R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-17.10-5: Failure to answer or appear.

In the event the person charged with a violation does not pay the fine administratively in accordance with the provisions of § 42-17.10-3, then the person shall have waived the person’s right to dispose of the violation without personal appearance, and the person charged with the violation must then appear before the traffic tribunal on the date specified on the summons. If the person charged with the violation shall fail to appear on the specified date, a judge or magistrate may enter default judgment, and after hearing any evidence presented, determine whether the charges have been established. If the charges are not established, an order dismissing the charges shall be entered. If a determination is made that a charge has been established, an appropriate order shall be entered in the records of the traffic tribunal.