reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-32 - Proof of Financial Responsibility for the Future › Section 31-32-35. - Duration of proof — Cancellation or return.

§ 31-32-35. Duration of proof — Cancellation or return.
(a)
The division of motor vehicles shall upon request consent to the immediate cancellation of any bond or certificate of insurance, or the division of motor vehicles shall direct and the general treasurer shall return to the person entitled to it any money or securities deposited pursuant to this chapter as proof of financial responsibility, or the division of motor vehicles shall waive the requirement of filing proof, in any of the following events:
(1)
At any time after one year from the date the proof was required when, during the one year period preceding the request, the division of motor vehicles has not received record of a conviction or a forfeiture of bail which would require or permit the suspension or revocation of the license, registration, or nonresident’s operating privilege of the person by or for whom the proof was furnished;
(2)
In the event of the death of the person on whose behalf the proof was filed or the permanent incapacity of the person to operate a motor vehicle; or
(3)
In the event the person who has given proof surrenders his or her license and registration to the division of motor vehicles.
(b)
Provided, that the division of motor vehicles shall not consent to the cancellation of any bond or the return of any money or securities in the event any action for damages upon a liability covered by the proof is then pending or any judgment upon any liability is then unsatisfied, or in the event the person who has filed the bond or deposited the money or securities has within one year immediately preceding the request been involved as a driver or owner in any motor vehicle accident resulting in injury or damage to the person or property of others. An affidavit of the applicant as to the non-existence of such facts, or that he or she has been released from all of his or her liability, or has been finally adjudicated not to be liable, for the injury or damage, shall be sufficient evidence of it in the absence of evidence to the contrary in the records of the division of motor vehicles.
(c)
Whenever any person whose proof has been cancelled or returned under subsection (a)(3) of this section applies for a license or registration within a period of the one year from the date proof was originally required, the application shall be refused unless the applicant shall reestablish the proof for the remainder of the one year period.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 29; P.L. 1953, ch. 3111, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-32-49; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-32-35; P.L. 1978, ch. 309, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 494, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-32 - Proof of Financial Responsibility for the Future › Section 31-32-36. - Three-year requirement construed.

§ 31-32-36. Three-year requirement construed.
Whenever in the general laws there is a reference to a three (3) year requirement for financial responsibility, it shall be construed to be a one year requirement except as provided in § 31-32-4(d) of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 309, § 3; P.L. 1986, ch. 494, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 377, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-1. - Accident reports.

§ 31-33-1. Accident reports.
The operator of every motor vehicle which is in any manner involved in an accident within this state, in which any person is killed or injured, or in which damage to the property of any one person, including the operator, in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) is sustained, shall, within twenty-one (21) days after the accident, report the matter in writing to the division of motor vehicles. The report, the form of which shall be prescribed by the division of motor vehicles, shall contain information to enable the division of motor vehicles to determine whether the requirements for the deposit of security under chapters 31 and 32 of this title are inapplicable by reason of the existence of insurance or other exceptions specified in the chapters, and the administrator of the division of motor vehicles may regard the information given as true, until the contrary reasonably appears. If that operator is physically incapable of making the report, the owner of the motor vehicle involved in the accident shall, within twenty-one (21) days after learning of the accident, make the report. The operator or the owner shall furnish any additional relevant information that the division of motor vehicles shall require.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-32-1; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-1; P.L. 1968, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 40, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 48, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 274, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-2. - Failure to file accident report.

§ 31-33-2. Failure to file accident report.
Failure to report an accident as required in § 31-33-1 shall be punished by a fine as provided for in § 31-41.1-4, and the division of motor vehicles shall suspend the license of the person failing to make report, or the nonresident’s operating privilege of the person, until a report has been filed and for any further period not to exceed thirty (30) days that the division of motor vehicles may fix.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-3; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-2; P.L. 2002, ch. 58, § 8; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 124; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-3. - Falsification of reports or proof of responsibility.

