2005 Rhode Island Code - § 39-14.1-1 — Definitions.

    Terms used in this chapter shall be construed as follows, unless another meaning is expressed or is clearly apparent from the language or context:

   (1) "Certificate" means a certificate of operating authority issued to a public motor vehicle;

   (2) "Charter carrier" means a provider of transportation services to groups such as: lodges, bands, athletic teams, schools or other travel groups, assembled by someone other than the carrier who collectively contracts for the exclusive use of certain equipment for the duration of a particular trip or tour. Charter carrier services shall also include transportation services provided by employment agencies or employers to individuals in the context of providing transportation to and from their place of employment;

   (3) "Common carrier" as used in this chapter, means any person engaging in the business of providing transportation services for compensation to passengers through the use of a public motor vehicle as defined in this chapter;

   (4) "Division" means the division of public utilities and carriers;

   (5) "Driver" means any person operating a motor vehicle used for the transportation of passengers which he or she owns or is operating with the expressed or implied consent of the owner;

   (6) "Person" means and includes any individual, partnership, corporation, or other association of individuals;

   (7) "Public motor vehicle" means and includes every motor vehicle for hire, other than a jitney, as defined in § 39-13-1, or a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle, as defined in § 39-14-1, used for transporting members of the general public for compensation in unmarked vehicles at a predetermined or prearranged rate or fee to such points as may be directed by the passenger. Transportation services provided by charter carriers, as defined in this chapter, or by funeral homes in association with funeral services, and by ambulance companies shall be exempt from this chapter;

   (8) "Unmarked vehicles" means motor vehicles that do not display the transportation company's name, address or telephone number, or any advertisements or commercial information beyond that included by the vehicle's manufacturer on the vehicle's exterior surfaces.