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132 RHODE ISLAND Statewide Regulations The State of Rhode Island generally regulates motor vehicles operating or based in the state. R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22 (2007). For more information, visit the Rhode Island DOT Web site at http://www.dot.state.ri.us or call (401) 222-2450. Case History A rental car company challenged concession spot limitations for local businesses. The court held that the state Director of Transportation may set aside car rental concession spots for local operators without violating the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution because he had a reasonable belief that reserving a number of spots for local consumers would provide an economical option for travelers. U.S. Const. Amend. XIV. National Car Rental Sys. v. Fazzano, 112 R.I. 56, 307 A.2d 770 (1973). A taxi service challenged the denial of a permit to operate taxis at a local airport. The court examined whether the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission Division of Public Utilities Carriers had properly denied the permit. To receive an operatorâs permit from the Public Utilities Division, applicants must show that they are 1) fit, willing, and properly able to perform the service proposed, and 2) that the service is or will be required for public convenience and necessity. The court held that the operator satisfied the requirements and should be issued a permit. âThe findings and conclusions of the Public Utilities Division must be related to final agency actions through a chain of reasoning.â Big Daddy Taxi Serv. v. R.I. PUC Div. of Pub. Utils. & Carriers. 2004 R.I. Super. LEXIS 26 at *8 (2004). Rhode IslandâT.F. Green State Airport (PVD) Overview PVD is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. The corporation is a semi- autonomous part of the Rhode Island Port Authority and is overseen by the State Legislature. PVDâs rules for commercial ground transportation are approved by the State Legislature. PVD is an open system. Local Rules and Regulations for Ground Transportation at T.F. Green State Airport Cited as: Rules and Regs. § x.x. Covered Vehicles As defined by the regulations, covered vehicles include taxicabs, limited public motor vehicles, or public motor vehicles, but not courtesy vehicles. Rules and Regs. § 1.13. Drivers may not access the airport without either: 1) a valid certificate and registration, or 2) a valid authorization. Rules and Regs. § 2.2.1.
133 Operations must be conducted only in authorized lanes and without soliciting passengers. Rules and Regs. § 2.2. Drivers shall provide proof of insurance. Rules and Regs. § 2.5. Car Rental Companies Rental companies shall collect a customer facility charge from every chargeable customer. Collections must be made in accordance with certain accounting procedures, and remittances must be made in a timely and lawful fashion. Rules and Regs. §§ 7.1.1-7.1.4. The Rhode Island Airport Corporation will have the right to audit the books of any rental car company. Rules and Regs. § 7.1.5. Courtesy Vehicles Drivers may not access the airport without either: 1) prior authorization, or 2) being in compliance with the Rules and Regulations. Rules and Regs. § 6.1. Vehicles must have at least the minimum insurance coverage required by law. Rules and Regs. § 6.4. Enforcement Violators will be subject to citations and penalties from the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal. Rules and Regs. § 9.2. The Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal will administer fines pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws. § 8.â8.2-2 (2006). Federal Jurisdiction Vehicles carrying passengers with immediate prior or subsequent movement by air and staying within a 25-mi radius of PVD are exempt from FMCSA regulations. 49 C.F.R. § 372.117 (2007). Transportation within the municipal limits of Warwick is exempt. 49 U.S.C.S. § 13506 (2007). Contact Information General Information (888) 268-7222 Administration (401) 737-4000 Media Relations (401) 737-4000, ext. 272 Properties (401) 737-4000, ext. 231