Rhode Island § 39-12-20 - Motor Carriers of Property

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 39-12-20 — Motor Carriers of Property, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39-12-20. Motor Carriers of Property

R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-12-20

§ 39-12-20. Transfer of certificates or permits — Joint control of common carriers.

Any common-carrier certificate or any contract-carrier permit may be assigned and transferred, in whole or in part, by the holder thereof, his or her assignee, receiver, trustee, or by the holder’s personal representative, or by the surviving partner or partners of the deceased partner to which the rights and privileges under the certificate or permit shall pass at the death of the holder, upon his or her application to the administrator. The transfer and assignment must receive the consent and approval of the administrator, after public notice, in the manner provided in §§ 39-12-6 and 39-12-9, and a public hearing, at which the proposed transferee shall have established to the satisfaction of the administrator his or her willingness, fitness, and ability to perform or furnish transportation for compensation under the certificate or permit. No certificate or permit may be transferred in part, unless the rights are clearly severable; and no certificate or permit shall be transferred, in whole or in part, except in connection with the bona fide sale to the transferee of the business of the transferor. The application shall be accompanied by a fee of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250). All revenues received under this section shall be deposited as general revenues. It shall be unlawful for any person to accomplish or effectuate or to participate in accomplishing or effectuating the control or management in a common interest of any two (2) or more common carriers, however such a result is attained, whether directly or indirectly, by use of common directors, officers, or stockholders, or in any manner whatsoever. As used in this section, the words “control and management” shall be construed to include the power to exercise control and management. The holder of either a common-carrier certificate or a contract-carrier permit shall not acquire the operating rights held by another person through a transfer proceeding unless, both operating rights are merged simultaneously and not until the application to transfer is approved by the administrator.

History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2268, art. 5, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 99, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 1946, ch. 1805, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-26; G.L. 1956, § 39-12-20; P.L. 1958, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 209, § 3; P.L. 1980, ch. 339, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 34, § 5; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 118; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 26, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 485, § 2.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 39-12-20

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 39-12-20 cover?

Section 39-12-20 ("Motor Carriers of Property") 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 § 39-12-20?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 39-12-20" (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 § 39-12-20 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.