Signed by Governor Gina Raimondo

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes regulations for drivers and operators of transportation network companies.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from operating a ridesharing company without a permit from the division of public utilities and carriers (Sec. 1).

• Requires a ridesharing company to do the following in order to obtain a permit (Sec. 1):

• Have adequate insurance coverage; and

• Conduct criminal background checks before hiring any driver..

• Requires a ridesharing company to pay one of the following application and annual renewal fees at the time of application or permit renewal (Sec. 1):

• $5,000 for a company with fewer than 50 active drivers;

• $10,000 for at least 50 active drivers but fewer than 200 active drivers; or

• $30,000 for at least 200 active drivers.

• Establishes certain requirements for a driver to obtain employment from a ridesharing company, including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):

• The driver has not had 3 or more moving violations within the past 3 years;

• The driver has not been found guilty of attempting to evade the police, reckless driving, or driving on a suspended or revoked license within the past 3 years; and

• The driver has not been convicted of driving under the influence, felony fraud, sexual offenses, or using a motor vehicle to commit a felony.

• Requires a ridesharing company to display pictures of the driver and the license plate number of the vehicle before the passenger enters the car (Sec. 1).

Requires a ridesharing company to disclose to riders the fare or fare calculation method on its website or within the digital network (Sec. 1).  

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes regulations for drivers and operators of transportation network companies.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from operating a ridesharing company without a permit from the division of public utilities and carriers (Sec. 1).

• Requires a ridesharing company to do the following in order to obtain a permit (Sec. 1):

• Have adequate insurance coverage; and

• Conduct criminal background checks before hiring any driver..

• Requires a ridesharing company to pay one of the following application and annual renewal fees at the time of application or permit renewal (Sec. 1):

• $5,000 for a company with fewer than 50 active drivers;

• $10,000 for at least 50 active drivers but fewer than 200 active drivers; or

• $30,000 for at least 200 active drivers.

• Establishes certain requirements for a driver to obtain employment from a ridesharing company, including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):

• The driver has not had 3 or more moving violations within the past 3 years;

• The driver has not been found guilty of attempting to evade the police, reckless driving, or driving on a suspended or revoked license within the past 3 years; and

• The driver has not been convicted of driving under the influence, felony fraud, sexual offenses, or using a motor vehicle to commit a felony.

• Requires a ridesharing company to display pictures of the driver and the license plate number of the vehicle before the passenger enters the car (Sec. 1).

Requires a ridesharing company to disclose to riders the fare or fare calculation method on its website or within the digital network (Sec. 1).  

Full Bill Text