R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37.2: Driver/registered owner liability.

(a) The registered owner of the motor vehicle shall be primarily responsible in all prosecutions brought pursuant to the provisions of §§ 24-12-37 and 24-12-37.1.

(b) In all prosecutions of nonpayment of toll violations, there is a rebuttable presumption that the registered owner of the vehicle was the operator of the vehicle and may be liable for the violation. The registered owner of the vehicle may assume liability for the violation by paying the fine; or by defending the violation.