Chapter 170 |
2021 -- S 0314 AS AMENDED Enacted 07/06/2021 |
A N A C T |
RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES |
Introduced By: Senators Archambault, Lombardi, Euer, McCaffrey, Burke, Coyne, and Goodwin |
Date Introduced: February 18, 2021 |
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: |
SECTION 1. Sections 31-27-2, 31-27-2.1, 31-27-2.5 and 31-27-2.8 of the General Laws |
in Chapter 31-27 entitled "Motor Vehicle Offenses" are hereby amended to read as follows: |
31-27-2. Driving under influence of liquor or drugs. |
(a) Whoever drives or otherwise operates any vehicle in the state while under the influence |
of any intoxicating liquor, drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of |
title 21, or any combination of these, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, except as provided in |
subsection (d)(3), and shall be punished as provided in subsection (d) of this section. |
(b)(1)(1) Any person charged under subsection (a), whose blood alcohol concentration is |
eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or more by weight, as shown by a chemical analysis of |
a blood, breath, or urine sample, shall be guilty of violating subsection (a). This provision shall not |
preclude a conviction based on other admissible evidence. Proof of guilt under this section may |
also be based on evidence that the person charged was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, |
drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination of |
these, to a degree that rendered the person incapable of safely operating a vehicle. The fact that any |
person charged with violating this section is, or has been, legally entitled to use alcohol or a drug |
shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section. |
(2) Whoever drives, or otherwise operates, any vehicle in the state with a blood presence |
of any scheduled controlled substance as defined within chapter 28 of title 21, as shown by analysis |
of a blood or urine sample, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in |
subsection (d). |
(c) In any criminal prosecution for a violation of subsection (a), evidence as to the amount |
of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or |
any combination of these, in the defendant's blood at the time alleged as shown by a chemical |
analysis of the defendant's breath, blood, or urine or other bodily substance, shall be admissible and |
competent, provided that evidence is presented that the following conditions have been complied |
with: |
(1) The defendant has consented to the taking of the test upon which the analysis is made. |
Evidence that the defendant had refused to submit to the test shall not be admissible unless the |
defendant elects to testify. |
(2) A true copy of the report of the test result was hand delivered at the location of the test |
or mailed within seventy-two (72) hours of the taking of the test to the person submitting to a breath |
test. |
(3) Any person submitting to a chemical test of blood, urine, or other body fluids shall have |
a true copy of the report of the test result mailed to him or her within thirty (30) days following the |
taking of the test. |
(4) The test was performed according to methods and with equipment approved by the |
director of the department of health of the state of Rhode Island and by an authorized individual. |
(5) Equipment used for the conduct of the tests by means of breath analysis had been tested |
for accuracy within thirty (30) days preceding the test by personnel qualified as hereinbefore |
provided, and breathalyzer operators shall be qualified and certified by the department of health |
within three hundred sixty-five (365) days of the test. |
(6) The person arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the |
influence of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of |
title 21 or any combination of these in violation of subsection (a), was afforded the opportunity to |
have an additional chemical test. The officer arresting or so charging the person shall have informed |
the person of this right and afforded him or her a reasonable opportunity to exercise this right, and |
a notation to this effect is made in the official records of the case in the police department. Refusal |
to permit an additional chemical test shall render incompetent and inadmissible in evidence the |
original report. |
(d)(1)(i) Every person found to have violated subsection (b)(1) shall be sentenced as |
follows: for a first violation whose blood alcohol concentration is eight one-hundredths of one |
percent (.08%), but less than one-tenth of one percent (.1%), by weight, or who has a blood presence |
of any scheduled controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(2) chapter 28 of title 21, shall |
be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than three hundred dollars |
($300); shall be required to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of public community restitution, |
and/or shall be imprisoned for up to one year. The sentence may be served in any unit of the adult |
correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge and/or shall be required to attend |
a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance; |
provided, however, that the court may permit a servicemember or veteran to complete any court- |
approved counseling program administered or approved by the Veterans' Administration, and his |
or her driver's license shall be suspended for thirty (30) days up to one hundred eighty (180) days. |
The sentencing judge or magistrate may prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle, |
pursuant to §§ 31-27-2 subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) of this section, that is not equipped |
with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
(ii) Every person convicted of a first violation whose blood alcohol concentration is one- |
tenth of one percent (.1%) by weight or above, but less than fifteen hundredths of one percent |
(.15%), or whose blood alcohol concentration is unknown, shall be subject to a fine of not less than |
one hundred ($100) dollars, nor more than four hundred dollars ($400), and shall be required to |
perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of public community restitution and/or shall be imprisoned for |
up to one year. The sentence may be served in any unit of the adult correctional institutions in the |
discretion of the sentencing judge. The person's driving license shall be suspended for a period of |
three (3) months to twelve (12) months. The sentencing judge shall require attendance at a special |
course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance and/or |
alcoholic or drug treatment for the individual; provided, however, that the court may permit a |
servicemember or veteran to complete any court-approved counseling program administered or |
approved by the Veterans' Administration. The sentencing judge or magistrate may prohibit that |
person from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system as |
provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
(iii) Every person convicted of a first offense whose blood alcohol concentration is fifteen |
hundredths of one percent (.15%) or above, or who is under the influence of a drug, toluene, or any |
controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(1)(1), shall be subject to a fine of five hundred |
dollars ($500) and shall be required to perform twenty (20) to sixty (60) hours of public community |
restitution and/or shall be imprisoned for up to one year. The sentence may be served in any unit |
of the adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge. The person's driving |
license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months to eighteen (18) months. The sentencing |
judge shall require attendance at a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence |
of a controlled substance and/or alcohol or drug treatment for the individual; provided, however, |
that the court may permit a servicemember or veteran to complete any court-approved counseling |
program administered or approved by the Veterans' Administration. The sentencing judge or |
magistrate shall prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to §§ 31-27-2 |
subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) of this section, that is not equipped with an ignition interlock |
