R.I. Gen. Laws
Rhode Island General Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-33 (2026)

Rental of motor vehicles — Licenses required

✓ text as last checked Sept. 2026 (this copy records no edition or section history)
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(a) No person, firm, or corporation, whether resident or nonresident, shall, without securing a license, grant a franchise or license, or continue to grant a franchise or license, to any other person, firm, or corporation to use his, her, or its name, trademark, or trade name, whether registered or unregistered, in the business of renting in this state motor vehicles for transportation of persons or property.

(b) No person, firm, or corporation, whether resident or nonresident, shall engage in this state in the business of renting or leasing motor vehicles to any other person, firm, or corporation without securing a license. Any person, firm, or corporation who rents or leases more than five (5) motor vehicles in any one year shall be considered to be engaged in the business of renting or leasing motor vehicles.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or public law to the contrary, the authority to issue licenses for the rental or leasing of motorized bicycles and/or motorized tricycles in the town of New Shoreham shall be vested exclusively in the town council of the town of New Shoreham, pursuant to the provisions of chapter 19.3 of this title.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 3 cases, 1987–2002 · leading case: Oliveira v. Lombardi, 794 A.2d 453 (R.I. 2002).
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Oliveira v. Lombardi, 794 A.2d 453 (R.I. 2002). · cites it 2× “Unless otherwise indicated, the regulations cited are the "Rules and Regulations Regarding Motor Vehicle Leasing Licenses” promulgated by the Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in the administration of G.L.1956 §§ 31-5-33 and 31-34-1. At the time the…”
Leone v. Town of New Shoreham, 534 A.2d 871 (R.I. 1987). “1956 (1982 Reenactment) §§ 31-5-33 and 31-5-34; The plaintiff held such a license in 1983 and 1984.”
Fratus v. Amerco, 575 A.2d 989 (R.I. 1990). “…all motor-vehicle-leasing businesses within the State of Rhode Island pursuant to G.L.1956 (1982 Reenactment) § 31-5-33.”
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