Rhode Island General Laws Title 31. Motor and Other Vehicles § 31-33-7. Prima facie evidence of consent of owner

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.