Driving While Suspended
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-18 — a civil penalty for each of the first violations, and a misdemeanor at the fourth
The section covers driving with no license ever applied for, after a refusal, after expiration, or while suspended, revoked or cancelled, other than for the reasons another section handles.
| Violation | Penalty | Heard in |
|---|---|---|
| ViolationFirst | PenaltyA civil penalty of not more than $150 | Heard inTraffic tribunal |
| ViolationSecond | PenaltyA civil penalty of not more than $250 | Heard inTraffic tribunal |
| ViolationThird | PenaltyA civil penalty of not more than $350 | Heard inTraffic tribunal |
| ViolationFourth or more | PenaltyA misdemeanor: up to one year, $500 to $1,000, and a suspension up to one year | Heard inDistrict court |
A suspension for driving under the influence or a refusal is handled under a different section with heavier penalties. A particular case is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-11-18 — Driving after denial, suspension, or revocation of license
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.