Rhode Island Police Chiefs remind residents to drive sober this New Year's Eve

Dec 31

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.

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Contact:

Cara Cromwell

(401) 440-0090

cara@cromwellpublicaffairs.com