§ 31-33-3. Falsification of reports or proof of responsibility.
Any person who gives information required in a report or otherwise as provided for in § 31-33-1, knowing or having reason to believe that the information is false, or who shall forge or, without authority, sign any evidence of proof of financial responsibility for the future as required by chapter 32 of this title or who files or offers for filing any evidence of proof knowing or having reason to believe that it is forged or signed without authority, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-4; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-4. - Transfer of registration to defeat purpose.

§ 31-33-4. Transfer of registration to defeat purpose.
(a)
If an owner’s registration has been suspended under the provisions of chapter 31 or 32 of this title, the registration shall not be transferred, nor the vehicle in respect to which the registration was issued, be registered in any other name until the division of motor vehicles is satisfied that the transfer of registration is proposed in good faith and not for the purpose or with the effect of defeating the purposes of these chapters.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall in any way affect the rights of any conditional vendor, chattel mortgagee, or lessor of a vehicle registered in the name of another as owner who becomes subject to the provisions of this section.
(c)
The division of motor vehicles shall suspend the registration of any vehicle transferred in violation of the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-1; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-5. - Surrender of license and registration.

§ 31-33-5. Surrender of license and registration.
(a)
Any person whose license or registration shall have been suspended under any provision of chapter 31 or 32 of this title, or whose policy of insurance or bond, when required under it, shall have been canceled or terminated, shall immediately return his or her license and registration to the division of motor vehicles. If any person shall fail to return to the division of motor vehicles the license or registration as provided in these chapters, the division of motor vehicles shall immediately direct any peace officer to secure possession of it and to return the same to the division of motor vehicles.
(b)
Any person willfully failing to return a license or registration as required in subsection (a) of this section, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, §§ 31, 32; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-2; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-6. - Owner’s liability for acts of others.

§ 31-33-6. Owner’s liability for acts of others.
Whenever any motor vehicle shall be used, operated, or caused to be operated upon any public highway of this state with the consent of the owner, lessee, or bailee, expressed or implied, the driver of it, if other than the owner, lessee, or bailee, shall in the case of an accident be deemed to be the agent of the owner, lessee, or bailee, of the motor vehicle unless the driver shall have furnished proof of financial responsibility in the amount set forth in chapter 32 of this title, prior to the accident. For the purposes of this section, the term “owner” includes any person, firm, copartnership, association, or corporation having the lawful possession or control of a motor vehicle under a written sale agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 38; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-3; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-6; P.L. 2003, ch. 115, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 117, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 219, § 5; P.L. 2004, ch. 224, § 5; P.L. 2005, ch. 137, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-7. - Prima facie evidence of consent of owner.

§ 31-33-7. Prima facie evidence of consent of owner.
In all civil proceedings, evidence that at the time of the accident or collision the motor vehicle was registered in the name of the defendant, shall be prima facie evidence that it was being operated with the consent of the defendant, and the absence of consent shall be an affirmative defense to be set up in the answer and proved by the defendant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 38; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-4; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-7; P.L. 1982, ch. 350, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-8. - Assigned risk plans.

§ 31-33-8. Assigned risk plans.
(a)
After consultation with the insurance companies authorized to issue automobile liability and/or physical damage policies in this state, the insurance commissioner shall approve a reasonable plan or plans, fair to the insurers and equitable to their policyholders, for the apportionment among the companies of applicants for motor vehicle liability and/or physical damage insurance who are in good faith entitled to but are unable to procure insurance through ordinary methods.
(b)
The plan or plans shall provide coverage for liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of the vehicle or vehicles within the United States or the Dominion of Canada, up to a limit of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, up to a limit of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two (2) or more persons in any one accident.
(c)
When any plan or plans have been approved, all the insurance companies shall subscribe to it or them and participate with respect to those types of insurance which they write in the state. Licensed non-resident insurance producers shall be allowed to submit applications to the plan or plans, provided that the state in which they hold a resident brokers license allows Rhode Island resident producers access to their respective plan or plans, or similar residual market mechanism.
(d)
Any applicant for insurance, any person insured under the plan, and any insurance company affected, may appeal to the insurance commissioner from any ruling or decision of a manager or committee designated to operate the plan or plans. Any order or act of the insurance commissioner under the provisions of this section shall be subject to review on petition filed by an aggrieved party in the superior court for the counties of Providence and Bristol within ten (10) days after notice of it is given. The court shall determine whether the filing of the petition shall operate as a stay of any order or act of the insurance commissioner, and the court shall summarily hear the matter. The court may, in disposing of the issue before it, modify, affirm, or reverse the order or act of the insurance commissioner in whole or in part.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 35; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-9; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-8; P.L. 1982, ch. 378, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 207, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 337, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 265, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 158, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 274, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-8.1. - Joint distribution of accident reports.

