Rhode Island ignition interlock & DUI requirements
Rhode Island requires an ignition interlock after a first DUI only at a BAC of 0.15 or higher (3 months to 1 year); below that threshold it is not automatic, though other circumstances set by the statute can still require one. A repeat offense carries 6 months to 2 years.
Ignition interlock device rules, approved vendors, SR-22 insurance filing, and license reinstatement in Rhode Island, cited to the statute and Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Revenue).
- IID on first offense
- High-BAC only
- Minimum IID period (first)
- 3 months to 1 year
- SR-22 filing
- Not required
- Reinstatement fee
- $353.50
The short answers
Do I need an interlock?
- First offense
- Required only above a high-BAC threshold
- Threshold
- BAC 0.15
- Minimum period
- 3 months to 1 year
What the source says (3)
- First offense
“The sentencing judge or magistrate shall prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to subsection (d)(9) or (d)(10) of this section, that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8.”
- Minimum period
“(1) For a violation of § 31-27-2(d)(1), a person shall be subject to a minimum thirty-day (30) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing for three (3) months to one year.”
- Threshold
“Every person convicted of a first offense whose blood alcohol concentration is fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%) or above, or who is under the influence of a drug, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(1), shall be subject to a fine of five hundred dollars ($500)”
What it costs here
- State reinstatement fee
- $353.50
- Restricted-license fee
- $27.50
- Interlock lease, national range
- $50–$150 per month
What the source says (2)
- State reinstatement fee
“Adjudication License Reinstatement and Refusals (DUI) $353.50”
- Restricted-license fee
“Payment of $27.50 to update license to add hardship restriction”
How to drive legally now
- Restricted license
- Available in some first-offense cases · Hardship License
- Waiting period
- No waiting period
- Driving after a DUI in Rhode Island: the restricted license
- How to get a license back in Rhode Island
- Date the hearing deadline with the timeline calculator
What the source says (2)
- Restricted license
“Per statute, hardship licenses are only available to motorists whose driver’s licenses are suspended for either Refusal to Submit to a Chemical test (R.I.G.L. § 31-27-2.1) , or those convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (R.I.G.L.§ 31-27-2).”
- Waiting period
“the magistrate shall, upon request, immediately grant a conditional hardship license after a finding of need pursuant to this section and upon proof of the installation of an ignition interlock device.”
Approved interlock providers
Vendors listed here appear on the Rhode Island licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.
Where to get it installed — the official approved-installer list: Agency approved-vendor list
| Vendor | Website | Location finder |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Detection Systems | Alcohol Detection Systems website | Find a location |
| Guardian Interlock | Guardian Interlock website | Find a location |
| Intoxalock | Intoxalock website | Find a location |
| LifeSafer | LifeSafer website | Find a location |
| Low Cost Interlock | Low Cost Interlock website | Find a location |
| Sens-O-Lock of America | Sens-O-Lock of America website | Find a location |
| Smart Start | Smart Start website | Find a location |
What Rhode Island law requires
Rhode Island's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.
Primary source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.8
Ignition interlock requirement
| Item | Rhode Island rule |
|---|---|
| IID on first offense | Required only above a high-BAC threshold |
| Minimum IID period, first offense | 3 months to 1 year (first offense under § 31-27-2(d)(1), per § 31-27-2.8(b)(1)); 6 months to 2 years for a first refusal (§ 31-27-2.1(c)(1), per § 31-27-2.8(b)(2)) |
| Minimum IID period, repeat offense | 6 months to 2 years (second offense under § 31-27-2(d)(2), per § 31-27-2.8(b)(3)); 1 to 4 years for a second refusal (§ 31-27-2.8(b)(4)); 1 to 4 years for a third or subsequent DUI (§ 31-27-2.8(b)(5)) |
Threshold: BAC of 0.15 or above (or under the influence of drugs). Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2(d)(1)(iii), for a first offense with BAC .15 or above the sentencing judge or magistrate 'shall prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle ... that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8.' For a first offense below .15 (§ 31-27-2(d)(1)(i)–(ii)) the judge or magistrate 'may' impose the interlock (discretionary). Separately, § 31-27-2.8(b) lets any mandatory suspension be reduced 'upon request' by imposition of an interlock, and § 31-27-2.8(c) provides that a hardship license 'shall only be granted in conjunction with the installation of an ignition interlock device and/or blood and urine testing.' The interlock is ordered by the court, not the DMV; the DMV adds the restriction to the license.
