Hardship License/Ignition Interlock

A hardship license is a court ordered restriction that allows a motorist to drive a motor vehicle for a pre-determined continuous twelve (12) hour period per day while their driving privileges are suspended due to an alcohol or drug related driving conviction.  The hardship license must be approved by a Judge or Magistrate and is typically granted for reasons which include employment, medical appointments, job training, schooling, or religious purposes.

An Ignition Interlock Device (IID), many times referred to as a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID), is slightly larger than a cell phone and is wired to the vehicle's ignition. These devices can generally be installed quickly. After installation it will require your breath sample before the engine starts. If the ignition interlock detects alcohol on your breath the engine will not start. As you drive the device will periodically require additional breath samples to ensure the absence of alcohol in your system.

No. Only a Rhode Island court can issue a hardship license or ignition interlock restriction upon conviction of an alcohol related offense in accordance with RIGL 31-27-2.8. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles only ensures that the hardship and interlock restrictions are added to the Rhode Island driver’s license. The Medical Advisory Board, established under 31-10.44, may recommend the installation of an ignition interlock system for motorists who have been referred to the board for being convicted of three or more alcohol related driving offenses (280-RICR-30-05-3).

When your court sanctions have been finalized you must report to the DMV as soon as possible to add your hardship license and/or Ignition Interlock Device restriction to your driver’s license.

No. Per statute, hardship licenses are only available to motorists whose driver’s licenses are suspended for either Refusal to Submit to a Chemical test (R.I.G.L. § 31-27-2.1) , or those convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (R.I.G.L.§ 31-27-2).

Yes. When a motorist receives a hardship license from the court the driving privileges of the motorist are suspended. The issuance of a hardship license allows the motorist to operate a motor vehicle for a defined period while the driving privilege is suspended. It is recommended that the motorist keep the hardship documents issued to them by the court in their vehicle while operating a motor vehicle.

It is advised that the motorist check the DMV in their home state to verify that their state will honor the Rhode Island hardship license.

No. The DMV does not have payment plans.

No.  License suspension information is transmitted from state to state.  If you hold a Rhode Island license and are suspended in another state, the DMV will suspend your license privileges in Rhode Island until your license privileges are reinstated in the other state. A reinstatement fee in both states may be required.

Yes. When a motorist receives a hardship license, their driving privileges have been placed in suspended status by the court. When the hardship restriction has expired, you must return to the DMV to remove the hardship restriction from your license and pay your reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. You will also be required to obtain a new license showing that hardship restriction has been removed. The duplicate license fee is in addition to any reinstatement fees.