§ 31-33-8.1. Joint distribution of accident reports.
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, nothing shall prevent insurers providing automobile insurance coverage in the state from establishing and maintaining a common system for obtaining publicly filed accident reports and distributing the reports to the insurer or insurers identified on the form as providing coverage to one or more persons, whether through the assigned risk plan or otherwise.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 185, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-9. - Self-insurers.

§ 31-33-9. Self-insurers.
(a)
Any person in whose name more than twenty-five (25) vehicles are registered in this state may qualify as a self-insurer by obtaining a certificate of self-insurance issued by the department of business regulation as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b)
The department of business regulation may, in its discretion, upon the application of such a person, issue a certificate of self-insurance when it is satisfied that the person is possessed, and will continue to be possessed of, the ability to pay judgment obtained against the person. The certificate may be issued authorizing a person to act as a self-insurer for either property damage or bodily injury, or both.
(c)
Upon not less than five (5) days’ notice and a hearing pursuant to notice, the department of business regulation may upon reasonable grounds cancel a certificate of self-insurance. Failure to pay any judgment within thirty (30) days after the judgment shall have become final shall constitute a reasonable ground for the cancellation of a certificate of self-insurance.
(d)
Entities applying to, or previously authorized to, permissibly self-insure are subject to the jurisdiction of the department of business regulation. The department of business regulation is authorized to promulgate and enforce rules and regulations that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section including, but not limited to:
(1)
Obtaining and reviewing financial statements and related information necessary to ascertain the applicant’s ability to self-insure.
(2)
Apportioning the cost of review to the applicant in a manner similar to that utilized to charge insurance companies for review and analysis of their financial statements.
(3)
Imposing and enforcing upon entities authorized to permissibly self-insure any and all claims handling and settlement practices required of insurers in the settlement of claims.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-8; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-9; P.L. 2014, ch. 29, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 36, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-10. - Statement as to liability insurance not included in sale of vehicle.

§ 31-33-10. Statement as to liability insurance not included in sale of vehicle.
(a)
Whenever any motor vehicle dealer licensed under chapter 5 of this title sells a motor vehicle at retail other than a cash sale, and the transaction for financing the purchase does not include the sale of liability insurance coverage which will protect the purchaser under the provisions of chapters 31 and 32 of this title, the purchase order or invoice or memorandum of conditional sales contract evidencing the transaction shall contain a statement in the following form:
“It is understood that insurance coverage which would protect the purchaser under the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act is not included in the purchase of the motor vehicle described here.
The purchaser has received a copy of this statement.
_______________________________________________________________________
(purchaser's signature)
_______________________________________________________________________
(seller's signature)”
(b)
The seller shall print or stamp the statement on the purchase order or invoice in distinctive colored ink and with clearly visible letters. The statement shall be signed by the purchaser and the seller in the space provided in it on or before the date of delivery of the motor vehicle described in the purchase order or invoice or memorandum of conditional sales contract, and a copy of the form shall be given to the purchaser by the seller.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 47; P.L. 1955, ch. 3531, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-10; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-11. - Proof of responsibility for registration of vehicles owned by minors.

