Title 31
Motor and Other Vehicles

Chapter 22
Miscellaneous Rules

R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-14

§ 31-22-14. Towing — Costs paid by owner.

(a) The owner, or person having custody and control as authorized by the owner, of any motor vehicle which is towed away from any public roadway because it is in violation of a state law or city or town ordinance, or which is towed from the scene of an accident or breakdown, or which is towed as the result of the lawful detention of an unlicensed operator, including those operating after denial, suspension, or revocation of license, shall be liable for the cost of towing, storage, and other incidental expenses in connection with the towing.

(b) The owner or operator of this section shall be responsible for the towing, storage and incidental expenses and for the towing or transportation fees to a demolisher or crusher and any crushing preparation fees associated with gas tanks, auto fluff, and battery acid and tire removal which exceed the salvage value of the vehicle.

(c) Any owner or operator who should fail to pay the costs and expenses set forth in this section within thirty (30) days of the receipt of written notice from the tow company, police department or demolisher shall be punished by a fine upon conviction not in excess of two hundred dollars ($200).

History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 445, § 1.