In all civil proceedings, evidence that at the time of the accident or collision the motor vehicle was registered in the name of the defendant, shall be prima facie evidence that it was being operated with the consent of the defendant, and the absence of consent shall be an affirmative defense to be set up in the answer and proved by the defendant.
Prima facie evidence of consent of owner
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-33-7., under Chapter 31-33 Safety Responsibility Violations — General Provisions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-33-7.