reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-26. - Registration and identification of vehicles.

§ 39-12-26. Registration and identification of vehicles.
Every interstate motor carrier engaged in the transportation of property for compensation over the highways of this state, subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall register and identify all vehicles to be operated in the state in accordance with the provisions contained in and mandated under the federal “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users” (SAFETEA-LU) (Public Law 109-59, enacted August 10, 2005), the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005 (Included within SAFETEA-LU), and the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCRA) (§§ 4302 — 4308 of SAFETEA-LU), and/or any related successor federal law(s). All intrastate carriers not subject to the provisions of the foregoing federal law shall apply to the administrator for the issuance of a vehicle identification device for the registration and identification of vehicles and shall be assessed twenty dollars ($20.00) for each identification device for which an application is made. All revenues received shall be deposited as general revenues. The identification device shall be furnished annually to every carrier whose duty it shall be to apply for it. It shall be unlawful for any motor vehicle to be engaged in transporting property for compensation in either intrastate or interstate commerce without the owner of it 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, permit, or permit of registration, 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. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2268, art. 5, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 5, § 11; P.L. 1946, ch. 1805, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-25; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-26; P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1960, ch. 71, art. 3, § 32; P.L. 1967, ch. 209, § 6; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 13; P.L. 1980, ch. 339, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 508, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 129, art. 8, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 34, § 5; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 118; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 129; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 26, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 485, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-27.1. - Advertisements by transporters of household goods.

§ 39-12-27.1. Advertisements by transporters of household goods.
(a)
Every motor carrier engaged in the transportation of household goods between points within the state including a carrier providing a service incidental to or part of the intrastate transportation shall include and shall require each of its agents to include in every advertisement as defined in this section, the name or trade name of the motor carrier under whose operating authority the advertised service will originate and the certificate of public convenience number or permit number issued to the operating authority by the public utilities commission.
(b)
As used in this section, “advertisement” shall mean any written or printed communication to the public in connection with an offer or sale of any intrastate transportation service but not including the name, address, and telephone number of the carrier.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 92, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 113.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-29. - Agent for service of process, notices, or orders on interstate carriers.

§ 39-12-29. Agent for service of process, notices, or orders on interstate carriers.
Every motor carrier of property operating in interstate commerce over the highways of this state, in the transportation of property for compensation, shall file with the administrator a designation in writing of the name and post office address of a person in this state upon whom or which service of process, notices, or orders may be made.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-30. - Accounts, records, and reports.

§ 39-12-30. Accounts, records, and reports.
The administrator is hereby authorized to require annual, periodical, or special reports from all motor carriers, subject to the provisions of this chapter; to prescribe the manner and form in which the reports shall be made; and to require from the carriers specific and full, true, and correct answers to all questions upon which the administrator may deem information to be necessary. The annual reports shall give an account of the affairs of the carrier in such form and detail as may be prescribed by the administrator.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-31. - Employment of personnel.

§ 39-12-31. Employment of personnel.
The administrator is hereby authorized to employ such clerical force and inspectors as shall be necessary to enforce and carry into effect the provisions of this chapter within his or her appropriation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2268, art. 9, § 2; P.L. 1936 (s. s.), ch. 2462, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 9, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 9, § 3; P.L. 1946, ch. 1805, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-40; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-31; P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-32. - Enforcement powers of inspectors.

§ 39-12-32. Enforcement powers of inspectors.
Examiners, field investigators, hearing officers, regulatory inspectors, and other employees of the division designated by the administrator with respect to the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, shall have and exercise, throughout this state, all powers of police officers, including the power to arrest, without warrant, any person who violates any provision of this chapter, and the agents may serve all process lawfully issued by the administrator. Whenever a complaint is made of any violation of the provisions of this chapter by any examiner, field investigator, hearing officer, regulatory inspector, or any other employee of the division designated by the administrator to enforce the provisions of this chapter, he or she shall not be required to furnish surety for costs or be liable for costs upon any complaint.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2268, art. 9, § 2; P.L. 1936 (s. s.), ch. 2462, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 9, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 9, § 3; P.L. 1946, ch. 1805, § 1; G.L. 1956, §§ 39-12-41, 39-12-42; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-32; P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 209, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-33. - Enforcement by police departments.

