Rhode Island § 31-32-35 - Proof of Financial Responsibility for the Future

§ 31-32-35. Duration of proof — Cancellation or return.

(a) The division of motor vehicles shall upon request consent to the immediate cancellation of any bond or certificate of insurance, or the division of motor vehicles shall direct and the general treasurer shall return to the person entitled to it any money or securities deposited pursuant to this chapter as proof of financial responsibility, or the division of motor vehicles shall waive the requirement of filing proof, in any of the following events:

(1) At any time after one year from the date the proof was required when, during the one year period preceding the request, the division of motor vehicles has not received record of a conviction or a forfeiture of bail which would require or permit the suspension or revocation of the license, registration, or nonresident’s operating privilege of the person by or for whom the proof was furnished;

(2) In the event of the death of the person on whose behalf the proof was filed or the permanent incapacity of the person to operate a motor vehicle; or

(3) In the event the person who has given proof surrenders his or her license and registration to the division of motor vehicles.

(b) Provided, that the division of motor vehicles shall not consent to the cancellation of any bond or the return of any money or securities in the event any action for damages upon a liability covered by the proof is then pending or any judgment upon any liability is then unsatisfied, or in the event the person who has filed the bond or deposited the money or securities has within one year immediately preceding the request been involved as a driver or owner in any motor vehicle accident resulting in injury or damage to the person or property of others. An affidavit of the applicant as to the non-existence of such facts, or that he or she has been released from all of his or her liability, or has been finally adjudicated not to be liable, for the injury or damage, shall be sufficient evidence of it in the absence of evidence to the contrary in the records of the division of motor vehicles.

(c) Whenever any person whose proof has been cancelled or returned under subsection (a)(3) of this section applies for a license or registration within a period of the one year from the date proof was originally required, the application shall be refused unless the applicant shall reestablish the proof for the remainder of the one year period.