At some point during a DWI investigation, the officer normally asks the driver to take a breath or blood alcohol test to determine the amount of alcohol or drugs in the driver's system. The results of these tests which show the driver's drug or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are often used prove a DUI in court.
This article gives an overview of when Rhode Island law requires submission to DWI chemical testing and the consequences of an unlawful refusal.
Rhode Island "implied consent law" specifies that any person who operates a vehicle within the state is deemed to have given his or her consent to chemical testing of bodily fluids and/or breath. If the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the driver is required by law to submit to any requested blood or breath test. The officer will notify the local court of any refusal so that the judge may immediately suspend the driver's license and issue penalties as specified below.
Breath and urine tests. Drivers who refuse a lawfully requested breath or urine test must complete substance abuse treatment and pay $700 of highway assessment fines and chemical testing fees. Additional penalties are dependent on the driver's number of prior test refusals in the last five years.
|
1st Refusal |
2nd Refusal |
3rd Refusal |
|
|
Jail |
None |
Up to 6 months |
Up to 1 year |
|
Community Service |
10 to 60 hours |
60 to 100 hours |
At least 100 hours |
|
Fine |
$200 to $500 |
$600 to $1,000 |
$800 to $1,000 |
|
License Suspension |
6 months to 1 year |
1 to 2 years |
2 to 5 years |
Blood tests. Generally, a refusal to submit to a lawfully requested blood test will result in similar penalties but cannot include jail time. Instead, the judge is permitted to issue an increased fine or license suspension.
Ignition interlock device (IID). On a refusal, the judge is permitted to order the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for a specific period of time and reduce the suspension period. If the driver is eligible, the suspension will be reduced accordingly:
Hardship license. If the driver admits guilt and shows "just cause" (a good reason), the judge can grant a temporary restricted license. This hardship license allows the driver to operate a vehicle for work, school, or treatment purposes. This license is effective during the suspension period and requires the use of an IID.