Bill > S0571

This bill amends Rhode Island's law regarding driving after license denial, rev,ocation by expanding the list of offenses that can result in criminal penalties for unlicensed motorists. The bill updates the existing law to include additional circumstances where driving without a valid license would be considered a violation, such as having three moving violations within a year, being designated a frequent offender, or violating the terms of a conditional hardship order. The penalties for such violations are structured progressively: the first and second offenses are misdemeanors, with mandatory fines of $500 and potential imprisonment ranging from 10 days to one year, depending on the specific circumstances. A third offense within five years can result in a $1,000 fine and up to one year in prison or mandatory public service. The bill replaces some outdated terminology, such as changing "narcotic drug" to "controlled substance," and removes references to specific offenses like manslaughter. The division of motor vehicles is given authority to suspend or deny license applications for these increasingly longer periods with repeated offenses, a minimum suspension of three months for for and six months for a second offense. The legislation aims to create stricter consequences for individuals who continue to operate vehicles without a valid license, particularly those with a history of serious traffic violations.

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