R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14-9: Vehicles to be operated by owner or employee — Assignment or lease of rights.

Every person proposing to enter into a contract, agreement, arrangement, or understanding, whereby the owner of a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle leases or otherwise lets a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle to an operator, shall file with the administrator, in the form to be provided by him or her, an application for approval of the agreement. The division shall, upon written application setting forth the purpose, terms, and conditions of the lease agreement, after investigation, approve or deny the request. The lease agreement shall be approved by the administrator if, after investigation, the applicant operator is found to be fit, willing, and able to perform the authorized service and to conform to the provisions of this chapter and the requirements, orders, rules, and regulations of the administrator thereunder.