system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
(2)(i) Every person convicted of a second violation within a five-year (5) period with a |
blood alcohol concentration of eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or above, but less than |
fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%), or whose blood alcohol concentration is unknown, or |
who has a blood presence of any controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(2) chapter 28 of |
title 21, and every person convicted of a second violation within a five-year (5) period, regardless |
of whether the prior violation and subsequent conviction was a violation and subsequent conviction |
under this statute or under the driving under the influence of liquor or drugs statute of any other |
state, shall be subject to a mandatory fine of four hundred dollars ($400). The person's driving |
license shall be suspended for a period of one year to two (2) years, and the individual shall be |
sentenced to not less than ten (10) days, nor more than one year, in jail. The sentence may be served |
in any unit of the adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge; however, |
not less than forty-eight (48) hours of imprisonment shall be served consecutively. The sentencing |
judge shall require alcohol or drug treatment for the individual; provided, however, that the court |
may permit a servicemember or veteran to complete any court-approved counseling program |
administered or approved by the Veterans' Administration and shall prohibit that person from |
operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to §§ 31-27-2 subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) of this |
section, that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as |
provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
(ii) Every person convicted of a second violation within a five-year (5) period whose blood |
alcohol concentration is fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%) or above, by weight as shown by |
a chemical analysis of a blood, breath, or urine sample, or who is under the influence of a drug, |
toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(1)(1), shall be subject to |
mandatory imprisonment of not less than six (6) months, nor more than one year; a mandatory fine |
of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000); and a mandatory license suspension for a period of |
two (2) years from the date of completion of the sentence imposed under this subsection. The |
sentencing judge shall require alcohol or drug treatment for the individual; provided, however, that |
the court may permit a servicemember or veteran to complete any court approved counseling |
program administered or approved by the Veterans' Administration. The sentencing judge or |
magistrate shall prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to §§ 31-27-2 |
subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) of this section, that is not equipped with an ignition interlock |
system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
(3)(i) Every person convicted of a third or subsequent violation within a five-year (5) |
period with a blood alcohol concentration of eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or above, |
but less than fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%), or whose blood alcohol concentration is |
unknown or who has a blood presence of any scheduled controlled substance as defined in |
subsection (b)(2) chapter 28 of title 21, regardless of whether any prior violation and subsequent |
conviction was a violation and subsequent conviction under this statute or under the driving under |
the influence of liquor or drugs statute of any other state, shall be guilty of a felony and be subject |
to a mandatory fine of four hundred ($400) dollars. The person's driving license shall be suspended |
for a period of two (2) years to three (3) years, and the individual shall be sentenced to not less than |
one year and not more than three (3) years in jail. The sentence may be served in any unit of the |
adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge; however, not less than forty- |
eight (48) hours of imprisonment shall be served consecutively. The sentencing judge shall require |
alcohol or drug treatment for the individual; provided, however, that the court may permit a |
servicemember or veteran to complete any court-approved counseling program administered or |
approved by the Veterans' Administration, and shall prohibit that person from operating a motor |
vehicle, pursuant to §§ 31-27-2 subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) of this section, that is not |
equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27- |
2.8. |
(ii) Every person convicted of a third or subsequent violation within a five-year (5) ten- |
year (10) period whose blood alcohol concentration is fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%) |
above by weight as shown by a chemical analysis of a blood, breath, or urine sample, or who is |
under the influence of a drug, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(1), |
shall be subject to mandatory imprisonment of not less than three (3) years, nor more than five (5) |
years; a mandatory fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), nor more than five thousand |
dollars ($5,000); and a mandatory license suspension for a period of three (3) years from the date |
of completion of the sentence imposed under this subsection. The sentencing judge shall require |
alcohol or drug treatment for the individual. The sentencing judge or magistrate shall prohibit that |
person from operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to §§ 31-27-2 subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) |
of this section, that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing |
as provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
(iii) In addition to the foregoing penalties, every person convicted of a third or subsequent |
violation within a five-year (5) period, regardless of whether any prior violation and subsequent |
conviction was a violation and subsequent conviction under this statute or under the driving under |
the influence of liquor or drugs statute of any other state, shall be subject, in the discretion of the |
sentencing judge, to having the vehicle owned and operated by the violator seized and sold by the |
state of Rhode Island, with all funds obtained by the sale to be transferred to the general fund. |
(4) Whoever drives or otherwise operates any vehicle in the state while under the influence |
of any intoxicating liquor, drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of |
title 21, or any combination of these, when his or her license to operate is suspended, revoked, or |
cancelled for operating under the influence of a narcotic drug or intoxicating liquor, shall be guilty |
of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than three (3) years and by a fine of not more |
than three thousand dollars ($3,000). The court shall require alcohol and/or drug treatment for the |
individual; provided, the penalties provided for in this subsection (d)(4) shall not apply to an |
individual who has surrendered his or her license and served the court-ordered period of suspension, |
but who, for any reason, has not had his or her license reinstated after the period of suspension, |
revocation, or suspension has expired; provided, further, the individual shall be subject to the |
provisions of subdivision subsection (d)(2)(i), (d)(2)(ii), (d)(3)(i), (d)(3)(ii), or (d)(3)(iii) regarding |
subsequent offenses, and any other applicable provision of this section. |
(5)(i) For purposes of determining the period of license suspension, a prior violation shall |
constitute any charge brought and sustained under the provisions of this section or § 31-27-2.1. |
(ii) Any person over the age of eighteen (18) who is convicted under this section for |
operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, or a combination of |
these, while a child under the age of thirteen (13) years was present as a passenger in the motor |
vehicle when the offense was committed shall be subject to immediate license suspension pending |
prosecution. Any person convicted of violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for a |