§ 39-12-33. Enforcement by police departments.
The administrator is hereby authorized to avail himself or herself of such state, city, and town police departments as are or may hereafter be existing by law, to enforce the provisions of this chapter and the rules, regulations, and orders of the administrator made under this chapter; and the police departments are hereby given the necessary authority and power, in addition to those they now possess, to carry into effect the directions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2268, art. 9, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 9, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 9, § 2; P.L. 1946, ch. 1805, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-43; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-33; P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 113.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-34. - Self-incrimination — Immunity from prosecution.

§ 39-12-34. Self-incrimination — Immunity from prosecution.
No person shall be excused from testifying or from producing any books, accounts, records, memoranda, correspondence, or other documents in any investigation or inquiry by or upon any hearing before the administrator, when ordered to do so by the administrator, upon the ground that the testimony or evidence, books, accounts, records, memoranda, correspondence, or other documents required of him or her may tend to incriminate him or her or subject him or her to penalties or forfeitures; but no person shall be prosecuted, punished, or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any act, transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he or she shall, under oath, by order of the administrator, have testified or produced documentary evidence; provided, that no person so testifying shall be exempt from prosecution or punishment for any perjury committed by him or her in his or her testimony. Nothing in this section is intended to give or shall be construed as in any manner giving any corporation immunity of any kind from the law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 113.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-35. - Orders, rules, and regulations — Suspension or revocation of certificate or permits.

§ 39-12-35. Orders, rules, and regulations — Suspension or revocation of certificate or permits.
Every person, subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall be subject to such reasonable orders, rules, and regulations as shall, after a public hearing, be adopted and promulgated by the administrator. For willful or continued failure to comply with orders, rules, and regulations, or for willful or continued failure to comply with the terms and conditions of any certificate or permit granted under this chapter or previous laws, the administrator, after notice and hearing, or after failure to appear at a hearing of which due notice has been given, may suspend or modify or revoke the permit or certificate, subject however, to the right of appeal as to the reasonableness and lawfulness of the suspension or revocation or modification to the public utility hearing board as provided in chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2268, art. 7, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 7, § 1; P.L. 1946, ch. 1805, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-32; G.L. 1956, § 32-12-35; P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-36. - Unlawful operations — Penalty.

§ 39-12-36. Unlawful operations — Penalty.
(a)
Any person, subject to the provisions of this chapter, who shall knowingly or willfully cause to be done any act prohibited by this chapter, or who shall be guilty of any violation of this chapter for which no penalty is otherwise provided, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; and shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both for each offense.
(b)
The administrator may in his or her discretion in lieu of seeking criminal sanctions, impose upon its regulated common or contract carriers an administrative civil penalty (fine) in lieu of revoking or suspending the carrier’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 rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2268, art. 8, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 8, § 1; P.L. 1946, ch. 1805, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-35; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-36; P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 44, art. 11, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 446, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-37. - Rebate, concession, discrimination, or fraudulent evasion of regulation.

§ 39-12-37. Rebate, concession, discrimination, or fraudulent evasion of regulation.
Any person, whether carrier, shipper, consignee, or any officer, employee, agent, or representative thereof who:
(1)
Shall knowingly offer, grant, or give or solicit, accept, or receive any rebate, concession, or discrimination in violation of any provisions of this chapter; or
(2)
Who by means of any false statement or representation, or by use of any false or fictitious bill, bill of lading, receipt, voucher, roll, account, claim, certificate, affidavit, disposition, lease, or bill of sale, or by any other means or device, shall knowingly and willfully assist, suffer, or permit any person or persons to obtain transportation of property subject to this chapter for less than the applicable rate of charge; or
(3)
Who shall knowingly and willfully, by any means or otherwise, fraudulently seek to evade or defeat regulation as in this chapter provided for motor carriers;
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than three hundred dollars ($300) or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2268, art. 8, §§ 2 — 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 8, §§ 2 — 4; P.L. 1946, ch. 1805, § 1; G.L. 1956, §§ 39-12-36 — 39-12-38; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-37; P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-38. - Unauthorized divulging of information by administrator’s personnel.

§ 39-12-38. Unauthorized divulging of information by administrator’s personnel.
Any examiner, investigator, hearing officer, accountant, regulatory inspector, or field investigator, who shall knowingly and willfully divulge any facts or information that may come to his or her knowledge during the course of any examination or inspection made under authority of § 39-12-5, except as he or she may be directed by the administrator or by a court or judge thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject, upon conviction, to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisonment not exceeding one year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-38.1. - Records and abstract of cases.

