DUI Penalties
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2 — .08%, then tiers at .1% and .15%, and a third offense inside ten years is a felony
Driving under the influence of liquor, drugs, toluene or a controlled substance is a misdemeanor. A blood alcohol concentration of .08% or more is a violation, and so is impairment that made the driver incapable of driving safely.
| First offense | Fine | License |
|---|---|---|
| First offense.08% to under .1% | Fine$100 to $300 | LicenseThirty to one hundred eighty days |
| First offense.1% to under .15% | Fine$100 to $400 | LicenseThree to twelve months |
| First offense.15% or more, or drugs | Fine$500 | LicenseThree to eighteen months |
Each first offense also carries community restitution and up to one year of imprisonment, and the court may require an ignition interlock.
| Within ten years | Jail | License |
|---|---|---|
| Within ten yearsSecond | JailTen days to one year | LicenseOne year to two years |
| Within ten yearsSecond, .15% or more | JailSix months to one year | LicenseTwo years after the sentence |
| Within ten yearsThird, a felony | JailOne year to three years | LicenseTwo years to three years |
| Within ten yearsThird, .15% or more | JailThree years to five years | LicenseThree years after the sentence |
A child in the car. A driver over eighteen convicted with a child under thirteen in the vehicle faces an immediate suspension, up to one year and $1,000 for a first offense, and a felony after that.
Earlier offenses in any state count. A particular charge is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2 — Driving under influence of liquor or drugs
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.