedules as the administrator shall deem necessary for the use of the public shall be printed in plain type or typewritten, and kept on file in every station or office of the taxicab or limited public motor vehicle, open to the public in such form and place as to be readily accessible and conveniently inspected, as the administrator may order. The administrator may determine and prescribe the form in which the schedules, required by this section to be kept open to public inspection, shall be prepared and arranged.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 499, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-3. - Certificate required for operation — Application and fee.

§ 39-14-3. Certificate required for operation — Application and fee.
No person, association, or corporation shall operate a taxicab or taxicabs or a limited public motor vehicle or vehicles in any city or town in the state until the person, association, or corporation shall have obtained a certificate from the division certifying that public convenience and necessity require the operation of a taxicab or taxicabs or a limited public motor vehicle or vehicles for transportation of passengers, the acceptance or solicitation of which originate only within the territory specified in the certificate. The certificate shall be issued only after written application for a certificate, accompanied by a fee of one hundred dollars ($100), has been made, and public hearing held thereon. All revenues received under this section shall be deposited as general revenues. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall not register any vehicle defined in this section unless the person, association, or corporation shall present evidence of certification pursuant to this section to the administrator.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 3; P.L. 1940, ch. 823, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-3; P.L. 1960, ch. 71, art. 3, § 34; P.L. 1965, ch. 193, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 34, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 34, § 7; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 120; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 116.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-4. - Hearing on application.

§ 39-14-4. Hearing on application.
Upon receipt of an application, the division shall, within a reasonable time, fix the time and place of the hearing on every application. Notice of the hearing shall be given by first-class mail to the applicant and shall be published in a newspaper with statewide distribution.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 3; P.L. 1940, ch. 823, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-4; P.L. 1965, ch. 193, § 3; P.L. 1995, ch. 151, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-4.1. - Issuance of certificate to a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle.

§ 39-14-4.1. Issuance of certificate to a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle.
A certificate shall be issued by the administrator, after a hearing, to any qualified applicant therefor, authorizing the whole or any part of the operations covered by the application, if it is found that the applicant is fit, willing, and able properly to perform the service proposed and to conform to the provisions of this chapter and the requirements, orders, rules, and regulations of the administrator thereunder, and that the proposed service, to the extent to be authorized by the certificate, is or will be required by the present or future public convenience and necessity; otherwise the application shall be denied. Any certificate issued under this chapter shall specify the service to be rendered and, at the time of the issuance and from time to time thereafter, attached to the exercise of the privileges granted by the certificate, such reasonable terms, conditions, and limitations as the public convenience and necessity may from time to time require. Certificates issued under this chapter shall be renewed before the close of business on December 31 of each calendar year. The renewal fee shall be one hundred dollars ($100) and shall be submitted with the renewal form. All revenues received under this section shall be deposited as general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 34, § 8; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-4.2. - Registration and identification of taxicabs and limited public motor vehicles.

§ 39-14-4.2. Registration and identification of taxicabs and limited public motor vehicles.
Every taxicab and limited public motor vehicle engaged in the transportation of passengers for compensation over the highways of this state, subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall apply to the administrator for the issuance of a vehicle identification device for the registration and identification of vehicles. The application shall be accompanied by a filing fee in the amount of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each identification device for which an application is made. All revenues received under this section shall be deposited as general revenues. The identification device shall be furnished annually to every carrier whose duty it shall be to apply therefor. It shall be unlawful for any taxicab or limited public motor vehicle to be engaged in transporting passengers for compensation without the owner thereof having applied for and received the required identification device, unless the vehicle is exempted from the provisions of this chapter. Each identification device shall be accompanied by a registration card issued by the administrator which shall be in the possession of the vehicle’s driver, when the vehicle is operating. Transfers of the identification device from one vehicle to another are hereby prohibited unless authorized by the administrator. The administrator, in his or her discretion, may refuse to reissue the identification device to the holder of any certificate or permit pending any complaint or hearing upon the question of revocation or suspension or in which such question is involved. The administrator shall prescribe reasonable rules and regulations governing the registration and identification of motor vehicles authorized for operation under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 34, § 8; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-5. - Certification of businesses previously established.

