The bill amends Section 24-12-37 of the General Laws concerning the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, specifically addressing penalties for toll violators and toll evaders. It establishes that motor vehicle rental companies can establish non-liability for toll violations, administrative fees, and fines by providing a rental or lease agreement to the traffic tribunal as prima facie evidence that the lessee was the vehicle operator.

The bill requires the issuing authority to provide written notice of each toll violation involving a rented or leased vehicle, including the vehicle's license number and the date and time of the violation. Upon receipt of this notice, the rental company must inform the issuing authority, within twenty days, of the operator's name, home address, employer, employer's address, and local address, if available.

Additionally, 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 act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3295: 24-12-37