The bill amends Section 31-23.3-5 of the General Laws regarding penalties for violations related to nontransparent windshields and windows. It introduces new provisions concerning the responsibilities of vehicle owners, particularly those who rent or lease vehicles.

Specifically, the bill allows the owner of a rented or leased motor vehicle to establish non-liability for traffic violations by providing a copy of a written rental or lease agreement to the traffic tribunal or any municipality with jurisdiction over the citation. This agreement serves as prima facie evidence that the lessee was the operator of the vehicle.

Additionally, the issuing authority is required to provide the owner of a rented or leased vehicle with a written notice of each violation involving their vehicle, which must include the vehicle's license number and the date and time of the violation. Upon receiving this notice, the owner must inform the issuing authority, within twenty (20) days, of the operator's name, home address, employer, employer's address, and any local address, if available. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the renter or lessee shall not be considered an agent of the owner if the owner is engaged in the business of renting or leasing vehicles. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5272: 31-23.3-5