Rhode Island DUI Laws

Rhode Island DUI arrest? Get help today from a DUI lawyer!

Rhode Island DUI laws are some of the country's most nuanced. They include different punishment levels depending upon a driver's blood alcohol content. DUI penalties start with jail time, hundreds of dollars in fines, license suspension and community service. Higher BAC and multiple DUI arrests will quickly increase the penalties to include mandatory jail time, seizure of vehicle and required enrollment in alcohol programs.

But a DUI in Rhode Island can have other consequences, too. A conviction could cause you to lose your job or, because a drunk driving conviction can stay on your record, keep you from getting a new one. But a DUI lawyer can help protect your record and your rights.

Speak to a Rhode Island DUI lawyer today so you can get the information you need to meet deadlines, avoid mistakes and keep your rights safe. Simply fill out the free case evaluation form on this page, or call, toll free, 877-349-1311.

Rhode Island DUI laws are so thorough that they lay out different and specific penalties for a driver's first, second and third breath test refusal. These penalties are steeper than those in other states, and include jail time, fines and community service.

Rhode Island DUI Penalties

First DUI Conviction, BAC between .08-.10

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • $100-300 fine
  • 30-180 day driver's license suspension
  • 10-60 hours of community service

First DUI Conviction BAC between .10-.15

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • $100-400 fine
  • 3 month-1 year driver's license suspension
  • 10-60 hours of community service

First DUI Conviction BAC above .15 

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • $500 fine
  • 3-18 month driver's license suspension
  • 20-60 hours of community service

Second DUI Conviction BAC between .08-.15

  • 10 days-1 year in jail
  • 1-2 year driver's license suspension
  • $400 fine
  • Ignition interlock system for 1-2 years
  • Alcohol/drug counseling

Second DUI Conviction BAC above .15 

  • $1,000 fine
  • 2-year driver's license suspension
  • 6 months-1 year in jail
  • Ignition interlock system for 1-2 years
  • Alcohol/drug counseling

Third DUI Conviction BAC between .08-.15 (within 5 years)

  • 2-3 years in jail
  • $400 fine
  • 2-3 year driver's license suspension
  • Ignition interlock system for 1-2 years
  • Alcohol/drug counseling
  • Seizure and sale of your vehicle

Third DUI Conviction BAC above .15 (within 5 years)

  • 3-5 years in jail
  • $1,000-5,000 fine
  • 3-year driver's license suspension
  • Seizure and sale of vehicle

Breath Test Refusal Penalties

First Refusal

  • 6 month-1 year driver's license suspension
  • $200-500 fine
  • 10-60 hours of community service

Second Refusal

  • 1-2 year driver's license suspension
  • $600-1,000 fine
  • 60-100 hours of community service
  • Alcohol/drug counseling

Third Refusal

  • $800-1,000 fine
  • 2-5 year driver's license suspension
  • Minimum 100 hours of community service
  • Up to one year in jail

Rhode Island DUI lawyers can answer your questions about state laws or your specific DUI case. To speak with a DUI lawyer near you today, fill out the free case evaluation form on this page or call us, toll free, at 877-349-1311.

Note: Laws may have changed since our last update. For the latest information on these DUI laws, speak to a local DUI lawyer in the state.

The Rhode Island DUI penalty list is by no means all-inclusive. DUI penalties may vary based on a variety of factors, including your prior driving record.