first offense and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than one year and a fine |
not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). Any person convicted of a second or subsequent |
offense shall be guilty of a felony offense and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not |
more than five (5) years and a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). The sentencing |
judge shall also order a license suspension of up to two (2) years, require attendance at a special |
course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, and alcohol |
or drug education and/or treatment. The individual may also be required to pay a highway |
assessment fee of no more than five hundred dollars ($500) and the assessment shall be deposited |
in the general fund. |
(6)(i) Any person convicted of a violation under this section shall pay a highway |
assessment fine of five hundred dollars ($500) that shall be deposited into the general fund. The |
assessment provided for by this subsection shall be collected from a violator before any other fines |
authorized by this section. |
(ii) Any person convicted of a violation under this section shall be assessed a fee of eighty- |
six dollars ($86). |
(7)(i) If the person convicted of violating this section is under the age of eighteen (18) |
years, for the first violation he or she shall be required to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of |
public community restitution and the juvenile's driving license shall be suspended for a period of |
six (6) months, and may be suspended for a period up to eighteen (18) months. The sentencing |
judge shall also require attendance at a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the |
influence of a controlled substance and alcohol or drug education and/or treatment for the juvenile. |
The juvenile may also be required to pay a highway assessment fine of no more than five hundred |
dollars ($500) and the assessment imposed shall be deposited into the general fund. |
(ii) If the person convicted of violating this section is under the age of eighteen (18) years, |
for a second or subsequent violation regardless of whether any prior violation and subsequent |
conviction was a violation and subsequent conviction under this statute or under the driving under |
the influence of liquor or drugs statute of any other state, he or she shall be subject to a mandatory |
suspension of his or her driving license until such time as he or she is twenty-one (21) years of age |
and may, in the discretion of the sentencing judge, also be sentenced to the Rhode Island training |
school for a period of not more than one year and/or a fine of not more than five hundred dollars |
($500). |
(8) Any person convicted of a violation under this section may undergo a clinical |
assessment at the community college of Rhode Island's center for workforce and community |
education. Should this clinical assessment determine problems of alcohol, drug abuse, or |
psychological problems associated with alcoholic or drug abuse, this person shall be referred to an |
appropriate facility, licensed or approved by the department of behavioral healthcare, |
developmental disabilities and hospitals, for treatment placement, case management, and |
monitoring. In the case of a servicemember or veteran, the court may order that the person be |
evaluated through the Veterans' Administration. Should the clinical assessment determine problems |
of alcohol, drug abuse, or psychological problems associated with alcohol or drug abuse, the person |
may have their treatment, case management, and monitoring administered or approved by the |
Veterans' Administration. |
(9) Notwithstanding any other sentencing and disposition provisions contained in this |
chapter, if the judge or magistrate makes a finding beyond a reasonable doubt that a motorist was |
operating a vehicle in the state while under the influence of drugs, toluene, or any controlled |
substance as evidenced by the presence of controlled substances on or about the person or vehicle, |
or other reliable indicia or articulable conditions thereof, but not intoxicating liquor based on a |
preliminary breath test, results from a breathalyzer which that indicates no blood alcohol |
concentration, or both, the judge or magistrate may exercise their his or her discretion and |
eliminate the requirement of an ignition interlock system; provided, that blood and/or urine testing |
is mandated as a condition to operating a motor vehicle as provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
(10) Notwithstanding any other sentencing and disposition provisions contained in this |
chapter, if the judge or magistrate makes a finding beyond a reasonable doubt that a motorist was |
operating a vehicle in the state while under the influence of drugs, toluene, or any controlled |
substance as evidenced by the presence of controlled substances on or about the person or vehicle, |
or other reliable indicia or articulable conditions thereof and intoxicating liquor based on a |
preliminary breath test, results from a breathalyzer which that indicates blood alcohol |
concentration, or both, the judge or magistrate may require an ignition interlock system in addition |
to blood and/or urine testing as a condition to operating a motor vehicle as provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
(e) Percent by weight of alcohol in the blood shall be based upon milligrams of alcohol per |
one hundred (100) cubic centimeters (100 cc) of blood. |
(f)(1) There is established an alcohol and drug safety unit within the division of motor |
vehicles to administer an alcohol safety action program. The program shall provide for placement |
and follow-up for persons who are required to pay the highway safety assessment. The alcohol and |
drug safety action program will be administered in conjunction with alcohol and drug programs |
licensed by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals. |
(2) Persons convicted under the provisions of this chapter shall be required to attend a |
special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, and/or |
participate in an alcohol or drug treatment program; provided, however, that the court may permit |
a servicemember or veteran to complete any court-approved counseling program administered or |
approved by the Veterans' Administration. The course shall take into consideration any language |
barrier that may exist as to any person ordered to attend, and shall provide for instruction reasonably |
calculated to communicate the purposes of the course in accordance with the requirements of the |
subsection. Any costs reasonably incurred in connection with the provision of this accommodation |
shall be borne by the person being retrained. A copy of any violation under this section shall be |
forwarded by the court to the alcohol and drug safety unit. In the event that persons convicted under |
the provisions of this chapter fail to attend and complete the above course or treatment program, as |
ordered by the judge, then the person may be brought before the court, and after a hearing as to |
why the order of the court was not followed, may be sentenced to jail for a period not exceeding |
one year. |
(3) The alcohol and drug safety action program within the division of motor vehicles shall |
be funded by general revenue appropriations. |
(g) The director of the department of health is empowered to make and file with the |
secretary of state regulations that prescribe the techniques and methods of chemical analysis of the |
person's body fluids or breath and the qualifications and certification of individuals authorized to |
administer this testing and analysis. |
(h) Jurisdiction for misdemeanor violations of this section shall be with the district court |
for persons eighteen (18) years of age or older and to the family court for persons under the age of |
eighteen (18) years. The courts shall have full authority to impose any sentence authorized and to |
order the suspension of any license for violations of this section. All trials in the district court and |
family court of violations of the section shall be scheduled within thirty (30) days of the arraignment |
date. No continuance or postponement shall be granted except for good cause shown. Any |
