Rhode Island Updates DUI Legislation for the First Time in Years

The Rhode Island General Assembly has passed a new DUI law that will strengthen penalties for those who drink and drive.

Attorney General Neronha, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD RI), and state leaders have joined forces to pass public safety legislation in hopes that it will better combat drunk driving.

And it's directly aimed at repeat offenders.

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What Is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)?

MADD is a non-profit that was founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver. MADD's mission is to put an end to drunk driving, prevent underage drinking, help fight drugged driving, and support victims of these violent crimes.

The organization has helped save more than 400,000 lives and has reduced drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent.

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Rhode Island Leaders Pass DUI Lookback Legislation

A new law is set to go into effect on July 1, 2025, that will extend the state's lookback period for DUI suspects who have been charged in the past or have refused to submit a chemical test, creating a harsher penalty of five to 10 years.

According to state officials, "an increased lookback period will serve as a deterrent, as well as ensure that drivers with a history of operating vehicles under the influence are punished appropriately, thus keeping them off Rhode Island roads".

MADD shared that Rhode Island law enforcement agencies arrest approximately 3,000 drivers for driving under the influence every year.

"In 2022, nearly 70 percent of arrested persons refused to submit to chemical testing," said the organization. "The people who did submit averaged a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 0.17, more than twice the legal limit."

New DUI Legislation in Rhode Island Will Save Lives

This new law will save countless lives and is a great victory for victims and survivors who have been affected by drunk driving in Rhode Island.

"The sad truth is that many offenders, especially those who have been caught driving under the influence, don't learn until they cause permanent injury to someone or even death," said South Kingstown Senator V. Susan Sosnowski. "The problem seems to be only getting worse and this law is desperately needed to reverse this alarming and troubling trend."

This new bill will be a strong message to repeat offenders. Destructive behavior needs to be stopped and extending the lookback period means more offenders are held accountable.

The legislation was approved by the R.I. General Assembly last month and signed into law by Governor Dan Mckee nearly a week later.

Contributing Author: Marissa Sebastiao