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A Plan Toward Zero Deaths

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee on October 1 signed Rhode Island's 2012 Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The plan is a blueprint for moving Toward Zero Deaths, a national effort to cut traffic fatalities and serious injuries in half by 2030. Watch a video on TZD that premiered at the SHSP signing event.

Highway Safety Performance Plan

The Rhode Island Highway Safety Performance Plan serves as the State of Rhode Island’s application for Federal funds for highway safety programs. The goals for the RIDOT Office on Highway Safety are described in the plan, along with performance measures, and strategies related to the program areas.

Major program areas:

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Home > Highway Safety > Drunk Driving

Drunk Driving

Rhode Island .08 DWI Law
Driving While Intoxicated Law


1st Offense .08 -.10

  • Criminall violation - Misdemeanor
  • $100-400 fine
  • 10-60 hours community service
  • Possible drunk driving school
  • Up to 45 day license suspension
  • $500 highway assessment

1st Offense .10 -.15

  • Misdemeanor
  • $100 - $400 fine
  • 10-60 hours community service and/or up to 1 yr. Prison
  • 3-12 mo. License suspension
  • Drunk driving school and/or treatment
  • $500 highway assessment

1st Offense .15 +

  • Misdemeanor
  • $500 fine
  • 20-60 hours community service and/or 1 yr. Prison
  • 3-18 mo. License suspension
  • Drunk driving school and/or treatment
  • $500 highway assessment

2nd Offense (within 5 yrs) .08-.15

  • Misdemeanor
  • $400 fine
  • 10 days – 1 year prison
  • 1-2 year license suspension
  • Possible ignition interlock 1-2 years
  • $500 highway assessment

2nd Offense (within 5 yrs) .15+

  • Misdemeanor
  • At least $1000 fine
  • 6 month – 1 year prison
  • 2 year license suspension treatment
  • Possible ignition interlock 1-2 years
  • $500 highway assessment

3rd or subsequent Offense (within 5 yrs) period

  • Felony
  • $400 fine
  • 1-3 years prison
  • 2-3 year license suspension

Updated May 3, 2011