R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.2-18: Controlling authority.

All provisions of this chapter, with the exception of § 39-14.2-14, are hereby declared to be the sole jurisdiction of the division; § 39-14.2-14 is hereby declared to be the sole jurisdiction of the division and the department of business regulation. Cities, towns, and other local entities in the state are expressly prohibited from:

(1) Establishing any licensing or registration requirement or imposing any charge, fee, or tax on transportation network companies, transportation network company operators, or personal vehicles;

(2) Requiring a TNC driver to obtain a business license or any other type of similar authorization to operate within the jurisdiction; or

(3) Subjecting transportation network companies to the city, town, or local entity’s rate, entry, operation, or other requirements; provided, however, that cities and towns may continue to impose excise taxes upon the legal owners of vehicles used to provide TNC services in a manner consistent with previous such taxation of private motor vehicles.