Rhode Island Suspended License Lawyer

Driving on a Suspended License in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, operating a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right.  Like any other privilege, the privilege to drive can be taken away. Many Rhode Islanders find themselves with a suspended driver’s license as a result of a DUI or Breathalyzer Refusal conviction, while others end up with a suspended license under the Colin B. Foote Act or as a result of failure to pay child support.

Anyone with a suspended license knows that it can have a significant impact on your employment and family life. Due to this inconvenience, many drivers are willing to roll the dice and drive despite the presence of a suspend license. Unfortunately, this decision can only make things worse. If you find yourself charged with driving on a suspend license, call the experienced Rhode Island Suspended License Lawyers at Abilheira Law today.

Under Rhode Island General Law § 31-11-18, you will be guilty of a misdemeanor if you:

  • Drive a motor vehicle despite never applying for a license
  • Drive after your application for a license has been refused
  • Drive after your license has expired
  • Drive without a license
  • Drive while your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled

Driving on a suspend license can result in an increased license suspension, large fines, and the potential for imprisonment. The penalties include:

1st Offense

  • $250-$500 fine
  • Up to 30 days incarceration
  • Rhode Island DMV adds additional three (3) month suspension

2nd Offense and all Subsequent Offenses

  • $350-$1000 fine
  • Up to one year incarceration
  • Rhode Island DMV adds additional six (6) month suspension and upon any subsequent offense a license revocation.

Driving on a suspended license for certain violations

Under Rhode Island General Law § 31-11-18.1, if your license is suspended due to a guilty finding for one or more of the following offenses and you are found driving on a suspended license, you will face harsh penalties, including mandatory jail time.

These offenses include:

  • operating under the influence of a narcotic drug or intoxicating liquor
  • refusing to submit to a chemical test
  • reckless driving
  • manslaughter from the operation of a motor vehicle
  • operating so as to endanger resulting in death
  • three (3) moving violations within a one-year period (Colin B. Foote Act)

1st Offense

  • Misdemeanor charge
  • Imprisonment for a minimum of ten (10) days
  • $500 fine
  • Additional three (3) month license suspension

2nd Offense

  • Misdemeanor charge
  • Imprisonment for a minimum of six (6) months to one year
  • $500 fine
  • Additional six (6) month or more suspension

Any Subsequent Conviction within Five Years

  • Felony charge
  • Imprisonment for a minimum of one year

Driving on a suspend license has serious consequences and can result in several timely and costly trips to District Court and the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. If you find yourself charged with driving after denial, suspension or revocation of license, contact the Rhode Island Suspended License Lawyers at Abilheira Law.  Our experienced license attorneys will evaluate your case and help you get back behind the wheel.