A first DUI in Rhode Island is generally classified as a misdemeanor.
Jail: none (lower tiers) – 1 year; mandatory min none base; 20-60 hrs community service at 0.15+
Fine: $100–$500 (By tier: 0.08-0.099 = $100-300; 0.10-0.149 = $100-400; 0.15+ = $500 (plus a $500 highway-safety assessment and other fees))
License suspension: 30-180 days (0.08-0.10 tier) – 3-18 months (0.15+); hardship: hardship license with IID after a portion
Ignition interlock: Not required at this level — IID required (up to 2 years) especially at 0.15+ and for hardship licenses; mandatory on repeats.
Alternative disposition: Mandatory DUI class + $500 highway safety assessment; alcohol/drug treatment if screened. No formal diversion; many first-tier cases resolve with community service.
0.15+ first offense: $500 fine, 20-60 hours community service, up to 1 year jail, 3-18 month suspension.
Lookback period: 10 years. CORRECTED: § 31-27-2(d) uses a TEN-year window for both the second-offense and the third-or-subsequent (felony) enhancements (draft said 5 years). Some collateral provisions (vehicle seizure) reference other windows.
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