§ 39-14-5. Certification of businesses previously established.
The business of operating any limited public motor vehicle actually established in any city or town on or before February 15, 1956, and in continuous operation from that date to the date of application, shall be presumed to be required by public convenience and necessity, and certificates for operation shall be issued as a matter of right without public hearing, the provisions of § 39-14-4 notwithstanding; provided, however, that the certificates shall be limited to the number of public service registrations in effect, or for which applications were on file in the division of motor vehicles on April 27, 1956, at five o’clock (5:00) p.m. Pending the issuance of the certificates by the division, the continued operation by the applicant shall be lawful.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 7; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-5; P.L. 1965, ch. 193, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-6. - Safety and sanitary condition of vehicles — Inspection.

§ 39-14-6. Safety and sanitary condition of vehicles — Inspection.
The division of motor vehicles shall have jurisdiction over the lighting, equipment, safety, and sanitary condition of all taxicabs or limited public motor vehicles, and shall cause an inspection thereof to be made before registering the taxicabs or limited public motor vehicles, and from time to time thereafter, as it shall deem necessary for the convenience, protection, and safety of passengers and of the public. A fee of one dollar ($1.00) shall be paid to the division of motor vehicles for each annual inspection and for each taxicab or limited public motor vehicle operator’s license hereafter issued by the division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 5; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 22; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-7. - Display of certificate memorandum.

§ 39-14-7. Display of certificate memorandum.
The owner or operator of each taxicab or limited public motor vehicle subject to the provisions of §§ 39-14-3 and 39-14-4, shall display, in a conspicuous place therein, a memorandum issued by the division of the certificate provided for in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 4; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-7; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 116.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-8. - Base of operations of limited public vehicles.

§ 39-14-8. Base of operations of limited public vehicles.
A limited public motor vehicle may only be operated from private property if the property is owned by the owner of the vehicle or is used exclusively for the purpose of transportation of passengers for hire and is leased by the owner of the vehicle; but no vehicle shall be operated from any taxicab stand on any public highway; nor shall the operator thereof transport any passenger for hire unless the transportation is requested by the passenger at an office of the owner of the vehicle, either personally or by telephone.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-9. - Vehicles to be operated by owner or employee — Assignment or lease of rights.

§ 39-14-9. Vehicles to be operated by owner or employee — Assignment or lease of rights.
Every person proposing to enter into a contract, agreement, arrangement, or understanding, whereby the owner of a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle leases or otherwise lets a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle to an operator, shall file with the administrator, in the form to be provided by him or her, an application for approval of the agreement. The division shall, upon written application setting forth the purpose, terms, and conditions of the lease agreement, after investigation, approve or deny the request. The lease agreement shall be approved by the administrator if, after investigation, the applicant operator is found to be fit, willing, and able to perform the authorized service and to conform to the provisions of this chapter and the requirements, orders, rules, and regulations of the administrator thereunder.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 9; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-9; P.L. 1978, ch. 396, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 234, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-10. - [Repealed.]

§ 39-14-10. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 3; P.L. 1940, ch. 823, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-10; P.L. 1965, ch. 193, § 5; Repealed by P.L. 1980, ch. 131, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-11. - Penalties for violations.

§ 39-14-11. Penalties for violations.
(a)
Any person or the officers of any association or corporation who shall violate any provision of §§ 39-14-1 — 39-14-17, 39-14-20(b), 39-14-25 and 39-14-26, or any order, rule, or regulation adopted or established under any provision, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100) or imprisoned not more than sixty (60) days or both, and his or her certificate may be revoked, and the violation shall be a separate and distinct offense for each day during which it shall continue.
(b)
The administrator may, in his or her discretion, in addition to seeking criminal sanctions, impose upon its regulated taxicabs and limited public motor vehicles an administrative civil penalty (fine) in addition to revoking or suspending the taxicab’s and limited public motor vehicle’s operating authority as conferred under this chapter. The fine shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) per each violation of the sections contained in this chapter or the division’s orders, rules, and regulations issued and promulgated thereunder.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 6; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-11; P.L. 1980, ch. 131, § 3; P.L. 2000, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 423, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-12. - Administrative powers.

§ 39-14-12. Administrative powers.
The division is authorized to make such rules and regulations, to hold hearings, and issue certificates as may be required under the provisions of §§ 39-14-1 — 39-14-14 and §§ 39-14-25 and 39-14-26.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 8; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-12; P.L. 1980, ch. 131, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-13. - [Repealed.]

§ 39-14-13. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 10; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-13; P.L. 1965, ch. 193, § 6; Repealed by P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-14. - Provisions supplemental — Powers of cities and towns.

