The full name of the owner of every taxicab or limited public motor vehicle shall be displayed on each side of the rear doors of the taxicab or limited public motor vehicle in letters at least two inches (2") high and whenever any taxicab or limited public motor vehicle shall be used or operated upon any public highway of this state with the consent of the owner, express or implied, or under any agreement with the owner, express or implied, the operator thereof, if other than the owner, shall, in case of accident, be deemed to be the agent of the owner.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14-17