Rhode Island · DUI · Checked October 2026
Can a DUI Be Expunged in Rhode Island?
Can a DUI Be Expunged in Rhode Island?
Whether a DUI can come off your record in Rhode Island, and how long it counts against you.
- Expungement or sealing
- A first offender may move to expunge a misdemeanor conviction, including a DUI, in the court where the conviction took place. The multiple-misdemeanor expungement route (more than one but fewer than six misdemeanors) does not allow convictions under § 31-27-2 (DUI) or § 31-27-2.1 (refusal) to be expunged
- Waiting period
- 5 years after completing the sentence for a misdemeanor (first offender); 10 years after completing the sentence for a felony
- Lookback period
- 10 years
Expungement or Sealing in Rhode Island
A first offender may move to expunge a misdemeanor conviction, including a DUI, in the court where the conviction took place. The multiple-misdemeanor expungement route (more than one but fewer than six misdemeanors) does not allow convictions under § 31-27-2 (DUI) or § 31-27-2.1 (refusal) to be expunged.
Waiting Period in Rhode Island
5 years after completing the sentence for a misdemeanor (first offender); 10 years after completing the sentence for a felony
Rules in Rhode Island
Applies to first offenders: people with no other prior felony or misdemeanor conviction or probation and no pending criminal case. Crimes of violence cannot be expunged, and all court-imposed fines, fees and costs must be paid unless reduced or waived by the court.
How Long It Counts for Repeat Offenses in Rhode Island
10 years.R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2(d)(2), (d)(3), (d)(5)(i)
Official source: how long it counts for repeat offenses (Rhode Island)
More on DUI Law in Rhode Island
See the full overview of DUI laws in Rhode Island and read about how long a DUI stays on your record.
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 a DUI Be Expunged or Sealed in Rhode Island?
A first offender may move to expunge a misdemeanor conviction, including a DUI, in the court where the conviction took place. The multiple-misdemeanor expungement route (more than one but fewer than six misdemeanors) does not allow convictions under § 31-27-2 (DUI) or § 31-27-2.1 (refusal) to be expunged.
How Long Before You Can Apply?
5 years after completing the sentence for a misdemeanor (first offender); 10 years after completing the sentence for a felony