In the state of Rhode Island, driving while intoxicated (DWI), is defined as a blood alcohol content of equal or more than .08 percent. Driving while under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or other drugs is also considered DWI. This includes controlled substances like marijuana. For commercial drivers, the legal BAC limit is .04 percent, and drivers found driving their commercial vehicle with that BAC limit are considered to be driving while intoxicated.
Even first offenders will receive a license suspension, although Rhode Island does grant hardship licenses to those who qualify and agree to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.
Rhode Island grants qualified offenders a hardship license if they install an ignition interlock device from a state-approved provider like ADS. The hardship license allows offenders to regain driving privileges during the suspension period, if they install an IID.
Rhode Island has increasing penalties depending on prior offenses and the circumstances of the alcohol-based incident. There are financial and administrative penalties for each offense level, and ignition interlock devices are required from the first offense onward if offenders want to regain driving privileges during their suspension period.
Offenders who have a BAC of .15 percent receive harsher, increased penalties. They include: one to five years in jail, fines up to $5,000, and a license suspension of three months to three years.
In addition to penalties, the court may order community service, treatment, or increase penalty time for any offender depending on the specifics of the case.
In Rhode Island, first-time offenders are eligible for a hardship license if they install an IID. Repeat offenders can be granted a hardship license at the judge’s discretion, usually after serving a suspension period or portion of one, depending on the judge’s decision. For a hardship license to be granted, all offenders must also complete the following:
Sometimes the specifics of the incidence mean there are additional requirements, but this is the general criteria that applies to every driver.
A hardship license requires an ignition interlock device, which must be installed by an approved provider. ADS and our partner network are approved in Rhode Island, so you know you will be in compliance with state regulations.
Ignition interlocks are small devices installed inside your vehicle that:
This depends on the statute, the number of offenses on the driver’s record, and if there were aggravating factors to the DWI offense. Offenders can have their license suspension reduced by using an IID. After the mandatory suspension period, they must install the interlock device and keep it for the length of time outlined below. These are the IID requirements in Rhode Island:
The cost for the ignition interlock device is covered by the offender. The devices are leased, not purchased outright.
Prices vary depending on monitoring needs and the device required by the state. Currently, an ADS interlock device would cost between $2.50 and $3.50 a day.
Thanks to the ADS partner network, we have more installation locations than any other provider in Rhode Island. Find an installation location near you. The certified technician will install your device and also give you an overview of how it works before you leave.