What the source says (5)
- IID on first offense
“The sentencing judge or magistrate shall prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to subsection (d)(9) or (d)(10) of this section, that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8.”
- Minimum IID period, first offense
“(1) For a violation of § 31-27-2(d)(1), a person shall be subject to a minimum thirty-day (30) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing for three (3) months to one year.”
- Minimum IID period, repeat offense
“(3) For a violation of § 31-27-2(d)(2), a person shall be subject to a minimum forty-five-day (45) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing for a period of six (6) months to two (2) years.”
- Ignition interlock statute
“§ 31-27-2.8. Ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing imposed as a part of sentence — Requirements.”
- IID on first offense
“The person’s driving license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months to twelve (12) months. ... The sentencing judge or magistrate may prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system as provided in § 31-27-2.8.”
Removal: Term-based with a compliance review: the interlock period is set by the court or Traffic Tribunal within the statutory ranges (§ 31-27-2.8(b): three months to one year for a first offense). Full rule and source
SR-22 requirement
An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Rhode Island does, the sources below say so.
| SR-22 filing required after a DUI | No |
|---|---|
| Filing period | Not applicable |
The RI DMV's GU-1338 Special Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate page states: 'Please be advised that Financial Responsibility (SR-22) is no longer required by the State of Rhode Island.' The GU-1338 certificate is required only for certain business plate types and minors registering vehicles; a DUI conviction is not among the listed triggers.
What the source says (1)
- SR-22 filing required after a DUI
“Please be advised that Financial Responsibility (SR-22) is no longer required by the State of Rhode Island.”
Program costs
Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.
| Item | Amount | As of |
|---|---|---|
| License reinstatement fee | $353.50 | 2026-08-29 |
| License Reinstatement and Refusals (DUI)RI DMV Adjudication Fees table (includes $3.50 technology surcharge; the DMV's Hardship License Instructions PDF lists $352.50) | $353.50 | 2026-08 |
| Ignition Interlock DeviceDMV fee paid at the Adjudication Office | $100.00 | 2026-08 |
| Registration Reinstatement (Adjudication Fees table; Hardship License Instructions PDF lists $252.50) | $253.50 | 2026-08 |
| Alcohol Education program fee (Adjudication Fees table) | $405.00 | 2026-08 |
| Updated/duplicate license to add the hardship or interlock restriction (Hardship License Instructions PDF says $27.50; DMV license fees table lists Duplicate License $28.50) | $27.50–$28.50 (see label) | 2026-08 |
What the source says (1)
- License reinstatement fee
“Adjudication License Reinstatement and Refusals (DUI) $353.50”
Exemptions and special cases
Four questions readers ask once an interlock is ordered — motorcycles, employer vehicles, medical inability to give a breath sample, and reduced-cost programs — answered as Rhode Island's interlock program page or statute states them.