continuances that are necessary shall be granted for the shortest practicable time. Trials in superior |
court are not required to be scheduled within thirty (30) days of the arraignment date. |
(i) No fines, suspensions, assessments, alcohol or drug treatment programs, course on |
driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, public community |
restitution, or jail provided for under this section can be suspended. |
(j) An order to attend a special course on driving while intoxicated, that shall be |
administered in cooperation with a college or university accredited by the state, shall include a |
provision to pay a reasonable tuition for the course in an amount not less than twenty-five dollars |
($25.00), and a fee of one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175), which fee shall be deposited into |
the general fund. |
(k) For the purposes of this section, any test of a sample of blood, breath, or urine for the |
presence of alcohol that relies in whole or in part upon the principle of infrared light absorption is |
considered a chemical test. |
(l) If any provision of this section, or the application of any provision, shall for any reason |
be judged invalid, such a judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of the |
section, but shall be confined in this effect to the provision or application directly involved in the |
controversy giving rise to the judgment. |
(m) For the purposes of this section, "servicemember" means a person who is presently |
serving in the armed forces of the United States, including the Coast Guard, a reserve component |
thereof, or the National Guard. "Veteran" means a person who has served in the armed forces, |
including the Coast Guard of the United States, a reserve component thereof, or the National Guard, |
and has been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. |
31-27-2.1. Refusal to submit to chemical test. |
(a) Any person who operates a motor vehicle within this state shall be deemed to have |
given his or her consent to chemical tests of his or her breath, blood, and/or urine for the purpose |
of determining the chemical content of his or her body fluids or breath. No more than two (2) |
complete tests, one for the presence of intoxicating liquor and one for the presence of toluene or |
any controlled substance, as defined in § 21-28-1.02(8), shall be administered at the direction of a |
law enforcement officer having reasonable grounds to believe the person to have been driving a |
motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any |
controlled substance, as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination of these. The director |
of the department of health is empowered to make and file, with the secretary of state, regulations |
that prescribe the techniques and methods of chemical analysis of the person's body fluids or breath |
and the qualifications and certification of individuals authorized to administer the testing and |
analysis. |
(b) If a person, for religious or medical reasons, cannot be subjected to blood tests, the |
person may file an affidavit with the division of motor vehicles stating the reasons why he or she |
cannot be required to take blood tests and a notation to this effect shall be made on his or her |
license. If that person is asked to submit to chemical tests as provided under this chapter, the person |
shall only be required to submit to chemical tests of his or her breath or urine. When a person is |
requested to submit to blood tests, only a physician or registered nurse, or a medical technician |
certified under regulations promulgated by the director of the department of health, may withdraw |
blood for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content in it. This limitation shall not apply to |
the taking of breath or urine specimens. The person tested shall be permitted to have a physician of |
his or her own choosing, and at his or her own expense, administer chemical tests of his or her |
breath, blood, and/or urine in addition to the tests administered at the direction of a law enforcement |
officer. If a person, having been placed under arrest, refuses upon the request of a law enforcement |
officer to submit to the tests, as provided in § 31-27-2, none shall be given. , but a judge or |
magistrate of the traffic tribunal or district court judge or magistrate, upon receipt of a report of a |
law enforcement officer: that he or she had reasonable grounds to believe the arrested person had |
been driving a motor vehicle within this state under the influence of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or |
any controlled substance, as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination of these; that the |
person had been informed of his or her rights in accordance with § 31-27-3; that the person had |
been informed of the penalties incurred as a result of noncompliance with this section; and that the |
person had refused to submit to the tests upon the request of a law enforcement officer; shall |
promptly order that the person's operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this |
state be immediately suspended, however, said suspension shall be subject to the hardship |
provisions enumerated in § 31-27-2.8. |
(1) At the initial traffic tribunal appearance, the magistrate shall review the incident, action, |
and/or arrest reports submitted by the law enforcement officer to determine if there exists |
reasonable grounds to believe that the person had been driving a motor vehicle while under the |
influence of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of |
title 21, or any combination thereof. The magistrate shall also determine if the person had been |
informed of the penalties incurred as a result of failing to submit to a chemical test as provided in |
this section and that the person had been informed of the implied consent notice contained in |
subsection (c)(10) of this section. For the purpose of this subsection only, "driving a motor vehicle |
while under the influence of any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of title 21" shall be |
indicated by the presence or aroma of a controlled substance on or about the person or vehicle of |
the individual refusing the chemical test or other reliable indicia or articulable conditions that the |
person was impaired due to their intake of a controlled substance. |
(2) If the magistrate determines that § 31-27-2.1 subsection (b)(1) of this section has been |
satisfied they shall promptly order that the person's operator's license or privilege to operate a motor |
vehicle in this state be immediately suspended. Said suspension shall be subject to the hardship |
provisions enumerated in § 31-27-2.8. |
(c) A traffic tribunal judge or magistrate, or a district court judge or magistrate, pursuant |
to the terms of subsection (c) (d) of this section, shall order as follows: |
(1) Impose, for the first violation, a fine in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200) to |
five hundred dollars ($500) and shall order the person to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of |
public community restitution. The person's driving license in this state shall be suspended for a |
period of six (6) months to one year. The traffic tribunal judge or magistrate shall require attendance |
at a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance |
and/or alcohol or drug treatment for the individual. The traffic tribunal judge or magistrate may |
prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock |
system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
(2) Every person convicted of a second violation within a five-year (5) period, except with |
respect to cases of refusal to submit to a blood test, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; shall be |
imprisoned for not more than six (6) months; shall pay a fine in the amount of six hundred dollars |
($600) to one thousand dollars ($1,000); perform sixty (60) to one hundred (100) hours of public |
community restitution; and the person's driving license in this state shall be suspended for a period |
of one year to two (2) years. The judge or magistrate shall require alcohol and/or drug treatment |
for the individual. The sentencing judge or magistrate shall prohibit that person from operating a |
motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing |
as provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
(3) Every person convicted for a third or subsequent violation within a five-year (5) period, |
except with respect to cases of refusal to submit to a blood test, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; |
and shall be imprisoned for not more than one year; fined eight hundred dollars ($800) to one |
thousand dollars ($1,000); shall perform not less than one hundred (100) hours of public community |
restitution; and the person's operator's license in this state shall be suspended for a period of two |
(2) years to five (5) years. The sentencing judge or magistrate shall prohibit that person from |
operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and |
urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8. The judge or magistrate shall require alcohol or drug |
treatment for the individual. Provided, that prior to the reinstatement of a license to a person charged |
with a third or subsequent violation within a three-year (3) period, a hearing shall be held before a |
judge or magistrate. At the hearing, the judge or magistrate shall review the person's driving record, |
his or her employment history, family background, and any other pertinent factors that would |
indicate that the person has demonstrated behavior that warrants the reinstatement of his or her |
license. |
(4) For a second violation within a five-year (5) period with respect to a case of a refusal |
to submit to a blood test, a fine in the amount of six hundred dollars ($600) to one thousand dollars |
($1,000); the person shall perform sixty (60) to one hundred (100) hours of public community |
restitution; and the person's driving license in this state shall be suspended for a period of two (2) |
years. The judicial officer shall require alcohol and/or drug treatment for the individual. The |
sentencing judicial officer shall prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle that is not |
equipped with an ignition interlock system as provided in § 31-27-2.8. Such a violation with respect |
to refusal to submit to a chemical blood test shall be a civil offense. |
(5) For a third or subsequent violation within a five-year (5) period with respect to a case |
of a refusal to submit to a blood test, a fine in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800) to one |
thousand dollars ($1,000); the person shall perform not less than one hundred (100) hours of public |
community restitution; and the person's driving license in this state shall be suspended for a period |
of two (2) to five (5) years. The sentencing judicial officer shall prohibit that person from operating |
a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system as provided in § 31-27-2.8. |
The judicial officer shall require alcohol and/or drug treatment for the individual. Such a violation |
with respect to refusal to submit to a chemical test of blood shall be a civil offense. Provided, that |
prior to the reinstatement of a license to a person charged with a third or subsequent violation within |
a three-year (3) period, a hearing shall be held before a judicial officer. At the hearing, the judicial |
officer shall review the person's driving record, his or her employment history, family background, |
and any other pertinent factors that would indicate that the person has demonstrated behavior that |
warrants the reinstatement of their license. |
(6) For purposes of determining the period of license suspension, a prior violation shall |
constitute any charge brought and sustained under the provisions of this section or § 31-27-2. |
(7) In addition to any other fines, a highway safety assessment of five hundred dollars |
($500) shall be paid by any person found in violation of this section, the assessment to be deposited |
into the general fund. The assessment provided for by this subsection shall be collected from a |
violator before any other fines authorized by this section. |
(8) In addition to any other fines and highway safety assessments, a two-hundred-dollar |
($200) assessment shall be paid by any person found in violation of this section to support the |
department of health's chemical testing programs outlined in § 31-27-2(4) §§ 31-27-2(f) and 31- |
27-2(g), that shall be deposited as general revenues, not restricted receipts. |
(9) No fines, suspensions, assessments, alcohol or drug treatment programs, course on |
driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, or public community |
restitution provided for under this section can be suspended. |
(10) Implied consent notice for persons eighteen (18) years of age or older: "Rhode Island |
law requires you to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of |
determining the chemical content of your body fluids or breath. If you refuse this testing, certain |
penalties can be imposed and include the following: for a first offense, your Rhode Island driver's |
license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state can be suspended for six (6) months to |
one year or modified to permit operation in connection with an ignition interlock device for a period |
specified by law,; a fine from two hundred dollars ($200) to five hundred dollars ($500) can be |
imposed,; and you can be ordered to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of community service and |
attend a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance |
and/or alcohol or drug treatment. If you have had one or more previous offenses within the past |
five (5) years, your refusal to submit to a chemical test of breath or urine at this time can have |
criminal penalties, including incarceration up to six (6) months for a second offense and up to one |
year for a third or subsequent offense, and can carry increased license suspension or ignition |
interlock period, fines, and community service. All violators shall pay a five hundred dollar ($500) |
highway safety assessment fee, a two hundred dollar ($200) department of health chemical testing |
programs assessment fee, and a license reinstatement fee. Refusal to submit to a chemical test of |
blood shall not subject you to criminal penalties for the refusal itself, but if you have one or more |
previous offenses other civil penalties may increase. You have the right to be examined at your |
own expense by a physician selected by you. If you submit to a chemical test at this time, you have |
the right to have an additional chemical test performed at your own expense. You will be afforded |
a reasonable opportunity to exercise these rights. Access to a telephone will be made available for |
you to make those arrangements. You may now use a telephone." |
Use of this implied consent notice shall serve as evidence that a person's consent to a |
chemical test is valid in a prosecution involving driving under the influence of liquor, controlled |
substances, and/or drugs. |
(c)(d) Upon suspending or refusing to issue a license or permit as provided in subsection |
(a), the traffic tribunal or district court shall immediately notify the person involved in writing, and |
upon his or her request, within fifteen (15) days, shall afford the person an opportunity for a hearing |
as early as practical upon receipt of a request in writing. Upon a hearing, the judge may administer |
oaths and may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant books |
and papers. If the judge finds after the hearing that: |
(1) The law enforcement officer making the sworn report had reasonable grounds to believe |
that the arrested person had been driving a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence |
of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance, as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or |
any combination of these; |
(2) The person, while under arrest, refused to submit to the tests upon the request of a law |
enforcement officer; |
(3) The person had been informed of his or her rights in accordance with § 31-27-3; and |
(4) The person had been informed of the penalties incurred as a result of noncompliance |
with this section, the judge shall sustain the violation. The judge shall then impose the penalties set |
forth in subsection (b) (c) of this section. Action by the judge must be taken within seven (7) days |
after the hearing or it shall be presumed that the judge has refused to issue his or her order of |
