Recent Rhode Island DUI Law Changes
What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.
July 1, 2025
Lookback for repeat DUI and refusal extended to 10 years (P.L. 2024, ch. 217 and 218; H 7631 / S 2937)
For DUI (§ 31-27-2) and test refusal (§ 31-27-2.1), a prior now counts toward second- and third-offense penalties if it was within 10 years, up from 5; violations before July 1, 2025 keep the old lookback.
Official sources
- R.I. Gen. Laws §31-27-2 — Driving under influence of liquor or drugs
- R.I. Gen. Laws §31-27-2.1 — Refusal to submit to chemical test
- R.I. Gen. Laws §31-27-2.8 — Ignition interlock system
- R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 31-27 — Motor Vehicle Offenses (index)
- R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 12-1.3 — Expungement of Criminal Records
- RI DMV — Alcohol or Drug-related License Suspensions
- RI DMV — Penalties
- RI DMV — Refusal to Take the Breathalyzer Test
- RI DMV — Blood Alcohol Concentration
- RI DMV — Hardship License/Ignition Interlock
- RI DMV — Reinstatement
- RI DMV — Commercial Driver License Manual
- Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal
- Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal — Rules of Procedure (2024)
- RI Attorney General — DUI lookback legislation passes
- RI Public Laws 2024, Chapter 217 (H 7631) — DUI lookback
- RI Public Laws 2024, Chapter 218 (S 2937) — DUI lookback
- RI General Assembly — H 7631 as amended (2024)
- RI DMV — Alcohol Reinstatement Fees
- RI DMV — Adjudication Fees
- RI Judiciary — Media Guide (court locations)
- RI District Court — Form DC-53 (division addresses)
- Rhode Island District Court — Criminal
- Rhode Island District Court Rules of Criminal Procedure (2024)
- RI DMV — Hardship License and Ignition Interlock Information
Educational information, not legal advice. Rhode Island law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal (refusals) and District Court (DUI) and talk to a licensed Rhode Island attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.