Drinking and Driving Laws in Rhode Island
It is illegal in the State of Rhode Island to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above.
The .08 percent limit is the standard measurement used by all states for the "impaired" driver. The State of Rhode Island has lower BAC limits for drivers under the age of 21 and commercial drivers. The Rhode Island DUI law also includes driving under the influence of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, inhalants and other drugs.
How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Rhode Island?
This question is usually asked by people who want to know how many drinks it would take to reach the .08 limit. There are charts and calculators to help you determine the number of drinks it would take to reach the .08 BAC limit, however these tools do not factor in all variables that contribute to the BAC equation. It is safe to assume that each drink consumed puts you another step closer to becoming an impaired driver.
The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Rhode Island has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Rhode Island, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.
Drunk Driving Laws in Rhode Island
State of Rhode Island BAC Laws:
All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or ZERO Tolerance
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Rhode Island Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
If you are convicted of your first DWI with a .08-.10 BAC, you will receive a fine between $100-$300. You will also be ordered to perform from 10-60 hours of community service and you may be sentenced up to 1 year in jail. Your drivers license will be suspended from 30-180 days and you may be ordered to attend a driving while intoxicated course.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second time you are arrested for a DUI in the State of Rhode Island within 5 years of the first conviction, you will be subject to a mandatory fine of $400. Your drivers license will be suspended from 1-2 years and you will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 10 days up to 1 year in jail. You may also be ordered to attend a alcohol and/or drug treatment program and install a ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a period of 1-2 years following the completion of the sentence.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
If you are arrested for a 3rd DUI within a 5 year period, you will be guilty of a felony and receive a mandatory $400 fine. Your drivers license will be suspended for a period of 2-3 years and you will be sentenced to no less than 1 year in jail. You will also be required to attend a alcohol or drug treatment program and the judge may require you to install a ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a period of 2 years after the completion of your sentence. At the discretion of the judge, your vehicle may be seized and sold by the State of Rhode Island.
The Implied Consent Law in Rhode Island
The implied consent law in Rhode Island means that all drivers that travel the roads of the state agree to submit to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine if they are stopped by an officer of the law that suspects a driver of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. If you refuse to submit to such a test, your license will be suspended immediately for 90 days. There will also be other penalties such as community service, a fine, and drunk driving school or a alcohol treatment program. In addition to these penalties you can also be convicted of a DWI if the officer convinces the court that you were intoxicated at the time of the refusal.
More on Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in Rhode Island
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