suspension. |
(d)(e) For the purposes of this section, any test of a sample of blood, breath, or urine for |
the presence of alcohol that relies, in whole or in part, upon the principle of infrared light absorption |
is considered a chemical test. |
(e)(f) If any provision of this section, or the application of any provision, shall, for any |
reason, be judged invalid, the judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of the |
section, but shall be confined in this effect to the provisions or application directly involved in the |
controversy giving rise to the judgment. |
31-27-2.5. Chemical tests to persons under eighteen (18) years of age -- Refusal -- |
License suspension. |
(a) Any person under eighteen (18) years of age who shall refuse to submit to a chemical |
test as provided in § 31-27-2 shall have imposed all the penalties provided by § 31-27-2.1, but shall |
have his or her license suspended on a first violation for six (6) months, subject to the terms of |
subsection (e) of this section. |
(b) Jurisdiction for violations of this section is given to the family court. |
(c) If a person as set forth in subsection (a) of this section refuses, upon the request of a |
law enforcement officer, to submit to a test as provided in § 31-27-2.1, none shall be given, but a |
judge of the family court, upon receipt of a report or testimony of a law enforcement officer: that |
he or she had probable cause to stop the arrested person and reasonable grounds to believe the |
arrested person had been driving a motor vehicle within this state while impaired by intoxicating |
liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance, as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination |
of these; that the person had been informed of his or her rights in accordance with § 31-27-3; that |
the person had been informed of the penalties to be incurred as a result of noncompliance with this |
implied consent notice contained in subsection (h) of this section; and that the person had refused |
to submit to the test upon the request of a law enforcement officer; shall promptly order a hearing |
on whether the person's operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state shall |
be suspended. Upon suspension, the judge shall order the license of the person to be surrendered to |
the department of administration, division of motor vehicles, within three (3) days. |
(d) If the person takes a test, as provided in § 31-27-2 and the test determines the person's |
blood alcohol concentration to be at least two-hundredths of one percent (.02%) but less than one- |
tenth of one percent (.1%) by weight, the person shall be determined to have been driving while |
impaired. A judge of the family court shall, pursuant to the terms of subsection (e) of this section, |
order as follows: |
(1) A highway safety assessment of one hundred fifty dollars ($150), or community |
restitution in lieu of highway safety assessment shall be paid by any person found in violation of |
this section. The assessment shall be deposited into the general fund. |
(2) The person's driving license shall be suspended for six (6) months on a first violation, |
and may be suspended for a period of up to twelve (12) months, provided the person also shall |
attend a special course on driving while intoxicated and provided that the person shall also attend |
an alcohol and/or drug treatment program if ordered by the family court judge. Failure or refusal |
of the person to attend the course and/or alcohol or drug treatment program shall result in the |
person's driving license being suspended until the course or treatment program has been completed. |
(3) On a second violation of this section, the person's driving license shall be suspended |
until he or she is twenty-one (21) years of age. The sentencing judge shall require alcohol and/or |
drug treatment for the individual. |
(4) On a third or subsequent violation, the person's driving license shall be suspended for |
an additional period of two (2) years and the sentencing judge shall require alcohol and/or drug |
treatment for the individual. |
(5) No suspensions, assessments, driving while intoxicated school, or alcohol and/or drug |
treatment programs under this section can be suspended, shortened, altered, or changed. |
(e) Upon suspending a license or permit as provided in subsection (a), (c), or (d) of this |
section, the family court shall immediately notify the person involved, in writing, as well as the |
custodial parent if the person is under the age of eighteen (18) years. |
(f) The police department which charges any person under eighteen (18) years of age with |
refusal to submit to a chemical test, driving while impaired by intoxicating liquors or drugs, or |
driving while under the influence of liquor or drugs, shall ascertain the name and address of the |
custodial parent of the person and shall notify the parent in writing within ten (10) days of the |
charge. |
(g) The department of administration, upon issuing a first license to a person sixteen (16) |
or seventeen (17) years of age, shall provide a written notice of the penalties provided by this |
section. Any violation of this section shall not be considered a criminal offense. |
(h) Implied consent notice for persons under eighteen (18) years of age: |
"Rhode Island law requires you to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine |
for the purpose of determining the chemical content of your body fluids or breath. If you refuse this |
testing, certain penalties can be imposed. These penalties include the following: your Rhode Island |
driver's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state can be suspended for six (6) |
months or modified to permit operation in connection with an ignition interlock device for a period |
specified by law,; a fine from two hundred dollars ($200) to five hundred dollars ($500) can be |
imposed,; and you can be ordered to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of community service and |
attend a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance |
and/or alcohol or drug treatment. If you have had one or more previous offenses within the past |
five (5) years, your loss or modification of license, fine, and community service sanctions can |
increase over those provided for a first offense. All violators shall pay a five hundred dollar ($500) |
highway safety assessment fee, a two hundred dollar ($200) department of health chemical testing |
programs fee, and a license reinstatement fee. If you refuse to submit to a chemical test, you will |
be required to maintain proof of financial responsibility for three (3) years. Refusal to submit to a |
chemical test shall not be considered a criminal offense. You have the right to be examined at your |
own expense by a physician selected by you. If you submit to a chemical test at this time, you have |
the right to have an additional chemical test performed at your own expense. You will be afforded |
a reasonable opportunity to exercise these rights. Access to a telephone will be made available for |
you to make those arrangements. You may now use the telephone." |
Use of this implied consent notice shall serve as evidence that a person's consent to a |
chemical test is valid in a trial for driving under the influence of liquor, controlled substances, |
and/or drugs. |
31-27-2.8. Ignition interlock system imposed as part of sentence -- Requirements |
Ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing imposed as a part of sentence -- |
Requirements. |
(a) Any person subject to suspension pursuant to §§ 31-27-2.1(b)(1) and §§ 31-27-2.1 |
(b)(2) or convicted under the provisions of §§ 31-27-2(d)(1), § 31-27-2(d)(2), § 31-27-2(d)(3)(i), |
or § 31-27-2(d)(3)(ii), or whose violation is sustained under the provisions of § 31-27-2.1(b)(1) §§ |
31-27-2.1(b)(1) and §§ 31-27-2.1 (b)(2), may be prohibited by the sentencing judge or magistrate |
from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system, and/or blood |
and urine testing by a licensed physician with knowledge and clinical experience in the diagnosis |
and treatment of drug-related disorders, a licensed or certified psychologist, social worker, or EAP |
professional with like knowledge, or a substance abuse counselor certified by the National |
Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (all of whom shall be licensed in Rhode |
Island), pursuant to this section. |
(1) Notwithstanding any other sentencing and disposition provisions contained in this |
chapter, if a Rhode Island traffic tribunal magistrate makes a finding that a motorist was operating |
a vehicle in the state while under the influence of drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance as |
evidenced by the presence of controlled substances on or about the person or vehicle, or other |
reliable indicia or articulable conditions thereof, but not intoxicating liquor based on a preliminary |
breath test, results from a breathalyzer which that indicates no blood alcohol concentration or both, |
the magistrate may exercise their his or her discretion and eliminate the requirement of an ignition |
interlock system; provided, that blood and/or urine testing is mandated as a condition to operating |
a motor vehicle as provided in this section. |
(2) Notwithstanding any other sentencing and disposition provisions contained in this |
chapter, if a Rhode Island traffic tribunal magistrate makes a finding that a motorist was operating |
a vehicle in the state while under the influence of drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance as |
evidenced by the presence of controlled substances on or about the person or vehicle, or other |
reliable indicia or articulable conditions thereof and intoxicating liquor based on a preliminary |
breath test, results from a breathalyzer which that indicates blood alcohol concentration or both, |
the magistrate may require an ignition interlock system in addition to blood and/or urine testing as |
a condition to operating a motor vehicle as provided in this section. |
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in this chapter, after a finding of |
eligibility, any mandatory period of license suspension shall, upon request, be reduced by the |
imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing ordered by the court or |
traffic tribunal as follows: |
(1) For a violation of § 31-27-2(d)(1), a person shall be subject to a minimum thirty-day |
(30) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine |
testing for three (3) months to one year. |
(2) For a violation of § 31-27-2.1(b)(1) § 31-27-2.1(c)(1), a person shall be subject to a |
minimum thirty-day (30) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system |
and/or blood and urine testing for a period of six (6) months to two (2) years. |
(3) For a violation of § 31-27-2(d)(2), a person shall be subject to a minimum forty-five- |
day (45) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and |
urine testing for a period of six (6) months to two (2) years. |
(4) For a violation of § 31-27-2.1(b)(2) § 31-27-2.1(c)(2), a person shall be subject to a |
minimum sixty-day (60) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system |
and/or blood and urine testing for a period of one to four (4) years. |
(5) For a violation of § 31-27-2(d)(3), a person shall be subject to a minimum sixty-day |
(60) license suspension and imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine |
testing for a period of one to four (4) years. |
(6) For a violation of § 31-27-2.1(b)(3) § 31-27-2.1(c)(3), a person shall be subject to a |
minimum ninety-day (90) license suspension and imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or |
blood and urine testing for a period of two (2) to ten (10) years. |
(7) In any case where a person is convicted of a first offense under the provisions of § 31- |
27-2(d)(1) or under § 31-27-2.1(b)(1), the sentencing judge or magistrate shall, upon request, grant |
the person a conditional hardship license immediately upon a plea or admission of guilt, or an initial |
suspension under § 31-27-2.1(b), and after a finding of need under this section; provided, however, |
that in a case where a conditional hardship license shall be granted by the sentencing judge or |
magistrate upon an initial suspension under § 31-27-2.1(b) and prior to the installation of an ignition |
interlock device, said hardship license shall be issued to the motorist upon proof of installation of |
an ignition interlock device. No license suspension shall be subject to more than a thirty-(30) day |
(30) license suspension based solely upon the imposition of an ignition interlock system. |
(i) If a conviction pursuant to §§ 31-27-2(d)(l) or § 31-27-2.l(c)(l) is a first offense, or upon |
an initial suspension pursuant to § 31-27-2.1(b)(1), where there has been a finding or |
determination that the motorist was under the influence of intoxicating liquor only, the magistrate |
shall, upon request, immediately grant a conditional hardship license after a finding of need |
pursuant to this section and upon proof of the installation of an ignition interlock device. |
(ii) If a conviction pursuant to §§ 31-27-2(d)(l) or § 31-27-2.l(c)(l) is a first offense, or |
upon an initial suspension pursuant to § 31-27-2.1(b)(1), where there has been a finding or |
determination that the motorist was under the influence of drugs, toluene, or a controlled substance, |
but not intoxicating liquor, the judge or magistrate shall, upon request immediately grant a |
conditional hardship license after a finding of need pursuant to this section and upon proof of blood |
and urine testing pursuant to this section. |
(iii) If a conviction pursuant to § 31-27-2(d)(1) or § 31-27-2.1(c)(1) is a first offense, or |
upon an initial suspension pursuant to § 31-27-2.1(b)(1), where there has been a finding or |
determination that the motorist was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, toluene, a controlled |
substance, or any combination thereof, the magistrate shall, upon request immediately grant a |
conditional hardship license after a finding of need pursuant to this section and upon proof of the |
installation of an ignition interlock device, subject also to the following testing: |
(A) The testing of either blood or urine is being performed by or monitored by a licensed |
physician with knowledge and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of drug-related |
disorders, a licensed or certified psychologist, social worker, or EAP professional with like |
knowledge, or a substance abuse counselor certified by the National Association of Alcohol and |
Drug Abuse Counselors (all of whom shall be licensed in Rhode Island). |
(B) The motorist is required to pay for the substance abuse professional, any testing, |
retesting, monitoring, and reporting costs of the blood and urine testing. |
(C) Samples are to be collected, tested and confirmed by a federally certified laboratory by |
means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or technology recognized as being at least as |
scientifically accurate. |
(D) Samples are to be taken weekly for the first sixty (60) days, thereafter in accordance |
with the recommendation of the substance abuse professional. The samples taken thereafter may |
be ordered randomly, but must be provided by the motorist within twenty-four (24) hours of the |
request. The substance abuse professional shall report to the department of the attorney general |
within twenty-four (24) hours any failure by the motorist to comply with a request for a sample. |
(E) A positive test of urine or blood which that evidences any controlled substances shall |
be reported by the substance abuse professional to the motorist and to the department of the attorney |
general within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of the results. The motorist may, at their his or her |
own expense, have an opportunity to have the sample retested or reevaluated by an independent |
testing facility who which shall provide the result directly to the substance abuse professional. The |
attorney general may request, at any time, a copy of any or all test results from the substance abuse |
professional, which shall forward the requested results within forty-eight (48) hours. |
(F) Upon completion of the license suspension, conditional hardship, ignition interlock and |
substance abuse testing periods, a finalized report shall be presented to the department of motor |
vehicles prior to any license reinstatement. |
(G) If a judge or magistrate determines that a motorist either failed, without good cause, to |
comply with a sample request or tested positive for any controlled substance, they he or she may |
