Order 25597 - Abreu's Private Chauffeur Service & More, LLC: Authority to Operate as a Public Motor Vehicle

DECISION AND ORDER

Hearing Officer:         Nicole M. Corbin, Esq.

Hearing Held:             February 4, 2026

Appearances:               Abreu’s Private Chauffeur Service & More, LLC, Applicant           

Miguel Abreu, member/manager

I.                   INTRODUCTION

II.                JURISDICTION

III.             DISCUSSION

R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.1-3 requires applicants to be fit, willing, and able to provide services in the transportation of passengers to obtain a certificate of operating authority from the Division. Abreu’s Private Chauffeur Service & More, LLC is a domestic limited liability company duly organized under the laws of the State of Rhode Island and is in good standing with the Rhode Island Office of the Secretary of State as of the date of this Decision and Order.

Mr. Miguel Abreu, sole member and manager of Abreu’s Private Chauffeur Service & More, LLC, testified on behalf of the Applicant. Mr. Abreu explained that the Applicant will provide private chauffeur services such as for airport transfers and nights out. In addition to chauffeur services, the Applicant also provides car rentals through Toro and mobile car detailing services.

Mr. Abreu has ten years of experience working as a valet and over ten years of experience in the hospitality industry. He indicated that he worked in management roles and as a valet attendant for multiple restaurants and hotels in Providence, Rhode Island, including providing hotel, hospital, and airport transfers. In addition, he has provided transportation services in Wrentham, Massachusetts. These experiences inspired him to operate his own chauffeur business.

Mr. Abreu intends to utilize only sedans and SUVs to provide PMV services and carry no more than seven passengers at one time. At this time, he will use a 2018 Lincoln Continental for chauffeur services and plans to obtain a SUV in the future. Mr. Abreu noted that he has a valid Blue Card from the Division and will serve as a driver.

A review of Mr. Abreu’s Background Criminal Investigation (“BCI”) check indicates no criminal convictions in Rhode Island. Upon questioning, Mr. Abreu indicated that he has not received any traffic citations within the last six years.

IV.             FINDINGS OF FACT

1.      On or about January 15, 2026, the Applicant filed an application with the Division seeking a certificate of operating authority to operate as a PMV pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 39-14.1-1 et seq.

V.                CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

After carefully reviewing the record in this proceeding, the Division finds that the Applicant has met the burden of proving its fitness, willingness, and ability to provide the requested transportation services.

Accordingly, it is

1.      The application of Abreu’s Private Chauffeur Service & More, LLC, 1 Edgemere Drive, Cranston, Rhode Island 02905, seeking authority to operate as a PMV within the State of Rhode Island, is approved.

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

a.       The Applicant must hand-deliver to the Division proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance) that conforms to the minimum insurance requirements outlined 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.

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

d.      In addition, the Applicant is reminded that it must comply with the provisions of R.I. Gen. 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 can be operated in Rhode Island.

3.      If the conditions outlined 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.

SIGNED AND EFFECTIVE, THIS 5th day of February 2026.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF JUDICIAL REVIEW

(PROVIDED PURSUANT TO R.I.G.L. § 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 outlined 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 filing a complaint (appeal) with the Superior Court does not itself stay enforcement of the Division’s final decision. However, you may seek a stay from the Division and/or the Court.

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