Rhode Island § 31-34-4 - Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-34-4 — Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-34-4. Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-34-4
§ 31-34-4. Liability of owner for negligence of operator.
(a) Any owner of a for-hire motor vehicle or truck who has given proof of financial responsibility under this chapter or who in violation of this chapter has failed to give proof of financial responsibility, shall be jointly and severally liable with any person operating the vehicle for any damages caused by the negligence of any person operating the vehicle by or with the permission of the owner. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent an owner who has furnished proof of financial responsibility or any person operating the vehicle from making defense in an action upon the ground of contributory negligence to the extent to which the defense is allowed in other cases.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, or any provisions contained under this title to the contrary, the valid and collectible liability insurance or self-insurance providing coverage or liability protection for third-party liability claims arising out of the operation of the rental vehicle shall be primary for the lessor or any person operating the motor vehicle, with the express permission of the lessor unless otherwise stated in at least ten-point (10) type on the face of the rental agreement. That insurance or self-insurance is primary only up to the limits required under § 31-47-2(13)(i)(A).
(c) “Lessor” includes any entity in the business of renting motor vehicles pursuant to a written rental agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 20, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-34-4; P.L. 1965, ch. 214, § 1;
P.L. 1997, ch. 353, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 115, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 117, § 2; P.L. 2004,
ch. 219, § 6; P.L. 2004, ch. 224, § 6; P.L. 2005, ch. 137, § 6; P.L. 2021, ch. 398,
§ 6, effective July 14, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 399, § 6, effective July 14, 2021.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-34-4
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-34-4 cover?
Section 31-34-4 ("Responsibility of Owners of Rental Vehicles") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 31-34-4?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-34-4" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 31-34-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.