exercise their his or her discretion and revoke the conditional hardship license, extend the time |
period for the ignition interlock system and/or substance abuse testing for an additional period of |
up to twelve (12) months and/or impose an additional loss of license for up to twenty-four (24) |
months. |
(H) A motorist who has failed, without good cause, to comply with a sample request or |
tested positive for any controlled substance for a second time within twelve (12) months of the first |
failure and/or positive test determination shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to one |
year imprisonment, or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. |
(c) However, in any case where a motorist has a prior is convicted of an alcohol-related |
offense pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or a prior reckless driving conviction under § 31- |
27-4 or reckless eluding conviction under § 31-27-4.1, within the prior ten (10) years of the offense, |
or when the instant offense involves a motor vehicle accident, the judge or magistrate may exercise |
their his or her discretion in the granting of the hardship license by imposing up to a ninety (90) |
day loss of license prior to any imposition of the hardship license. If the instant matter involves a |
blood alcohol level of fifteen hundredths (.15) BAC or above, the judge or magistrate may exercise |
his or her discretion in the granting of the hardship license by imposing up to a six (6) month loss |
of license prior to any imposition of the hardship license. Said The hardship license shall be valid |
only for twelve (12) continuous hours per day to get to and from employment, necessary medical |
appointments, job training, schooling, or for any other valid reason approved in advance by the |
sentencing judge or magistrate, which shall include employment, medical appointments, job |
training, schooling, or for religious purposes. The hardship license shall not be for less than twelve |
(12) continuous hours per day. A hardship license shall only be granted in conjunction with the |
installation of an ignition interlock device and/or blood and urine testing. Any conditional driving |
privileges must be set by the sentencing judge or magistrate after a hearing in which the motorist |
must provide proof of employment status and hours of employment, or any other legitimate reasons |
justifying a hardship license. These shall include, but not be limited to, any unemployment training, |
schooling, medical appointments, therapy treatments, or any other valid requests set forth by sworn |
affidavit. Once said hardship period has concluded, the motorist must still be subject to the |
conditions of the ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as set forth under this |
section for the period of time as directed by the court. Any individual who violates the requirements |
of this subsection shall be subject to the penalties enumerated in § 31-11-18.1. |
(c)(d) Any person convicted of an offense of driving under the influence of liquor or drugs |
resulting in death, § 31-27-2.2; driving under the influence of liquor or drugs resulting in serious |
bodily injury, § 31-27-2.6; driving to endanger resulting in death, § 31-27-1; or driving to endanger |
resulting in serious bodily injury, § 31-27-1.1; may, in addition to any other penalties provided by |
law, be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an approved ignition |
interlock system and/or blood and urine testing for one to five (5) years. |
(d)(e) Any person who operates a motor vehicle with a suspended license during the period |
of suspension, and the reason for the suspension was due to a conviction of driving under the |
influence of drugs or alcohol or a sustained violation or conviction of refusal to submit to a chemical |
test, shall be subject to the further use of the ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing |
for a period of six (6) months subsequent to the penalties enumerated in § 31-11-18.1. |
(e)(f)When the court orders the use of an ignition interlock system, the judge or magistrate |
shall cause an appropriate notation to be made on the person's record that clearly sets forth the |
requirement for, and the period of the use of, the ignition interlock system. |
(f)(g) In addition to the requirements of subsection (e) (f) of this section, the court or traffic |
tribunal shall: |
(1) Require proof of the installation of the ignition interlock system and periodic reporting |
by the person for the purpose of verification of the proper operation of the ignition interlock system; |
(2) Require the person to have the ignition interlock system monitored for the proper use |
and accuracy by a person, firm, corporation, or other association to be approved by the division of |
motor vehicles at least once every six (6) months, or more frequently as the circumstances may |
require; and |
(3) Require the person to pay the reasonable cost of leasing or buying, monitoring, and |
maintenance of the ignition interlock system. |
(4) The requirements under subsection (f) (g) of this section shall be the responsibility of |
the probation department or justice assistance, if the individual is under their control, or the division |
of motor vehicles if the individual is not monitored as a condition of the individual's plea or finding |
of guilt. |
(h) Any person granted a conditional hardship license upon proof of installation of an |
ignition interlock device, may operate that motor vehicle during the entire twelve-(12) hour (12) |
period of operation granted by the sentencing judge or magistrate including during the scope of |
their the person’s employment and/or any other valid reason approved by the sentencing judge or |
magistrate. |
(g)(i) If a person is required, in the course of the person's employment, to operate a motor |
vehicle owned or provided by the person's employer, the person may operate that motor vehicle in |
the course of the person's employment without installation of an ignition interlock system if the |
court makes specific findings expressly permitting the person to operate, in the course of the |
person's employment, a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system. |
(h)(j)(1) Any person subject to an ignition interlock order and/or blood and urine testing |
who violates such order shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year |
imprisonment, or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. |
(2) For a second violation within six (6) months from entry of the order, the person |
violating the order shall be imprisoned for a term of not less than ten (10) days and not more than |
one year. |
(k) For the purposes of this subsection, a violation of the interlock order, includes, but is |
not limited to: |
(1) Altering, tampering, or in any way attempting to circumvent the operation of an ignition |
interlock system that has been installed in the motor vehicle of a person under this section; |
(2) Operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system; or |
(3) Soliciting or attempting to have another person start a motor vehicle equipped with an |
ignition interlock system for the purpose of providing an operable motor vehicle to a person who |
is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system. |
(i)(l) Any person who attempts to start, or starts, a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition |
interlock system, tampers with, or in any way attempts to circumvent, the operation of an ignition |
interlock system that has been installed in the motor vehicle for the purpose of providing an |
operable motor vehicle to a person who is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle that is not |
equipped with an ignition interlock system, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to |
one year imprisonment or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. |
SECTION 2. With respect to any provisions of this act which that require the department |
of motor vehicles to modify or upgrade their computer systems, said provisions of the act shall take |
effect on January 1, 2022, and the remaining provisions of the act shall take effect upon passage. |
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LC001063 |
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