Rhode Island · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Rhode Island: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Rhode Island: What Are the Rules?
How Rhode Island suspends your license after a DUI arrest, and how to get driving privileges back.
- Refused test
- 6 months to 1 year (first refusal); 1 to 2 years (second within 10 years; 2 years if the refusal was of a blood test); 2 to 5 years (third or subsequent within 10 years)
- Hardship license
- Conditional hardship license
How to Request a Hearing in Rhode Island
Refusal cases go to the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal. At the initial appearance a magistrate reviews the officer's reports and, if the statutory grounds are met, orders the license suspended immediately (subject to hardship provisions). The court must notify the driver in writing and, on written request, afford a hearing.
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Rhode Island
6 months to 1 year (first refusal); 1 to 2 years (second within 10 years; 2 years if the refusal was of a blood test); 2 to 5 years (third or subsequent within 10 years)R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.1(b)(1)-(2), (c), (d)
Official source: suspension if you refuse a test (Rhode Island)
Getting a Conditional Hardship License in Rhode Island
Only a Rhode Island court can grant it, for a suspension under the DUI statute (§ 31-27-2) or the refusal statute (§ 31-27-2.1). On a first offense or an initial refusal suspension, the magistrate shall grant it on request after a finding of need and proof of an installed ignition interlock (or blood and urine testing for drug-only cases). For alcohol-related convictions the judge may first impose up to 90 days without a license. It allows driving for 12 continuous hours a day for approved reasons such as work, medical appointments, job training, school or religious purposes, and must be reported to the DMV Adjudication Office to add the restriction.
Official source: getting a conditional hardship license (Rhode Island)
More on DUI Law in Rhode Island
See the full overview of DUI laws in Rhode Island and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Rhode Island law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Rhode Island can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get a Hardship License in Rhode Island?
Only a Rhode Island court can grant it, for a suspension under the DUI statute (§ 31-27-2) or the refusal statute (§ 31-27-2.1). On a first offense or an initial refusal suspension, the magistrate shall grant it on request after a finding of need and proof of an installed ignition interlock (or blood and urine testing for drug-only cases). For alcohol-related convictions the judge may first impose up to 90 days without a license. It allows driving for 12 continuous hours a day for approved reasons such as work, medical appointments, job training, school or religious purposes, and must be reported to the DMV Adjudication Office to add the restriction.