Order 25577 - William L'Europa: Authority to Operate as a Public Motor Vehicle

DECISION AND ORDER

Hearing Officer:         Gregory S. Schultz, Esq.

Hearing Held:             January 5, 2026

Appearances:               William L’Europa, Applicant

I.                   INTRODUCTION

II.                JURISDICTION

III.             DISCUSSION

R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.1-3 requires that an applicant be fit, willing, and able to provide services in the transportation of passengers in order to obtain a certificate of operating authority from the Division.

Mr. William L’Europa, testified as the Applicant. With respect to his experience in the transportation industry, Mr. L’Europa testified that he has worked as a PMV and Uber driver for multiple years and has a current Blue Card in Rhode Island.

A review of Mr. L’Europa’s Background Criminal Investigation check shows no Rhode Island criminal convictions. Mr. L’Europa testified that he was charged with a minor traffic violation approximately two and a half (2 ½) years ago but has had no other violations within the last six (6) years.

Mr. L’Europa further testified that he was convicted of federal tax evasion in 2013 and served 22 months in federal prison.  However, he has had no other federal charges or convictions since that time.

No objections to this application have been made by any members of the public.

IV.             FINDINGS OF FACT

1.      On or about December 15, 2025, the Applicant filed an application with Division seeking a certificate of operating authority to operate as a PMV pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws § 39-14.1-3, et seq.

2.      A hearing was held on January 5, 2026, in the Division’s offices located at 89 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. The Applicant was not represented by counsel.

V.                CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

After a careful review of the record in this proceeding, the Division finds that the Applicant has met the burden of proving that it is fit, willing and able to provide the transportation services requested. 

Mr. L’Europa’s 2013 federal conviction and incarceration for tax evasion does not disqualify him from obtaining approval to operate as a PMV service provider within the State of Rhode Island because of the significant time that has elapsed since the conviction and release from imprisonment.  See R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-5.1-14(f) and (g).

Accordingly, it is

1.      The application of William L’Europa, 60 Urbana Street, Cranston, Rhode Island 02920, seeking authority to operate as an PMV service provider within the State of Rhode Island is approved.

2.      Within ninety (90) calendar days of the effective date of this Decision and Order, and before commencing operations within the State of Rhode Island, the Applicant must accomplish the following: 

a.       The Applicant must hand deliver to the Division proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance) that conforms to the minimum insurance requirements set forth in R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.1-7

b.      The Applicant must register the vehicle(s) it intends to operate under its PMV Certificate of Operating Authority with the Motor Carrier Section of the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. Each vehicle must be appropriately marked in accordance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.1-6.

3.      The Applicant is reminded that it is responsible for ensuring that all of its drivers obtain a valid “Blue Card” (Hackney Operator’s Permit) from the Motor Carrier Section of the Division.

4.      In addition, the Applicant is reminded that it must comply with the provisions of Rhode Island General Laws § 39-14.1-5, which confers upon the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles jurisdiction over the lighting, equipment, safety, and sanitary conditions of all public motor vehicles. An inspection by the Division of Motor Vehicles is required before these vehicles may be operated within Rhode Island.

5.       Finally, the Applicant is reminded that it must familiarize itself with all of the provisions of the Division’s Rules and Regulations Governing The Transportation of Passengers Via Public Motor Vehicles and Rules And Regulations For Licensing Operators Transporting Passengers in Taxicabs, Limited Public Motor Vehicles, And Public Motor vehicles, and ensure that its drivers and employees are familiar with these rules as well.

6.      If the conditions set forth in paragraph 2, above, are not met within ninety (90) calendar days from the issuance date of this Decision and Order, the approval granted herein will be of no further force and effect.

DATED AND EFFECTIVE AT WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND JANUARY 5, 2026.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF JUDICIAL REVIEW

(PROVIDED PURSUANT TO R.I. GEN. LAWS § 42-35-12)

Please be advised that if you are aggrieved by this final decision (report and order) of the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (“Division”) you may seek judicial review of the Division’s final decision by filing an appeal with the Rhode Island Superior Court.  You have thirty (30) days from the mailing date (or hand delivery date) of the Division’s final decision to file your appeal.  The procedures for filing the appeal are set forth in Rhode Island General Laws, Section 42-35-15.

Proceedings for review may be instituted by filing a complaint in the Superior Court of Providence or Kent Counties.  Copies of the complaint must be served upon the Division and all other parties of record in your case.  You must serve copies of the complaint within ten (10) days after your complaint is filed with the Superior Court.

Please be advised that the filing of a complaint (appeal) with the Superior Court does not itself stay enforcement of the Division’s final decision. You may, however, seek a stay from the Division and/or from the Court.

The judicial review shall be conducted by the Superior Court without a jury and shall be confined to the record.  The Court, upon request, shall hear oral argument and receive written briefs.