Rhode Island police chiefs are ramping up efforts to keep roads safe this New Year’s Eve. They’re putting extra patrols on the streets to catch impaired drivers and urging residents to make smart choices.
“We all share a responsibility to keep our roads safe this New Year’s season,” said Colonel Bradford Connor, President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Warwick Chief of Police. “If there’s even a chance you might have a drink or consume cannabis at your celebrations, make a plan for a sober ride home. Designate a sober driver, use rideshare, or arrange to stay where you are. With so many safe options, there’s simply no excuse for driving under the influence. Extra patrols will be on the roads, so make the right choice.”
Connor stresses the importance of having a designated driver, using a rideshare service, or staying put if you’re going to be drinking.
To help with enforcement, the B.A.T. Mobile will be set up at 1150 Reservoir Ave. in Cranston tonight. This mobile unit, staffed by Rhode Island State Police and Cranston Police, has everything needed to process DUI suspects on the spot – from breathalyzers to holding cells.
Starting at 7 p.m., the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association will be counting down to midnight with hourly social media posts about impaired driving. They’re asking people to like and share these messages on Facebook, Instagram, and X to help spread the word.
It’s worth noting that DUI penalties in Rhode Island are no joke. Even for a first offense, you could be looking at up to a year in jail, losing your license for 3 to 18 months, community service, and fines that can add up to thousands of dollars.
Rhode Island law requires drivers to take chemical tests if they’re suspected of driving under the influence. Refusing these tests comes with its own set of penalties, including license suspension and mandatory classes or treatment programs.
And if you’re caught more than once in a five-year period? The consequences get even tougher, with longer jail time and bigger fines on the table.
The full message from the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association;
Rhode Island Police Chiefs remind residents to drive sober this New Year’s Eve
Additional patrols will be on the roads to identify and apprehend impaired drivers
Today, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association reminded motorists to drive sober, emphasizing that additional patrols will be on Rhode Island roads looking to identify and apprehend impaired drivers this New Year’s holiday period.
“We all share a responsibility to keep our roads safe this New Year’s season,” said Colonel Bradford Connor, President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Warwick Chief of Police. “If there’s even a chance you might have a drink or consume cannabis at your celebrations, make a plan for a sober ride home. Designate a sober driver, use rideshare, or arrange to stay where you are. With so many safe options, there’s simply no excuse for driving under the influence. Extra patrols will be on the roads, so make the right choice.”
To support these efforts, the B.A.T. Mobile will be stationed at 1150 Reservoir Avenue in Cranston tonight, staffed by the Rhode Island State Police and Cranston Police. This mobile unit, equipped with a breathalyzer and holding cells, enhances efficiency by allowing officers to test, fingerprint, detain, and arraign DUI suspects all in one location.
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association will also be counting down to the New Year with hourly posts sharing important impaired driving messaging starting at 7 pm. All are encouraged to like and share these posts.
Facebook: @RICHIEFSOFPOLICE
Instagram: @ripolicechiefs
X: @ripolicechiefs
Background on impaired driving
The first offense for driving under the influence of liquor or drugs carries several penalties:
- Possible jail sentence of up to one year at the ACI.
- Mandatory license suspension from three to eighteen months.
- Mandatory community service from 10 to 60 hours.
- Fines of not less than $100, nor more than $500.
- Fees can easily reach a few thousand dollars.
Rhode Island law requires you to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine to determine the chemical content of your body fluids or breath.
If you refuse this testing, certain penalties can be imposed, including 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 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 $200 to $500 can be imposed; and you can be ordered to perform 10 to 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 years, your refusal to submit to a chemical test of breath or urine at this time can have criminal penalties, including incarceration of up to six 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.