§ 39-14-14. Provisions supplemental — Powers of cities and towns.
The provisions of §§ 39-14-1 — 39-14-14 are hereby declared to be supplementary and in addition to the provisions of other chapters of this title, and of title 31, and of §§ 39-14-15 — 39-14-23. The cities and towns may continue to exercise by ordinance all lawful authority heretofore exercised by them, not inconsistent with the express provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 11; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-14.1. - Taximeter requirement.

§ 39-14-14.1. Taximeter requirement.
(a)
Every motor vehicle used in the transportation of passengers for compensation in a taxicab service over the publicly used highways of this state shall be equipped with a taximeter. Any motor carrier or operator who shall knowingly and willfully cause a motor vehicle to be operated as a taxicab that is not equipped with a taximeter, or when so equipped the taximeter is not in a recording position for the purpose of registering charges at the time the service is rendered, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first offense; and, upon conviction for a second offense, shall be fined not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) and shall have his or her certificate suspended for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days; and, upon conviction for a third offense, shall be fined not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) and shall have his or her certificate suspended for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days.
(b)
A certificate holder authorized to provide taxicab services is not required to utilize the vehicle’s taximeter for registering charges when the transportation services are being coordinated by, and paid for by, a state department, authority, or agency on behalf of clients of the state department, authority, or agency, provided, the alternative method for registering or calculating charges is approved by the division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 306, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-15. - Posting of photograph of operator.

§ 39-14-15. Posting of photograph of operator.
The operator of every taxicab or limited public motor vehicle shall have a recent and distinct photograph of himself or herself at least two and one-half inches (2½″) wide and four inches (4″) high, together with his or her full name and address, posted in a conspicuous place in the taxicab or limited public motor vehicle operated by him or her.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1423, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 2; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-16. - Posting of schedule of fares.

§ 39-14-16. Posting of schedule of fares.
The owner of every taxicab or limited public motor vehicle shall post in a conspicuous place, in each of the taxicabs or limited public motor vehicles owned by him or her, a schedule of the fares to be collected from the passengers therein, and the schedule shall be so written and arranged that the passengers can readily determine the exact fare payable by them, and it shall be unlawful to collect any fare otherwise than as appearing on and determinable from the schedule.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1423, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 3; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-17. - Display of name of owner — Operator as agent.

§ 39-14-17. Display of name of owner — Operator as agent.
The full name of the owner of every taxicab or limited public motor vehicle shall be displayed on each side of the rear doors of the taxicab or limited public motor vehicle in letters at least two inches (2") high and whenever any taxicab or limited public motor vehicle shall be used or operated upon any public highway of this state with the consent of the owner, express or implied, or under any agreement with the owner, express or implied, the operator thereof, if other than the owner, shall, in case of accident, be deemed to be the agent of the owner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1423, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 4; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-18. - Proof of financial responsibility.

§ 39-14-18. Proof of financial responsibility.
The owner of every taxicab or limited public motor vehicle shall, before operating or continuing to operate a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle on the public highways of this state, furnish to the division of public utilities and carriers, a certificate of insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to transact business in this state, showing that the owner has a policy insuring him or her against liability for injury to persons and damage to property that may be caused by the operation of the taxicab or limited public motor vehicle, such policy to provide for indemnity in the sum of not less than three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) combined, single limit, or two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) per person, five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) per accident bodily injury and one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) property damage split limit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1423, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 6; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 5; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-18; P.L. 1968, ch. 118, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 140, § 18; P.L. 1981, ch. 194, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 116; P.L. 2006, ch. 579, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-19. - Owners exempt from other financial responsibility requirements.

§ 39-14-19. Owners exempt from other financial responsibility requirements.
No owner of a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle, who shall have complied with the requirements of § 39-14-18, shall be required to furnish evidence of financial responsibility under any other provision of law with respect to the taxicab or limited public motor vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 12; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-20. - Licensing of operators.

§ 39-14-20. Licensing of operators.
(a)
No person shall operate a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle upon the public highways until the person shall have first obtained an operator’s license as provided for in chapter 10 of title 31.
(b)
Further, no person shall operate a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle upon the highways until the person shall have first obtained a special license from the division of public utilities and carriers under such rules and regulations as the division of public utilities and carriers shall require.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1423, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 6; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-20; P.L. 2003, ch. 423, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-21. - Penalty for violations.

§ 39-14-21. Penalty for violations.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of §§ 39-14-18 — 39-14-20(a) shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) for each violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1423, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 8; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-21; P.L. 2003, ch. 423, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-22. - Enforcement of provisions.

