Bill > H5897

This bill amends the Rhode Island state law regarding driving after license denial, revocation, or suspension by expanding the list of offenses that can trigger additional penalties for unlicensed motorists. Specifically, the bill updates the existing statute to replace the term "narcotic drug" with "controlled substance" and adds several new offenses to the list of violations, including: having three moving violations within a one-year period, being designated a frequent offender, and violating the terms of a conditional hardship driving order. Under the revised law, individuals driving without a valid license for these reasons would face increasingly severe penalties, including mandatory fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and mandatory jail time from 10 days to one year, depending on the number of offenses. The bill also specifies that for subsequent convictions within a five-year period, the court can impose additional penalties such as public service. Importantly, the law stipulates that no fines, suspensions, treatments, or jail time can be suspended, ensuring strict enforcement of these provisions. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/