Rhode Island mandates serious penalties for motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers can receive a DUI conviction for blood alcohol content above 0.08% or any amount of a controlled substance.
Before facing a court date for this type of offense, familiarize yourself with Rhode Island DUI penalties.
First offense
Drivers with no prior DUI convictions may receive:
- License suspension for at least 30 days and up to 12 months
- Fines from $100 to $450
- Up to 12 months in jail
Elevated penalties apply to drivers convicted of a controlled substance DUI or who had BAC above 0.15% at the time of arrest. These include a license suspension of at least three months and as many as 18 months along with a minimum fine of $500.
Second offense
If the driver has one past DUI, he or she may receive:
- License suspension for 12 to 24 months
- Minimum $450 fine
- At least 10 days and up to one year in jail
Elevated penalties for controlled substance DUI or high BAC include a minimum license suspension of two years, a minimum fine of $1,000, and at least six months and up to 12 months in jail.
Third offense
Drivers with a third DUI conviction will receive:
- License suspension for two to three years
- Minimum $450 fine
- At least one year and up to three years in jail
The elevated penalties for a third offense include three to five years in jail, fines of $1,000 to $5,000 and a minimum three-year license suspension.
In addition to these base penalties, all convicted DUI offenders must pay a $500 fee for highway safety assessment, use an ignition interlock device when they drive in the future and attend DUI treatment at a court-approved center. Judges have the discretion to exceed the DUI sentencing guidelines depending on the circumstances of a particular case.