§ 39-12-38.1. Records and abstract of cases.
A full record shall be kept by every court in this state of every case in which a person is charged with violation of any provision of this chapter, and an abstract of the record shall be sent by the court to the administrator within ten (10) days of the time when the case is disposed of. The abstract shall be made upon forms prepared by the administrator and shall include all necessary information as to the parties to the cause; the nature of the offense; the date of the hearing; the plea; the decision; the judgment and result; and every abstract shall be certified by the clerk of the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 209, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-39. - Annual appropriations.

§ 39-12-39. Annual appropriations.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sums as it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and in so doing shall take into consideration the fees collected under this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 9, § 1; P.L. 1946, ch. 1805, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-39; P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 113.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12 - Motor Carriers of Property › Section 39-12-43. - Severability.

§ 39-12-43. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter, or of any rule, regulation, or order made thereunder, or the application thereof to any persons or circumstances is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter, rule, regulation, or order, and the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter; and it is hereby declared to be the legislative intent that this chapter would have been enacted if the invalid parts had not been included therein.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2268, art. 10, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 10, §§ 1, 2; P.L. 1946, ch. 1805, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-44; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-43; P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-1. - Declaration of purpose and policy.

§ 39-12.1-1. Declaration of purpose and policy.
The legislature hereby finds the following legislation to be in the public interest for these reasons:
WHEREAS, A tow truck in the hands of an incompetent operator is a dangerous instrumentality; and
WHEREAS, The public has an inherent right to ready access to the name, location, and telephone number of certificated towers; and
WHEREAS, The operation of a tow truck on the public highway with a vehicle in tow is a dangerous instrumentality exposing others on or about the highway to loss or damage, which must be covered by adequate insurance; and
WHEREAS, The motoring public has a right, when delegating to law enforcement the selection of an operator in the towing-storage business, to expect that the operator selected and responding will be competent; and
WHEREAS, The motoring public has a right when delegating to law enforcement the selection of an operator in the towing-storage business, to expect that the charges for the services to be rendered will be reasonable and compensatory, and that the operator is physically equipped in his or her business to function properly; and
WHEREAS, The towing and storage of a vehicle without the owner’s consent, as is the case in most police-instigated tows, requires certain procedures to assure the owner that rights of due process of law are not violated; and
WHEREAS, The owner or person in control of private property of real estate has a right to be free from trespass by vehicle on the private property; and to have any trespassing vehicle removed at the owner’s expense; and
WHEREAS, The police powers delegated by the legislature of the state include the power of the police, even without the owner’s consent, to have public ways cleared of conditions that, in the opinion of the officer, create a hazardous condition to the motoring public; to have removed abandoned, abandoned and of no value, and unattended vehicles; to have removed and/or relocated vehicles in violation of parking ordinances; and to have removed any vehicle under control of any person arrested for any criminal offense; and
WHEREAS, The process of selection of the operator of a towing-storage business for police work is unique in that law enforcement, though having the legal duty to order the work, has no legal duty to pay costs and charges connected therewith, the same being the duty of the vehicle owner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-3. - Removal of abandoned, abandoned and of no value, and unattended vehicles.

§ 39-12.1-3. Removal of abandoned, abandoned and of no value, and unattended vehicles.
(a)
Any member of any police department or the owner or person in control of private property may order the removal of any abandoned or unattended vehicle, or any member of any police department, upon completion of a vehicle survey report, as defined in this chapter, may order the removal of any abandoned vehicle of no value by a certificated tower and may instruct the certificated tower to remove the vehicle to its own place of storage.
(b)
The last registered owner and/or the legal owner, or the person who left a vehicle in a position so that the vehicle becomes abandoned, abandoned and of no value, or unattended shall be liable for all reasonable costs of recovery, towing, and storage in accordance with the certificated tower’s tariff.
(c)
Any member of a police department observing a vehicle on or near a public way that appears to be abandoned, abandoned and of no value, or unattended shall tag the vehicle by affixing securely to the vehicle a colored form or by using an easily observable sticker. The tag or sticker shall show:
(1)
The date and time of tagging, and the name and telephone number of the police department;
(2)
That the vehicle will be removed pursuant to this chapter unless the vehicle is removed after forty-eight (48) hours; provided, however, the police officer may order the immediate removal of the vehicle without prior tagging as provided in this section if it is parked illegally, causes traffic congestion or hazard, or when the operator is not allowed to continue to operate the vehicle after having been detained for operating in violation of the law.
(d)
No person in possession of a vehicle that, in the opinion of the police officer in charge of the scene, needs to be removed to another location, shall be denied the right to have any certificated tower of his or her choice attend to the removal; provided, however, that allowing the choice of certificated tower does not cause a continuation of traffic congestion or of a hazardous condition on the highway that the police officer is able to eliminate by other means. When the hazardous condition has been eliminated, the person’s choice shall be employed to remove the vehicle to the place selected by the person in possession.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 114.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-5. - Special procedure regarding certain abandoned vehicles.

