Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 50 - Common Carriers
Subchapter 10 - Motor Carriers of Passengers
Part 3 - Rules and Regulations for Licensing Operators Transporting Passengers in Taxicabs, Limited Public Motor Vehicles and Public Motor Vehicles (815-RICR-50-10-3)
Section 815-RICR-50-10-3.2 - Authority

A. The Division is responsible for licensing the operators (drivers) of all taxicabs, limited public motor vehicles and public motor vehicles transporting passengers for hire. State law provides that no person shall operate a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle upon the highways of this state until that person shall have first obtained a special license from the Division under such rules as the Division shall require. R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14-20. Further, no person shall operate a public motor vehicle upon the highways of this state until that person shall have first obtained a special license from the Division under such rules as the Division shall require. R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.1-8.3.

B. Status As Common Carriers And Requirement To Regulate - State law provides that every person operating a motor vehicle engaged in operating as a taxicab, limited public motor vehicle or public motor vehicle, is declared a common carrier and subject as such to the jurisdiction of the Division. The Division is required to prescribe such rules and regulations as it deems proper to assure adequate, economical, safe, and efficient service. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 39-14-2 and 39-14.1-2.