§ 39-14-22. Enforcement of provisions.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall enforce the provisions of §§ 39-14-18, 39-14-19, 39-14-20(a), and 39-14-21.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 75; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 9; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-22; P.L. 2003, ch. 423, § 1; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-23. - Persons exempt.

§ 39-14-23. Persons exempt.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any citizen of the town of New Shoreham owning or operating a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle in the town of New Shoreham.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1423, § 8; P.L. 1931, ch. 1716; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 7; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-23; P.L. 1994, ch. 367 § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 318, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-24. - Severability.

§ 39-14-24. Severability.
Each section of this chapter and each part of each section is hereby declared to be an independent section, and the holding of any section or sections or part or parts thereof to be void, ineffective, or unconstitutional, for any cause, shall not be deemed to affect any other section or part thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1552, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 100, § 13; P.L. 1956, ch. 3829, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 101, § 9; P.L. 1956, ch. 3830, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-14-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-25. - Transfer of certificate.

§ 39-14-25. Transfer of certificate.
No certificate shall be sold or transferred until the administrator, upon written application setting forth the purposes, terms, and conditions of the sale or transfer, shall, after a hearing, approve the application. The application shall be accompanied by a fee of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250). All revenues received under this section shall be deposited as general revenues. A proposed transfer of a certificate shall be approved only if the administrator finds the transferee to be fit, willing, and able, financially and otherwise, to render the service described and authorized in the certificate; further, the administrator shall only reissue and transfer a certificate upon evidence that the transferor of the certificate has, during the six-month (6) period immediately prior to receipt of the transfer application, or during the six-month (6) period immediately preceding the filing of a petition for bankruptcy, whether voluntary or involuntary, or the institution of a petition for receivership, wherein the certificates are assets of the bankruptcy or receivership, been rendering the service authorized by the certificate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 131, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 34, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 34, § 7; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 120; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 26, § 4; P.L. 2007, ch. 485, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14 - Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14-26. - Revocation or amendment of certificate.

§ 39-14-26. Revocation or amendment of certificate.
Any taxi or limited public motor vehicle certificate holder who, during any period of not less than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days, has failed to render any part of the service authorized by his or her certificate, except for reasonable cause, including bankruptcy, receivership, or other trustee proceedings, shall be deemed to have abandoned that part of the service; and if, after a hearing, the administrator finds the certificate holder has failed to render service in accordance with the certificate, his or her rights thereto to the extent of his or her failure to render service shall be revoked. The administrator may, for sufficient cause shown after a public hearing, amend, suspend, or revoke any certificate issued under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 131, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 116; P.L. 2013, ch. 306, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 377, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14.1 - Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14.1-2. - Powers of division.

§ 39-14.1-2. Powers of division.
Every person owning or operating a motor vehicle engaged as a public motor vehicle is declared a common carrier and subject to the jurisdiction of the division of public utilities and carriers. The division may prescribe any rules and regulations that it deems proper to ensure adequate, economical, safe, and efficient service. Charter carriers, as defined in this chapter, shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 182, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14.1 - Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14.1-3. - Certificate required for public motor vehicle operation — Application and fee.

§ 39-14.1-3. Certificate required for public motor vehicle operation — Application and fee.
No person shall operate a public motor vehicle in any city or town in the state until the person shall have obtained a certificate from the division certifying that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to provide the services as a public motor vehicle in the transportation of passengers. The certificate shall be issued only after written application for it, accompanied by a fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and after a public hearing has been conducted on it. All revenues under this section shall be deposited as general revenues. Certificates issued under this chapter shall be renewed before the close of business on December 31, of each calendar year. The renewal fee shall be one hundred dollars ($100) and shall be submitted with the renewal form. All revenues received under this section shall be deposited as general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 182, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14.1 - Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14.1-4. - Hearing on application.

§ 39-14.1-4. Hearing on application.
Upon receipt of an application, the division shall, within a reasonable time, fix the time and place for the hearing. Notice of the hearing shall be given by first-class mail to the applicant and shall be published in a newspaper with statewide distribution.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 182, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-14.1 - Public Motor Vehicles › Section 39-14.1-5. - Safety and sanitary condition of vehicles — Inspection.

§ 39-14.1-5. Safety and sanitary condition of vehicles — Inspection.
The division of motor vehicles shall have jurisdiction over the lighting, equipment, safety, and sanitary condition of all public motor vehicles and shall cause an inspection of it to be made before registering it, and from time to time thereafter, as it shall deem necessary for the convenience, protection, and safety of passengers and of the public. A fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be paid to the division of motor vehicles for each annual inspection.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 182, § 1.