§ 39-12.1-5. Special procedure regarding certain abandoned vehicles.
(a)
If an abandoned, abandoned and of no value, or unattended vehicle, as defined in § 39-12.1-2, is at least ten (10) years old or less than ten (10) years old and has an altered vehicle identification number; has not been registered within one year; has no established fair market value; and would not pass a safety inspection pursuant to chapter 38 of title 31, a certificated tower shall not be required to comply with the provisions of § 39-12.1-4.
(b)
If a police department takes possession or orders the removal of a vehicle that meets the requirements of this section, the police department shall request that the state police conduct a computer search to determine if the vehicle is a stolen vehicle. The police department shall remove the vehicle identification number from the vehicle and shall maintain a record of all numbers removed from vehicles for a period of two (2) years.
(c)
A police department that complies with the provisions of this section may dispose of the vehicle in accordance with the provisions of § 39-12.1-9 five (5) days after the removal of the vehicle identification number.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 114; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-6. - Possessory lien.

§ 39-12.1-6. Possessory lien.
Any certificated tower coming into possession of a vehicle in any lawful manner shall have a possessory lien on the vehicle and registration plates, so long as it retains possession, and if it has conformed in full with the provisions of §§ 39-12.1-4 and 39-12.1-8. The lien shall be in an amount in accordance with its published tariff.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-7. - Thirty (30) day waiting period.

§ 39-12.1-7. Thirty (30) day waiting period.
Any certificated tower in possession of any vehicle subject to a possessory lien for a period in excess of thirty (30) consecutive days, and not having been compensated in accordance with its published tariff, is authorized to give notice and proceed to foreclosure as provided in §§ 39-12.1-8 and 39-12.1-9.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-9. - Foreclosure of lien.

§ 39-12.1-9. Foreclosure of lien.
(a)
Any vehicle subject to a possessory lien as provided for in § 39-12.1-6, not redeemed by its owner within a period of ten (10) days from the date of the notice sent in conformity with § 39-12.1-8(a) or sixty (60) days from the date of notice sent in conformity with §§ 39-12.1-4 and 39-12.1-8(b), may be sold at a nonjudicial public auction.
(b)
In addition to the notice required pursuant to §§ 39-12.1-8(a) or 39-12.1-4 and 39-12.1-8(b), notice of the sale shall be:
(1)
Published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the address of the registered owner is located or in which the business of the certificated tower is located if the identity of the last registered owner cannot be determined at least once at least ten (10) days prior to the sale; and
(2)
Posted in the certificated tower’s place of business; and
(3)
Mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the officer-in-charge of the police department or person who instigated the initial tow.
(c)
The purchaser of a vehicle sold at auction pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall take title to the vehicle free and clear of all liens and claims of ownership. The certificated tower selling the vehicle shall give the purchaser a sales receipt, bill of sale, and affidavit of compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Upon presentation of the sales receipt, bill of sale, and affidavit of compliance to the division of motor vehicles, the division shall: (1) Cause any prior title and/or registration to the vehicle to be canceled and revoked; and (2) Shall issue to the purchaser a new title and registration.
(d)
The proceeds from the foreclosure sale shall be distributed to the extent available as follows:
(1)
First, to pay for the expenses of the auction;
(2)
Second, to pay the certificated tower for the costs of recovery, of towing, and storage of the vehicle in accordance with its published tariff; and
(3)
Any remainder from the proceeds of sale shall be deposited with the general treasurer of the state to be held in a restricted account for the registered or legal owner or entitled lienholder. All sums held by the public utilities commission for a period of three (3) or more years for which no claim has been made by the registered and/or legal owner or lienholder shall be presumed abandoned and shall revert to the general fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-10. - Special procedures regarding the disposal of abandoned vehicles of no value.

