R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-12: Supervision and inspection of vehicles transporting passengers for hire.

(a) The division of motor vehicles shall have jurisdiction over the lighting, equipment, safety, and sanitary condition of all taxicabs, buses, jitneys, and other vehicles used for the transportation of passengers for hire, and shall cause an inspection of them to be made before registering the vehicles and from time to time thereafter as it shall deem necessary for the convenience, protection, and safety of passengers and the public.

(b) A fee of two dollars ($2.00) shall be paid to the division of motor vehicles for each inspection as required by this section.