Alcohol or Drug-related License Suspensions

Alcohol or drug-related driving offenses resulting in a license suspension can be found under Rhode Island General Law, specifically RIGL 31-27-2 (driving under influence of liquor or drugs) or RIGL 31-27-2.1 (refusal to submit to chemical test). In addition to the motorist's period of license suspension, the motorist will also be required to comply with any other sanctions ordered by the sentencing court.

The most common sanctions that accompany an alcohol-related license suspension are as follows:

  • The granting of a hardship license in conjunction with the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
  • The granting of a hardship license in conjunction with blood or urine testing (RIGL 31-27-2.8)
  • The installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) only
  • Alcohol treatment, alcohol education, and/or public community service

*Please note - Operators with three (3) or more alcohol or drug related driving convictions must satisfy the requirements of the Medical Advisory Board (280-RICR-30-05-3 Rules & Regulations) prior to reinstatement of driving privileges.

All alcohol education, alcohol treatment, and public community service sanctions are monitored by the Driver Retraining Office of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. The Driver Retraining Office is located within the Adjudication Office on the 3rd floor of the DMV Headquarters, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.