Title 31
Motor and Other Vehicles

Chapter 34
Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles

R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-34-1

§ 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.