This bill amends Section 24-12-37 of the General Laws concerning the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, focusing on penalties for toll violators and 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. 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 requiring the issuing authority to provide written notice of each toll violation involving a rented or leased vehicle, including details such as the license number and date and time of the violation. Upon receipt of this notice, the rental company must inform the issuing authority of the operator's name and address within twenty days. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the renter or lessee shall not be considered an agent of the rental company if the company is engaged in the business of renting or leasing vehicles.

The changes will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8586: 24-12-37
8586  SUB A: 24-12-37, 31-3-6.3