This bill amends Section 24-12-37 of the General Laws concerning the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, focusing on penalties for toll violations and establishing non-liability for rental companies. It provides that motor vehicle rental companies can establish non-liability for toll violations, administrative fees, and fines by submitting a rental or lease agreement to the traffic tribunal as prima facie evidence that the lessee was the vehicle operator. Additionally, the bill exempts rental companies from registration penalties resulting from out-of-state toll violations involving their rental vehicles.

The bill also includes provisions that require the issuing authority to notify the owner of a rented or leased vehicle in writing of each toll violation, including details such as the vehicle's license number and the date and time of the violation. Upon receiving this notice, the rental company must inform the issuing authority of the operator's name and address within twenty days, to the extent available. Furthermore, it 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 changes will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3166: 31-3-6.3
3166  SUB A: 24-12-37, 31-3-6.3