§ 31-33-11. Proof of responsibility for registration of vehicles owned by minors.
The division of motor vehicles shall not register any motor vehicle owned by any person under sixteen (16) years of age. The division of motor vehicles shall not register any motor vehicle owned by any person between sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) years of age unless the person shall furnish proof of financial responsibility for the future together with any certificate that the division of motor vehicles may require, signed by either parent, or the guardian of the person, approved or requesting the registration of the vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 36; P.L. 1955, ch. 3501, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-11; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-12. - Proof of responsibility for registration of vehicles for hire.

§ 31-33-12. Proof of responsibility for registration of vehicles for hire.
The division of motor vehicles shall not register any motor vehicle for hire as defined in chapter 1 of this title until the owner of it shall furnish proof of financial responsibility.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 36; P.L. 1955, ch. 3501, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-12; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-13. - Proof of responsibility to obtain dealers’ plates.

§ 31-33-13. Proof of responsibility to obtain dealers’ plates.
The division of motor vehicles shall not issue a registration under the provisions of §§ 31-3-20 — 31-3-27 until the person applying for the registration shall furnish proof of financial responsibility.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 36; P.L. 1955, ch. 3501, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-13; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 4; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-14. - Return of registration plates on disposing of vehicle.

§ 31-33-14. Return of registration plates on disposing of vehicle.
Any person who shall sell, lose possession of, or have destroyed by collision or fire, or who shall junk or otherwise dispose of any motor vehicle owned by or registered to that person, shall, in addition to returning the certificate of registration to the division of motor vehicles as required by chapter 4 of this title, immediately return to the custody of the division of motor vehicles, the number plates or markers issued under the registration certificates. If the number plates or markers are lost or destroyed, the owner of the motor vehicle to whom the number plates or markers were issued, shall file with the division of motor vehicles upon a form furnished by the division of motor vehicles, a statement under oath, satisfactory to the division of motor vehicles as to the circumstances surrounding the loss or destruction of the number plates or markers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-14; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-15. - Suspension of fraudulent registration of vehicle owned by minor.

§ 31-33-15. Suspension of fraudulent registration of vehicle owned by minor.
The division of motor vehicles shall immediately suspend the registration of any motor vehicle if it appears to the division of motor vehicles that the motor vehicle is owned by a person under eighteen (18) years of age and that the person has secured the registration by a false statement of his or her age or that the motor vehicle has been registered in the name of a person not the true owner of it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-15; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-16. - Examination of vehicles and licenses on highways.

§ 31-33-16. Examination of vehicles and licenses on highways.
The division of motor vehicles may cause an examination to be made of all motor vehicles which at the time of the examination shall be found upon the public highways, and of the licenses of the operators in charge of the motor vehicles, and may verify numbers upon the engines of the motor vehicles as well as the numbers of the manufacturers thereon, and do and perform any other acts and demand and receive any other information that it may deem necessary to establish the ownership of the motor vehicles and the authority to operate the motor vehicles. For these purposes the division of motor vehicles may request the assistance of the division of state police or police authorities of any city or town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 39; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-16; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-17. - Other process preserved.

§ 31-33-17. Other process preserved.
Nothing in chapters 31 — 33 of this title shall be construed as preventing the plaintiff in any action at law from relying for relief upon the other processes provided by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 42; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-20; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-33 - Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions › Section 31-33-18. - Short title.

§ 31-33-18. Short title.
Chapters 31 — 33 of this title may be cited as the “Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3002, § 45; G.L. 1956, § 31-31-1; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-33-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34 - Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles › Section 31-34-1. - Proof of financial responsibility required.

§ 31-34-1. Proof of financial responsibility required.
(a)
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any motor vehicle or truck engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles or trucks without drivers to rent a motor vehicle without a driver otherwise than as a part of a bona fide transaction involving the sale of the motor vehicle or truck, unless the owner has previously notified the division of motor vehicles of the intention to so rent the vehicle and has given proof of financial responsibility, in the following amounts:
(1)
Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for property damage;
(2)
Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for injury or death sustained by one person;
(3)
Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for all personal injuries or deaths resulting from one accident.
(b)
The division of motor vehicles shall not register the vehicle unless and until the owner gives proof of financial responsibility as provided in this chapter. The division of motor vehicles shall cancel the registration of any motor vehicle or truck rented without a driver whenever the division of motor vehicles ascertains that the owner has failed or is unable to give and maintain proof of financial responsibility.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 20, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-34-1; P.L. 1965, ch. 214, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 28, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34 - Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles › Section 31-34-2. - Maintenance of policies.