§ 39-12.1-10. Special procedures regarding the disposal of abandoned vehicles of no value.
Notwithstanding any provision of the general laws to the contrary, a police department that orders the removal of or takes into custody an abandoned vehicle of no value shall hold the vehicle for a period of not less than ten (10) days. After the ten (10) days, the police department or its authorized representative shall remove the vehicle identification number from the vehicle and shall maintain a record of the number removed from the vehicle for a period of not less than one year. After the ten-day (10) period, the vehicle shall be demolished. A demolisher, who or that receives an abandoned vehicle of no value from a police department or certificated tower directed by the police to deliver the abandoned vehicle of no value, shall demolish the entire vehicle as received within fourteen (14) days of the receipt of the vehicle. Within seven (7) days after demolishing the vehicle, the demolisher shall provide the police department and the certificated tower that delivered the vehicle for demolition with a certificate attesting that the vehicle has been demolished in accordance with this section. The certificate shall be kept on file by the police department and the certificated tower for a period of one year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-11. - Preexisting impoundments.

§ 39-12.1-11. Preexisting impoundments.
Any certificated tower having in its possession any vehicle for sixty (60) days or longer, of whatever value and regardless of how it came legally into possession thereof, is hereby presumed to have a valid possessory lien on the vehicle and may proceed to foreclosure after giving notice as provided in §§ 39-12.1-4 and 39-12.1-8 of the lien.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-12. - Private trespass towing.

§ 39-12.1-12. Private trespass towing.
(a)
The owner or person in control of any parcel of property may cause to be removed from the property vehicles trespassing upon the property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property by retaining, in writing, a certificated tower to remove the trespassing vehicle and relocate the vehicle to its private impoundment lot; and this procedure may be undertaken and accomplished without the need to resort to the judicial process; provided, however, that the impoundment lot shall be within ten (10) miles of the point of removal; and provided further that the lot shall be open for business to release the vehicle the same hours it is open to receive the vehicle; and provided further that there shall be posted on the outside of the office of the lot the business hours.
(b)
All charges for towing, in accordance with the published tariff and storage shall be borne by the last-registered and/or legal owner of the vehicle for which charges the certificated tower shall have a possessory lien as set forth elsewhere in this chapter; provided, however, that should the last-registered and/or legal owner prove through judicial process that the vehicle was not in fact trespassing on the property of the owner or person in control, the charges shall be borne by the owner or person in control of the property who ordered the towing, removal, relocation, and storage. The last-registered and/or legal owner shall, however, as a prerequisite to procedure to recover the charges from the owner or person in control of the property, pay in full all charges assessed due the certificated tower in accordance with its published tariff.
(c)
A certificated tower shall remove vehicles from private property at the direction of the owner or person in control thereof only upon receiving the direction in writing, which writing and notice shall be kept in the records of the certificated tower and which writing shall be a complete defense to any civil and criminal charges resulting from removal of the vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 304, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 453, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-13. - Form of notice.

§ 39-12.1-13. Form of notice.
TO: (LAST REGISTERED OWNER AND KNOWN LIENHOLDERS)
You are hereby given notice that a ________ (year, make, and model of vehicle) serial number ________ , is being stored at ________ (name, address and telephone number of storage facility). The vehicle is in the possession of ________ (name, address and telephone number of certificated tower), having been towed at the direction of ________ (name of police department or person ordering tow) because ________ (reason for tow).
You are given notice that recovery, towing, and storage charges, for which the registered and/or legal owner is liable, are accruing and that ________ (tower's name, address and telephone number) has claimed a possessory lien, pursuant to § 39-12.1-6, for the charges. You may take possession of the vehicle at any time during regular business hours by appearing with a police release, if required, and payment of all charges accrued to date of retaking.
If you claim that the original towing was improper or not legally justified you may contest the towing by filing a complaint within ten (10) days from the date of this notice with the public utilities commission, provided that security in an amount and form satisfactory to the public utilities commission is posted with the filing of the complaint.
You are further given notice that if you fail to file a complaint or fail to retake possession of the vehicle, the vehicle will be sold at public auction and the proceeds of the sale will be first applied to recovery, towing, and storage charges with any excess to be deposited with the public utilities commission to be held in an account for the registered or legal owner or entitled lienholders as provided for in § 39-12.1-9(d)(3).
You are further given notice that any recovery, towing and storage charges in excess of the sale proceeds shall remain as a civil obligation of the owner.
__________________
__________________
(Name and address of certificated
tower or attorney)
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-14. - Form of foreclosure notice.

