Rhode Island Traffic Violations

In Rhode Island, most roadway offenses are processed as civil traffic violations in the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal or municipal courts. Severe traffic violations are classified as criminal charges and prosecuted in the District Court or the Superior Court.

Residents should understand the legal implications of violations, as well as the financial and civic consequences.They must know the penalties for traffic violations and how to access their records.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Rhode Island?

Title 31 of the Rhode Island General Laws sets the rules for motor and other vehicles on the road, licensing, crash duties, and impaired-driving provisions. Any driver who flouts these laws is deemed to commit a traffic violation. They may include routine moving violations (classified as civil matters) that are primarily handled in the Traffic Tribunal or in local municipal courts of record.

Other categories, like misdemeanors and felonies, are criminal and handled in the higher courts.

Types of Traffic Violations in Rhode Island

Individuals may be charged with traffic violations if they commit any of the following:

• Speeding: Cases where a driver speeds past the approved speed limit.
• Running a red light or stop sign: Drivers fail to obey traffic-control signals and signs.
• Driving without a license / while suspended: Any individual who drives a motor vehicle on the road without a license or a suspended license breaks the traffic rules.
• Driving without insurance (financial responsibility): All Rhode Island drivers or owners of vehicles must carry additional insurance to protect themselves from harm by uninsured motorists.
• Reckless driving: An act of reckless driving that endangers the lives or safety of the public is an offense.
• Hit-and-run: Every driver has a duty to stop and provide information/aid, as codified in state law. Failure to do so results in a crime.
• Distracted driving: The Rhode Island hands-free law prohibits anyone from driving a vehicle while holding a phone to talk or text.
• DUI: It is a serious criminal offense with court-ordered sanctions for drivers caught with alcohol or drug-related driving offenses.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not use a points system; instead, it governs license consequences by offense-specific statutes and tribunal/court actions. Some penalties for conviction of traffic violations in the state include:

• Speeding Violations:
  • Penalties for 1-10 mph over the limit:
    • First offense: Fines of $95
    • Second offense: Fines with a minimum of $95 plus $10 per mph over
    • Third offense: Fines with a minimum of $95 plus $15 per mph over
  • Penalties for 11 mph over the limit:
    • First offense: Fines of $205 plus $10 per mph over
    • Second offense: Fines of $205 plus $15 per mph over
    • Third offense: Fines of $205 plus $20 per mph over
• Stop Sign and Red Light Violations: Fine of $85
• Distracted Driving:
  • Texting while driving:
    • First offense: Up to a $100 fine and up to a 30-day driver's license suspension
    • Second offense: Up to $150 fine, up to 3-month suspension
    • Third offense: Up to $250 fine, up to 6-month suspension
  • Handheld phone use: Up to $100 fine. A fine may be waived upon proof of hands-free purchase for a first offense.
• DUI Offenses:
  • First Offense DUI (Penalties):
    • Fines between $100 and $400
    • Jail time up to 12 months
    • Fines: $100-$400
    • License suspension between one month and one year
    • Attendance in an approved counseling or education class about drugs and/or alcohol
  • Second Offense DUI (Penalties):
    • Fines of at least $400
    • License suspension between one year and two years
    • Jail time between ten days and one year
    • Alcohol/drug treatment program
  • Third Offense DUI (Penalties): It is now considered a felony
    • Fines of at least $400
    • License suspension between two and three years
    • Jail time between one year and three years

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Rhode Island

Individuals may search for traffic violation records in Rhode Island through:

• Court tickets & dockets.
  • The Rhode Island Branch provides a Public Portalwhere individuals may search for case registers/dockets across the courts, including the Traffic Tribunal. Users may search the portal by name, case, or summons and view the register of actions.
• Driving record (MVR). Individuals may order certified copies of their driving record online from the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles. They must provide information about the driver, such as their license number and identifying details.

Typical online entries in court records may include case/summons number, charged statute, scheduled appearances, dispositions, and financial details. The driving record lists convictions, withdrawals/suspensions, and other licensing data within the DMV’s reporting scope.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island provides statutory expungement of many traffic violations by operation of state law:

• Most civil traffic violations stay on DMV records for three years from adjudication or after any mandatory retention period.
• Alcohol-related traffic offenses may last for five years on a driver’s record.
• Points may remain on a driver’s record for three to seven years and impact their car insurance.