2.1.1 Authorization for Regulations

The following Rules and Regulations concerning the resolution of disputes over the nonpayment of Tolls, Administrative Fees, and Fines ("Rules and Regulations") are promulgated by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority ("Authority") in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37.

2.1.2 Purpose

These Rules and Regulations are intended to provide the public with information regarding the procedures associated with the nonpayment of Tolls, Administrative Fees, and Fines on the Claiborne Pell Bridge.

A. For the purposes of these Rules and Regulations, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1. “Administrative fees” means the fees added to an unpaid Toll pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37.

2. “Bridge” means the Claiborne Pell Bridge.

3. “Fines” means all fines incurred by a Toll Evader under R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37.

4. “Nonpayment of toll” means the failure to pay any Administrative Fees or Fines associated with the failure to pay the required Toll, and/or the failure to pay the Toll due at the time of crossing or use of the Bridge as a result of:

a. Having an insufficient amount of cash or legal tender to pay the Toll due;

b. Failing to have a properly-affixed and valid EZ-Pass Transponder with a balance sufficient to pay the Toll due; or

c. Not paying the Toll due or otherwise evading the obligation to pay the Toll due by, inter alia, proceeding through or around a gate or barrier at the Bridge’s toll plaza.

5. “Toll” means the amount charged by the Authority for use of the Bridge pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-9.

6. “Toll violator” shall have the meaning set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37(g).

7. “Toll evader” shall have the meaning set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37(h).

8. “Notice of violation” means any notice issued by the Authority (or its agent) in connection with the nonpayment of Toll by a Toll Violator or Toll Evader.

A. Procedures for Disputing Notices of Violation

1. The Authority intends to seek to resolve all disputes regarding the nonpayment of Tolls in an efficient and fair manner.

2. If a Toll Violator or Toll Evader disputes their status as such or otherwise disputes the accuracy of the Authority’s records regarding any nonpayment of Toll, the Toll Violator or Toll Evader shall submit a completed Toll Violation Dispute Form to the Authority within thirty (30) days of the date of issuance of the disputed Notice of Violation.

3. The Authority will attempt to work informally and collaboratively with the Toll Violator or Toll Evader to resolve any dispute regarding the disputed Notice of Violation or Nonpayment of Toll. The Authority may contact the Toll Violator or Toll Evader to request additional information to assist the Authority in evaluating the merits of the dispute.

4. If the Authority determines that the disputed Notice of Violation shall be voided or adjusted in favor of the Toll Violator or Toll Evader, then the Authority will make such adjustment and will advise the Toll Violator or Toll Evader of the adjustment made. Thereafter, the Toll Violator or Toll Evader shall pay the newly adjusted amount within ten (10) days of the date of issuance of the Authority’s determination. However, if the Toll Violator or Toll Evader fails to timely pay the adjusted amount, then any adjustment made by the Authority is null and void and the original amount of the Notice(s) of Violation (and any applicable Administrative Fees and Fines) shall be immediately due and payable.

5. If the Authority determines that the disputed Notice of Violation is valid and should not be voided or adjusted, then the Toll Violator or Toll Evader may request a telephonic conference with a duly authorized Authority representative for the purpose of attempting to resolve the dispute. Such telephonic conference shall be conducted within thirty (30) days of the Toll Violator or Toll Evader’s request, which request shall be made no later than thirty (30) days of the date of issuance of the Authority’s determination. If such conference is not requested or does not resolve the dispute, then the Authority shall issue a written final determination to the Toll Violator or Toll Evader confirming that all amounts owed for the disputed Notice of Violation shall remain due and payable. Thereafter, any such Toll Violator or Toll Evader shall remain subject to all consequences set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-12-37.