§ 39-12.1-14. Form of foreclosure notice.
TO: (LAST REGISTERED OWNER AND KNOWN LIENHOLDER)
You are hereby given notice that no complaint having been filed and the vehicle not having been claimed or possession retaken or arranged for in accordance with the notice given on ________ (date of first notice) that recovery, towing, and storage charges for which the registered and/or legal owner is liable have and are accruing and the ________ (tower's name, address, and telephone number) is claiming a possessory lien, pursuant to § 39-12.1-6, for the charges. You may take possession of the vehicle at any time during regular business hours by appearing with a police release, if required, and payment of all charges accrued to date or retaking.
You are further given notice that if you fail to retake possession of the vehicle, the vehicle will be sold at public auction at ________ (time of sale) on ________ (date of sale) at ________ (address of location of sale).
You are further given notice that the proceeds from the sale will be distributed as provided for in the first notice.
__________________
(name and address
of tower or attorney)
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act › Section 39-12.1-15. - Enforcement and administration of chapter.

§ 39-12.1-15. Enforcement and administration of chapter.
The public utilities administrator shall supervise, regulate, and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-1. - Definitions.

§ 39-13-1. Definitions.
(a)
“Coordinated paratransit services” means paratransit services coordinated by the department of transportation, to be provided under a brokerage or other contractual model to provide, promote, and coordinate new or existing paratransit operations to enable all state, municipal, and private agencies access to appropriate paratransit services.
(b)
“Jitney” means and includes any motor bus or other public-service motor vehicle operated in whole or in part upon any street or highway in such manner as to afford a means of transportation similar to that afforded by a street railway company, by indiscriminately receiving or discharging passengers; or running on a regular route or over any portion thereof; or between fixed termini.
(c)
“Paratransit services” means flexible transportation services provided on a demand-responsive and advance-reservation basis, for any destination within the scope of a service program provided by a state or municipal agency, the fee for which is determined pursuant to a contract between the service provider and the state or municipal agency. Paratransit includes single or group trips or trips made on a recurring basis such as for work, school, medical, nutrition, and sheltered workshops.
(d)
“Public-service motor vehicle” shall include all motor vehicles as defined in § 31-1-3, used for the transportation of passengers for hire.
(e)
“Transportation operator(s)” means an entity(ies) providing flexible transportation services that are operated publicly or privately, and are distinct from conventional fixed-route, fixed-schedule transit, and are generally operated with low-capacity vehicles that provide curb-to-curb or door-to-door service that typically involves transportation of elderly, disabled, low-income, or the otherwise transportation-dependent population.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-1; P.L. 1992, ch. 279, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-2. - Jitneys subject to regulation.

§ 39-13-2. Jitneys subject to regulation.
Every person, association, or corporation owning or operating a jitney is hereby declared a common carrier and subject as such to the jurisdiction of the division of public utilities and carriers, and while so operating, to such reasonable rules and regulations as the division may prescribe with respect to routes, fares, speed, schedules, continuity of service, and the convenience and safety of passengers and the public.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-2.1. - Jitneys not subject to regulation.

§ 39-13-2.1. Jitneys not subject to regulation.
(a)
Any person, association, or corporation operating a jitney, bus, or other motor vehicle as a transportation operator as defined in this chapter for the purpose of providing paratransit or coordinated paratransit services for the benefit of the citizenry of the state shall be exempted from regulation under this chapter.
(b)
Transportation operators may enter contractual agreements with third-party transportation operators to provide paratransit services and the third parties shall be similarly exempted from regulation under this chapter.
(c)
Provided, however, all transportation operators providing paratransit services shall be required to meet all driver and vehicle safety requirements as set forth in this chapter including but not limited to: (1) The same inspection standards or regulations as a jitney-registered vehicle including semi-annual safety inspections in accordance with chapter 38 of title 31; (2) That failure of a semi-annual state safety inspection shall result in suspension of the vehicle registration until such time as all defects are corrected; and (3) The requirements of § 39-13-11. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the power of the department of administration to require additional safety or other requirements, either by regulation or contract.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 279, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 23, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-3. - Certificate requirement for jitney operation.