§ 31-34-2. Maintenance of policies.
The owner shall maintain the policy or policies or provide proof of financial responsibility or self-insurance during all times that the owner is engaged in the business of renting any motor vehicle without a driver.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 20, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-34-2; P.L. 1998, ch. 339, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34 - Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles › Section 31-34-2.1. - Self-insurers.

§ 31-34-2.1. Self-insurers.
(a)
Any person or company in whose name more than four hundred (400) vehicles are registered in this state may qualify as a self-insurer by obtaining a certificate of self-insurance issued by the department of business regulation as provided in subsection (b).
(b)
Upon the application of the person or company, the department of business regulation may issue a certificate of self-insurance at its discretion if it is satisfied that the person or company has and will have the ability to pay any judgment obtained against the person or company. The certificate may be issued authorizing a person or company to act as a self-insurer for either property damage or bodily injury, or both.
(c)
Upon not less than five (5) days’ notice and a hearing pursuant to notice, the department of business regulation upon reasonable grounds may cancel a certificate of self-insurance. Failure to pay any judgment within thirty (30) days after the judgment has become final constitutes a reasonable ground for the cancellation of a certificate of self-insurance.
(d)
Entities applying to or previously authorized to permissibly self-insure are subject to the jurisdiction of the department of business regulation. The department of business regulation is authorized to promulgate and enforce rules and regulations that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section including, but not limited to:
(1)
Obtaining and reviewing financial statements and related information necessary to ascertain the applicant’s ability to self-insure.
(2)
Apportioning the cost of review to the applicant in a manner similar to that utilized to charge insurance companies for review and analysis of their financial statements.
(3)
Imposing and enforcing upon entities authorized to permissibly self-insure any and all claims handling and settlement practices required of insurers in the settlement of claims.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 339, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 29, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 36, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34 - Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles › Section 31-34-3. - Operation by person other than lessee.

§ 31-34-3. Operation by person other than lessee.
Whenever the owner of a motor vehicle rents a vehicle without a driver to another it shall be unlawful for the lessee to permit any other person to operate the vehicle without the permission of the owner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 20, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-34-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34 - Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles › Section 31-34-4. - Liability of owner for negligence of operator.

§ 31-34-4. Liability of owner for negligence of operator.
(a)
Any owner of a for-hire motor vehicle or truck who has given proof of financial responsibility under this chapter or who in violation of this chapter has failed to give proof of financial responsibility, shall be jointly and severally liable with any person operating the vehicle for any damages caused by the negligence of any person operating the vehicle by or with the permission of the owner. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent an owner who has furnished proof of financial responsibility or any person operating the vehicle from making defense in an action upon the ground of contributory negligence to the extent to which the defense is allowed in other cases.
(b)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, or any provisions contained under this title to the contrary, the valid and collectible liability insurance or self-insurance providing coverage or liability protection for third-party liability claims arising out of the operation of the rental vehicle shall be primary for the lessor or any person operating the motor vehicle, with the express permission of the lessor unless otherwise stated in at least ten-point (10) type on the face of the rental agreement. That insurance or self-insurance is primary only up to the limits required under § 31-47-2(13)(i)(A).
(c)
“Lessor” includes any entity in the business of renting motor vehicles pursuant to a written rental agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 20, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-34-4; P.L. 1965, ch. 214, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 115, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 117, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 219, § 6; P.L. 2004, ch. 224, § 6; P.L. 2005, ch. 137, § 6; P.L. 2021, ch. 398, § 6, effective July 14, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 399, § 6, effective July 14, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34 - Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles › Section 31-34-5. - Failure to comply.

