R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-28-3: Unauthorized meters.

It shall be unlawful to install or operate parking meters in any town or city in this state until the qualified electors of the city or town have had submitted to them for their approval or rejection the question of the installation of parking meters, and have signified their approval of the question, and until any town or city council shall enact ordinances or regulations governing the installation and operation of the parking meters.