Title 19
Financial Institutions

Chapter 26
Pawnbrokers

R.I. Gen. Laws § 19-26-18

§ 19-26-18. Maximum charges.

Pawnbrokers are prohibited from charging, taking, or receiving, directly or indirectly, for the use of money lent on personal property, any more than the following rates of interest: for the use of money exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) in amount for a period not exceeding three (3) months, five percent (5%) per month; for a period of time exceeding three (3) months, two and one-half percent (2.5%) per month; for the use of money exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) in amount for any period of time, two and one-half percent (2.5%) per month; provided, that when the interest allowed by this section would amount to less than fifty cents (50¢), a minimum charge of fifty cents (50¢) per month shall be allowed under the provisions of this chapter; and, provided, further, that no charge for the keeping or storage of any article taken in pawn or pledge by any pawnbroker, under the provisions of this chapter, other than is provided in this section shall be permitted. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) and his or her license shall become void.

History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 105, § 14, as enacted by P.L. 1909, ch. 435, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 131, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 364, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 19-26-18.