Reckless and Aggressive Driving
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-4 — reckless driving a misdemeanor, aggressive driving $260 to $500, and street racing
Driving recklessly so that the lives or safety of the public might be endangered is a misdemeanor for a first conviction and a felony for each one after.
Aggressive driving. Speeding while also breaking two or more listed rules, such as following too closely, passing on the right, ignoring signals or a school bus, or using the breakdown lane, is aggressive driving: a fine of $260 to $500, a possible driving course and at least a thirty day suspension.
Street racing on a public road, with or without a formal agreement, is a misdemeanor the first time: up to one year, a fine of $500 to $1,000, ten to sixty hours of community restitution, and a suspension of ninety days to six months. A second inside five years is a felony.
Each underlying violation may also be charged on its own. A particular charge is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-4 — Reckless driving and other offenses against public safety
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27.1-3 — “Aggressive driving” defined
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27.1-4 — Penalties
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-22 — Street racing; Justin Nunes’ Law
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.