§ 31-34-5. Failure to comply.
The division of motor vehicles shall cancel the registration of any motor vehicle rented without a driver whenever the division of motor vehicles ascertains that the owner has failed or is unable to comply with the requirements of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 20, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-34-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34 - Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles › Section 31-34-6. - Violations

§ 31-34-6. Violations
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 20, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-34-6; P.L. 2021, ch. 96, § 1, effective July 1, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 97, § 1, effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34 - Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles › Section 31-34-8. - Basis of charges.

§ 31-34-8. Basis of charges.
Every automobile rental company shall compute rental charges, with the exception of rental charges for temporary replacement vehicles after an accident, based solely on a twenty-four (24) hour period, rather than on a calendar day basis.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 510, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34 - Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles › Section 31-34-9. - Vehicles with salvage title.

§ 31-34-9. Vehicles with salvage title.
No rental company shall utilize any vehicle with a salvage title as a rental vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 264, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 305, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34.1 - Rental Vehicle Surcharge › Section 31-34.1-1. - Definitions.

§ 31-34.1-1. Definitions.
The following words and phrases used in this chapter, for the purposes of this chapter, have the following meanings:
(1)
“Excise tax” means the tax imposed under chapter 34 of title 44.
(2)
“Gross receipts” means the total amount of money for the value of other consideration received by a renter of motor vehicles from motor vehicles rented in the state of Rhode Island. Gross receipts includes any charges related to the rental including gas, insurance, etc. whether or not set out in separate contract.
(3)
“Motor vehicle” means a private passenger motor vehicle designed to transport fifteen (15) or fewer passengers that is rented without a driver and is part of a fleet of five (5) or more passenger vehicles used for that purpose, owned or leased by the same person or entity.
(4)
“Rental company” means any business entity engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles in the state of Rhode Island.
(5)
“Rented in this state” means any vehicle if it is picked up by or delivered to the renter in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 150, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 272, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34.1 - Rental Vehicle Surcharge › Section 31-34.1-2. - Rental vehicle surcharge.

§ 31-34.1-2. Rental vehicle surcharge.
(a)
Each rental company shall collect, at the time a motor vehicle is rented in this state, on each rental contract, a surcharge equal to eight percent (8.0%) of gross receipts per vehicle on all rentals for each of the first thirty (30) consecutive days. The surcharge shall be computed prior to the assessment of any applicable sales taxes, provided, however, the surcharge shall be subject to the sales tax.
(b)
The surcharge shall be included on the rental contract and collected in accordance with the terms of the rental contract. Sixty percent (60%) of the surcharge shall be retained by the rental company in accordance with this section and subsection (c), and forty percent (40%) of the surcharge shall be remitted to the state for deposit in the general fund, on a quarterly basis in accordance with a schedule adopted by the tax administration. Each rental company collecting and retaining surcharge amounts may reimburse itself in accordance with this section from the funds retained for the total amount of motor vehicle licensing fees, title fees, registration fees and transfer fees paid to the state of Rhode Island and excise taxes imposed upon the rental companies’ motor vehicles during the prior calendar year; provided, that rental companies shall not be authorized to reimburse themselves for title fees, motor vehicles licensing fees, transfer fees, registration fees and excise taxes unless those fees and taxes shall have been assessed and paid in full to the state or appropriate city or town prior to any reimbursement. No reimbursement shall be allowed upon the prepayment of any fees or excise taxes.
(c)
At a date to be set by the state tax administrator, but not later than February 15th of any calendar year, each rental company shall, in addition to filing a quarterly remittance form, file a report with the state tax administrator on a form prescribed by him or her, stating the total amount of motor vehicles licensing fees, transfer fees, title fees, registration fees and excise taxes paid by the rental company in the previous year. The amount, if any, by which the surcharge collections exceed the amount of licensing fees, title fees, transfer fees, registration fees and excise taxes paid shall be remitted by the rental company to the state of Rhode Island for deposit in the Rhode Island highway maintenance fund beginning in fiscal year 2015.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 150, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 272, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 44, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 16, § 10; P.L. 2012, ch. 297, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 340, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 21, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34.1 - Rental Vehicle Surcharge › Section 31-34.1-3. - Regulations.

