R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-12-7
A certificate shall be issued by the administrator, after a hearing, to any qualified applicant therefor, authorizing the whole or any part of the operations covered by the application, if it is found that the applicant is fit, willing, and able properly to perform the service proposed and to conform to the provisions of this chapter and the requirements, orders, rules, and regulations of the administrator thereunder; otherwise the application shall be denied. Any certificate issued under this chapter shall specify the service to be rendered. Certificates issued under this chapter shall be renewed before the close of business on December 31 of each calendar year. The renewal fee shall be one hundred dollars ($100) and shall be submitted with the renewal form. All revenues received under this section shall be deposited as general revenues. No certificate shall be issued to a common carrier by motor vehicle or, when issued, shall remain in force authorizing the transportation of property over the publicly used highways of this state, unless the rates and charges upon which the property is transported by the carrier shall have been published in the tariff and filed with the administrator in accordance with this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-12-7