Rhode Island Requirements
Rhode Island has various penalties for those found driving while intoxicated, including license suspension. This guide will review RI DWI laws and interlock requirements.
The RI Ignition Interlock Program
Rhode Island calls drunk driving offenses DWI or driving while intoxicated. The term refers to offenders who are driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher (.04 percent for commercial drivers). The term also refers to drivers who are found to be driving while under the influence of prescription drugs, marijuana, and alcohol.
The various penalties include license suspension, even for first-time offenders. Some offenders can regain driving privileges sooner if they agree to install an ignition interlock device.
In Rhode Island, some offenders are eligible to receive a hardship license and regain driving privileges. To qualify, offenders must install an ignition interlock device from an approved provider. Test failures, tampering attempts, and other data are reported to the state monitoring authority while the device is installed.
What Happens if I Get a DWI in Rhode Island?
First DWI Offense
- Jail sentence of one year
- License suspended for 30 days to 12 months
- $400 fine
- Required to install IID to get a hardship license, and keep for three months to a year following their suspension period
Second DWI Offense
- Jail sentence of 10 days to one year
- $400 fine
- License suspended for one to two years
- Required to install IID to get a hardship license, and keep for six months to two years following their suspension period for 45 days
Third DWI Offense
- Jail sentence of one to three years
- $400 fine
- License suspended for two to three years
- Required to install IID to get a hardship license, and keep for one to four years following a suspension period of 60 days IID required to be granted hardship license
What Happens if I Fail to Complete or Refuse to Submit to a DWI Test in Rhode Island?
Offenders who refuse the test are not immune from consequences. The consequences include immediate license suspension, among other things.
How Do I Regain Driving Privileges in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires offenders to complete a certain portion of their full suspension period before they are able to obtain a hardship license. The time they must serve is typically between 40 and 45 days. Offenders are still required to install an IID to get their license.
They must also:
- Install an IID from an approved provider and show proof of installation to the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Get a court order for the hardship license from the Rhode Island traffic tribunal
- Pay the $27.50 fee for the license update to the DMV, along with the $100 ignition interlock fee
- Fulfill any additional penalty requirements and pay all fines
Depending on the circumstances, there may be additional criteria and requirements to fulfill.
Get a Free Quote! Call 877-274-3419
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you in the next few minutes to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you during business hours to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
The Process: What to Expect
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Consult with Legal Counsel
Seek guidance from a DUI lawyer to understand your legal options and rights following a DUI violation.
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Get an Assessment
Complete a court-ordered or voluntary assessment to evaluate your risk level and determine any required interventions.
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Schedule Interlock Install
Speak to our State Specialists to schedule your IID installation to meet court or state requirements.
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Regular Monitoring
Your ignition interlock usage will be regularly monitored to maintain compliance with legal requirements.
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Device Removal
After fulfilling your IID requirement and receiving approval from your monitoring authority, you can arrange to have your ignition interlock device removed at your local service center.
Interlock Cost in Rhode Island
Expert DWI Attorneys in Rhode Island
Abilheira Law, LLC
Warren, RI 02885
Craig Hein Law Office
Newport, RI 02840
Law Office of Daniel Griffin
Cranston, RI 02910
Minutelli Law
Warwick, RI 02886
Rhode Island FAQs
An ignition interlock device is a proactive device that encourages sober driving habits by requiring a breath sample before granting access to the vehicle's ignition.
Rhode Island requires some offenders who are convicted of drunk driving to install an ignition interlock device. The devices are often required for the offender to regain driving privileges.
The costs may vary depending on the type of interlock you need, the type of vehicle you have, and your chosen interlock provider. At Intoxalock, customers will pay a deposit of $65.99 to $115.99, and a $29.99 setup fee. Monthly lease fees will total $49.99 to $115.99.
Once you know you need to install, you can make the appointment at any Intoxalock location of your choice. If you need help making an appointment, our state specialists can help.
Bring your driver’s license and provide the name of the registered vehicle owner (if it is not you).
Visit the Rhode Island locations page to review all locations in Rhode Island.
You can have the device removed by applying to the DMV and receiving authorization for removal. You will typically not be authorized to remove the device until the interlock requirement has been met.
Provide authorization information to RhodeIsland-Compliance@intoxalock.com prior to your removal appointment.
Please visit the Rhode Island state page to learn about other DWI requirements.
For pricing information, see the Rhode Island pricing page.
Check the Rhode Island state page for all DUI penalties.
To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our ignition interlock device page.
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