§ 31-34.1-3. Regulations.
The tax administrator shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter. All administrative provisions of chapters 18 and 19 of title 44 relating to interest, penalties, assessments and hearings shall apply.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 150, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-34.1 - Rental Vehicle Surcharge › Section 31-34.1-4. - False reports — Penalties.

§ 31-34.1-4. False reports — Penalties.
Any person making a false report to the tax administrator with the intent to misrepresent the amount of title fees, motor vehicle licensing fees, transfer fees or excise fees paid or the amount of surcharges collected or who knowingly fails to collect the surcharge as required by this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction of each offense be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or be imprisoned for not more than one year, or by both fine and imprisonment. In addition to the above penalty, any person convicted of a violation of this section shall forfeit their right to reimbursement for expenses and shall remit the entire six percent (6%) surcharge collected to the state in a manner consistent with § 31-34.1-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 150, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 44, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-35 - Responsibility of Parking Lots › Section 31-35-1. - Ordinances requiring theft and damage insurance coverage.

§ 31-35-1. Ordinances requiring theft and damage insurance coverage.
Each city and town in this state is authorized and empowered to pass ordinances requiring every person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of parking motor vehicles on outdoor parking lots to take out a blanket insurance, by the terms of which any motor vehicle owner, whose motor vehicle has been left in the outdoor parking lot, in the event of theft of or damage to the motor vehicle, may be recompensed from the insurance for the theft or damages.
History of Section.
P.L. 1942, ch. 1209, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-35-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-36 - Motor Fuel Tax › Section 31-36-2. - Registration of distributors required.

§ 31-36-2. Registration of distributors required.
Every distributor shall, before continuing or commencing to transact the business of a distributor, apply for registration as a distributor at the office of the tax administrator upon a form to be obtained from the administrator and the administrator. If satisfied as to the facts stated in application, shall register the distributor and issue a certificate of the registration without charge, which registration shall entitle the distributor to continue or to commence to engage in the business within this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 2; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 70; G.L. 1956, § 31-36-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-36 - Motor Fuel Tax › Section 31-36-3. - Bond of a motor fuel distributor.

§ 31-36-3. Bond of a motor fuel distributor.
(a)
Before the division of taxation shall register a distributor as provided in § 31-36-2, the distributor shall deposit with the Division of Taxation a surety bond running to the general treasurer and in form and substance approved by the division, in amount based upon an estimate of the average annual tax to be paid by the distributor as set forth in subsection (b) of this section, with any surety, if any, that the division may require, conditioned to pay any final judgment obtained against the principal named in the bond for failure to pay any and all taxes assessed under the provisions of this chapter. Provided, however, that any distributor that has paid all taxes assessed under this chapter for three (3) consecutive years shall be exempt from depositing a surety bond thereafter as long as the distributor remains in good standing. In the event a distributor fails to remain in good standing the division shall notify the distributor of the requirement to obtain a new surety bond that must be secured within thirty (30) days of said notice. Any distributor that fails to secure the bond as required under this section shall forfeit its certificate of registration, provided for in § 31-36-2, until such time as the division receives proof that the bond has been secured.
AVERAGE ESTIMATE OF
ANNUAL TAXES
AMOUNT OF BOND
$ 0 to $ 1,000,000
$ 250,000
$ 1,000,001 to $ 1,500,000
$ 350,000
$ 1,500,001 to $ 2,000,000
$ 500,000
$ 2,000,001 to $ 2,500,000
$ 600,000
$ 2,500,001 to $ 3,000,000
$ 700,000
$ 3,000,001 to $ 5,000,000
$ 1,000,000
$ 5,000,001 to $ 10,000,000
$ 2,000,000
$ 10,000,001 to $ 15,000,000
$ 3,000,000
$ 15,000,001 to $ 25,000,000
$ 4,000,000
$ 25,000,001 and Over
$ 5,000,000
(c)
In no event shall the amount of the bond in this section exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 2; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 2; P.L. 1953, ch. 3177, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-36-3; P.L. 1962, ch. 63, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 24, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 490, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 520, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-36 - Motor Fuel Tax › Section 31-36-4. - Suspension or revocation of registration.