§ 39-13-3. Certificate requirement for jitney operation.
No person, association, or corporation shall operate a jitney until the owner thereof shall have obtained a certificate from the division specifying the route over which the jitney may operate; the number of passengers it may carry at any one time; the service to be furnished; and that public convenience and necessity require operation over the route. 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 two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) and shall be submitted with the renewal form. All revenues received under this section shall be deposited as general revenues; 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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 3; P.L. 1936 (s. s.), ch. 2463; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-3; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 34, § 6; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 119; 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 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-4. - Application for certificate — Fee — Domicile of applicant.

§ 39-13-4. Application for certificate — Fee — Domicile of applicant.
A certificate shall be issued only after written application for a certificate, accompanied by a fee of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250), has been made by the owner of the jitney; 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. No certificate shall be issued to any person who is not a citizen resident within this state, nor to any association, unless all members of the association are citizens resident within this state, nor to any corporation, unless either all stockholders thereof are citizens resident within this state or the corporation has been created by a special act of the general assembly, upon petition for the same, the pendency of which petition shall be notified in such manner as the general assembly may by general law or special act prescribe.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 3; P.L. 1936 (s. s.), ch. 2463; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-4; P.L. 1960, ch. 71, art. 3, § 33; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 14; P.L. 1986, ch. 34, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 34, § 6; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 119; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 26, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 485, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-5. - Hearing on application for certificate.

§ 39-13-5. Hearing on application for certificate.
Upon receipt of an application, the division shall fix a time and place of a hearing thereon and shall give notice of the pendency of the application and of the time and place of the hearing thereon to the applicant, to the mayor of each city and the president of the town council of each town in or through which the applicant desires to operate, and to any common carrier operating over any portion of a route or over a route substantially parallel thereto, and shall give a public hearing upon the petition. Any town or city within which or between which, and any other town or city to which a common carrier is furnishing service, may, at any time after the certificate of public convenience and necessity has been issued, bring a written petition to the division in respect to routes, fares, speed, schedules, continuity of service, and the convenience and safety of passengers and the public. Thereupon, the division shall fix a time and place for a hearing upon the petition and shall mail a notice thereof to the parties in interest and give such other notice thereof as the division may deem proper by advertisement. The division may revoke or amend any certificate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-6. - Jitney operation by railroad or street railway company.

§ 39-13-6. Jitney operation by railroad or street railway company.
(a)
Any street railway company incorporated under the laws of this state and operating a street railway within this state or any railroad company incorporated under the laws of this state and operating a railroad in this state may acquire, own, and operate jitneys, subject to the provisions of this chapter and to all other laws relating to the registration, licensing, bonding, and operating of jitneys.
(b)
No street railway company shall substitute for any existing trolley service, jitney service over a route over and along the same highway occupied by a line of street or other railway, or over a route that will serve the same or nearly the same communities served by a line of street or other railway, until the division shall, after due notice to the towns and cities affected thereby and a public hearing thereon, if it appears that the public interest will be served thereby, have authorized a substitution of service; and the street railway company shall thereafter continue the jitney service until, after like notice and hearing and for cause shown, the division shall have authorized the abandonment thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 5; P.L. 1925, ch. 635, § 1; P.L. 1928, ch. 1174, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-9. - Proof of financial responsibility.

§ 39-13-9. Proof of financial responsibility.
The owner of every jitney shall, before operating or continuing to operate a jitney 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 that insures against liability for injury to persons and damage to property that may be caused by the operation of the jitney, such policy to provide for indemnity in the sum of not less than three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) combined single limit or its equivalent split level.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 15; P.L. 1928, ch. 1141, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 15; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-9; P.L. 2006, ch. 579, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-13 - Motor Passenger Carriers › Section 39-13-10. - Display of certificate.

§ 39-13-10. Display of certificate.
The owner or operator of every jitney shall display in a conspicuous place in the jitney the certificate issued pursuant to this chapter or a certified copy thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1922, ch. 2221, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 254, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 125, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 39-13-10; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 115.