Bill > S0214

This bill amends Rhode Island's motor vehicle law to require law enforcement officers to impound the license plates of a vehicle when its owner is arrested for driving with a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license due to operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or for refusing to submit to a chemical test. Specifically, the license plates will be impounded for at least 90 days if the vehicle is owned wholly or partially by the arrested driver. The bill includes a provision that allows courts to issue temporary substitute license plates if the impoundment would cause undue hardship to the offender's dependents. The law maintains existing penalties for driving with a suspended license, which include mandatory fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and potential jail time depending on the number of prior offenses. The bill aims to deter repeat offenses of driving with a suspended license, particularly those related to driving under the influence, by creating an additional consequence that directly impacts the vehicle used in the violation. The new provisions will take effect immediately upon passage of the bill.

Justice

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