§ 31-36-4. Suspension or revocation of registration.
The administrator may suspend or revoke a registration of any distributor after a hearing, upon not less than five (5) days’ notice, for any violation of the provisions of this chapter, and may require a return of the distributor’s certificate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 2; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 70; G.L. 1956, § 31-36-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-36 - Motor Fuel Tax › Section 31-36-5. - Measurement and marking of capacity of vehicles for transportation of fuels.

§ 31-36-5. Measurement and marking of capacity of vehicles for transportation of fuels.
The capacity of every vehicle tank, and each compartment of it used for the transportation of fuels, shall be measured and sealed by an official sealer of weights and measures, and the capacity when so determined shall be plainly printed upon the right hand side of the vehicle tank in letters and numerals not less than one inch (1") in height.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 3; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 31-36-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-36 - Motor Fuel Tax › Section 31-36-6. - Distributors’ sales records.

§ 31-36-6. Distributors’ sales records.
Every distributor shall keep a complete and accurate record of the number of gallons of fuels sold by the distributor and of the number of gallons of fuels used by the distributor, the date of the sales and of any use and, except in the case of retail sales through filling stations operated by the distributor, the names and addresses of the purchasers. The record shall be in a form and contain any information that the administrator may prescribe. Every distributor shall make for every sale of fuels, except retail sales through filling stations operated by the distributor, a written statement in duplicate containing the names and addresses of the distributor and the purchaser, the number of gallons sold and the dates of sale and delivery, one of which shall be delivered to the purchaser and the other retained by the distributor. Each record and statement shall be preserved by the distributor and purchaser for a period of three (3) years, and shall be open to inspection upon demand of the tax administrator or his or her authorized agents.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 3; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 70; G.L. 1956, § 31-36-6; P.L. 1967, ch. 181, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-36 - Motor Fuel Tax › Section 31-36-7. - Monthly report of distributors — Payment of tax.

§ 31-36-7. Monthly report of distributors — Payment of tax.
(a) State requirements.
Every distributor shall, on or before the twentieth (20th) day of each month, render a report to the tax administrator, upon forms to be obtained from the tax administrator, of the amount (number of gallons) of fuels purchased, sold, or used by the distributor within this state and the amount of fuels sold by the distributor without this state from fuels within this state during the preceding calendar month, and, if required by the tax administrator as to purchases, the name or names of the person or persons from whom purchased and the date and amount of each purchase, and as to sales, the name or names of the person or persons to whom sold and the amount of each sale, and shall pay at the same time to the administrator tax at the rate of thirty-two cents ($0.32) per gallon on all taxable gallons of fuel sold or used in this state.
(b) Federal requirements.
In the event the federal government requires a certain portion of the gasoline tax to be dedicated for highway improvements, then the state controller is directed to establish a restricted receipt account and deposit that portion of gasoline tax receipts which brings the state into federal compliance.
Beginning July 1, 2015, and every other year thereafter, the gasoline tax shall be adjusted by the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics determined as of September 30 of the prior calendar year; said adjustment shall be rounded to the nearest one cent ($.01) increment, provided that the total tax shall not be less than provided for in section (a).
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 4; P.L. 1927, ch. 1033, § 3; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 1; P.L. 1937, ch. 2500, § 1; P.L. 1938, ch. 2626, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 45, § 4; P.L. 1939, ch. 745, § 1; P.L. 1947, ch. 1887, art. 4, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-36-7; P.L. 1958, ch. 17, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 1960, ch. 77, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 263, art. 7, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 260, art. 8, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 9, art. 2, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 344, art. 14, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 2, art. 9, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 25, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 126, art. 19, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 6, art. 17, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 30, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 89, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 134, § 19; P.L. 1997, ch. 30, art. 7, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 31, art. 6, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 16, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 21, § 4.