Drunk and drugged driving laws in Rhode Island
Alcohol is the greatest single hazard for drivers, and Rhode Island treats impaired driving very seriously, with especially strict rules for anyone under 21.
Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs slow your reactions and cloud your judgment, and only time removes alcohol from your body.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can state Rhode Island's blood alcohol limits for adults and drivers under 21.
- You can explain implied consent and the cost of refusing a test.
- You can describe the main license penalties for young drivers.
- You can explain why coffee or fresh air will not sober someone up.
What you need to know and understand
- A BAC of 0.08% or more is drunk driving (DUI) at any age.
- Under 21, a BAC of 0.02% up to 0.08% is Driving While Impaired (DWI).
- By driving in Rhode Island you are treated as having agreed to chemical tests.
- Refusing a chemical test brings a license suspension of at least 6 months, plus fines and other penalties.
- Under 18, a first DWI brings a 6 to 12 month suspension and a first DUI a 6 to 18 month suspension.
- Drivers under 21 carrying alcohol without a parent or guardian can lose their license for up to 30 days.
- Drinking or using drugs while driving is illegal at any age.
How alcohol and drugs affect you
Alcohol reaches the brain within seconds and affects judgment first, then skills such as judging distance and speed. A 12-ounce beer, a 4 to 5 ounce glass of wine and a 1 to 1.5 ounce shot of liquor hold about the same amount of alcohol. Coffee, food, fresh air or exercise do not sober anyone up; only time does.
Many cold, allergy and calming medicines cause drowsiness, so ask a doctor or pharmacist about driving. Marijuana slows reaction time and increases lane weaving, and mixing any drug with alcohol multiplies the effect.
The limits and implied consent
- 0.08% or above: DUI, whatever your age.
- Under 21 and 0.02% to under 0.08%: DWI.
- Implied consent: by driving, you agree to tests of breath, blood, saliva or urine.
- Refusal: at least 6 months' suspension, plus a fine, a highway safety assessment, community service and a driving-while-intoxicated course or treatment.
Penalties young drivers face
The manual sets out tables by age. Some first-offense examples:
- Under 18, DWI: 6 to 12 months' license suspension, a special course and possible treatment.
- Under 18, DUI: 6 to 18 months' suspension, a $500 highway safety assessment and 10 to 60 hours of community service.
- Under 18, refusal: 6 months' suspension, a $200 to $500 fine and a $500 highway safety assessment.
- Aged 18 to 20, DWI: 1 to 3 months' suspension, a $250 fine and 30 hours of community service.
- Under 21 with alcohol in your possession: a $150 to $750 fine and at least a 60-day suspension.
Make a plan before you go out
Arrange a sober driver or a ride home before any party. Never ride with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs. Repeat offenses bring much longer suspensions, jail time and ignition interlock devices, and crashes causing serious injury or death are felonies.
Common mistakes
- Believing that one drink is always safe for a teen. Under 21, 0.02% is enough for a DWI charge.
- Thinking coffee or a cold shower will make you fit to drive.
- Driving after taking an unfamiliar cold or allergy medicine.
- Giving a friend under 21 a ride while carrying their alcohol in the car.
Test yourself: Drunk and drugged driving laws in Rhode Island
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Rhode Island Driver's Manual, April 2024 edition (Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Rhode Island licensing agency.