| Question | Rhode Island rule |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | Not addressed on the official pages read Neither R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.8 (the interlock and hardship-license statute), § 31-27-2, the DMV regulation 280-RICR-30-15-9 (Certification and Use of Ignition Interlock Systems), nor the RI DMV Hardship License/Ignition Interlock page addresses motorcycles; the statute and regulation refer only to 'a motor vehicle' / 'the motor vehicle of a person'. |
| Employer-owned vehicle | Exempt with conditions Under § 31-27-2.8(i), a person required in the course of employment to operate a motor vehicle owned or provided by the employer may operate that vehicle in the course of employment without an interlock only if the sentencing court makes specific findings expressly permitting it. No DMV form or employer-notice procedure is described on the DMV page; the exemption is a court determination. The regulation (280-RICR-30-15-9 § 9.9) lists violations of § 31-27-2.8(h) or (i) as criminal interlock violations. What the source says“without installation of an ignition interlock system if the court makes specific findings expressly permitting the person to operate, in the course of the person’s employment, a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system.” |
| Unable to provide a breath sample | Not addressed on the official pages read Neither § 31-27-2.8, § 31-27-2, 280-RICR-30-15-9, nor the RI DMV Hardship License/Ignition Interlock page provides a waiver or alternative for a person physically unable to provide a breath sample. The DMV page's only medical reference is to the Medical Advisory Board (280-RICR-30-05-3), which may recommend an interlock for motorists with three or more alcohol-related convictions. |
| Reduced-cost / indigent program | Not addressed on the official pages read No reduced-fee or indigent interlock program is described in § 31-27-2.8, 280-RICR-30-15-9, the DMV Hardship License/Ignition Interlock page, or the DMV Adjudication Fees / Alcohol Reinstatement Fees pages. The statute (§ 31-27-2.8(f)(3)) and regulation (§ 9.6(A)) require the person to pay the reasonable cost of leasing or buying, monitoring and maintaining the system, and the DMV FAQ states the DMV has no payment plans for interlock or hardship fees. |
| Cost borne by the person (§ 31-27-2.8(f)(3)) | The court's interlock order must require the person to pay the reasonable cost of leasing or buying, monitoring and maintaining the system. What the source says“Require the person to pay the reasonable cost of leasing or buying, monitoring, and maintenance of the ignition interlock system.” |
| No DMV payment plans (RI DMV FAQ) | The DMV's hardship/interlock FAQ answers 'No' to whether payment plans are available for reinstatement, interlock device, hardship license or education fees. What the source says“Does the DMV have payment plans available for suspension reinstatement fees, interlock device or hardship license fees, or education requirement fees? No. The DMV does not have payment plans.” |
| Conditional hardship license: interlock vehicle, 12 hours per day, employment travel only (280-RICR-30-15-9 § 9.8) | A conditional hardship license under § 31-27-2.8(b)(7) is valid only 12 hours per day and only to travel to and from employment; an IID must be installed in the petitioner's vehicle; the petitioner must carry a certified copy of the court order; the DMV notes restriction 'Y' on the record. What the source says“1. A conditional hardship license shall only be valid for 12 (twelve) hours per day and only to travel to and from employment. 2. An IID shall be installed in the petitioner's vehicle.” |
| Interlock and hardship restrictions are court-issued, not DMV-issued (RI DMV FAQ) | Only a Rhode Island court can issue a hardship license or interlock restriction under § 31-27-2.8; the DMV adds the restriction to the license. What the source says“Only a Rhode Island court can issue a hardship license or ignition interlock restriction upon conviction of an alcohol related offense in accordance with RIGL 31-27-2.8.” |
| Hardship license holder may drive the interlock vehicle during the full 12-hour period including work (§ 31-27-2.8(h)) | A person granted a conditional hardship license on proof of interlock installation may operate that motor vehicle during the entire 12-hour period set by the judge, including in the scope of employment. What the source says“may operate that motor vehicle during the entire twelve-hour (12) period of operation granted by the sentencing judge or magistrate including during the scope of the person’s employment and/or any other valid reason approved by the sentencing judge or magistrate.” |
| Medical Advisory Board review required after three or more alcohol or drug-related convictions (RI DMV) | The DMV states that operators with three or more alcohol or drug-related driving convictions must satisfy the requirements of the Medical Advisory Board under 280-RICR-30-05-3 before driving privileges are reinstated; this is a reinstatement condition, not a waiver of the interlock requirement. What the source says“Operators with three (3) or more alcohol or drug related driving convictions must satisfy the requirements of the Medical Advisory Board ( 280-RICR-30-05-3 Rules & Regulations) prior to reinstatement of driving privileges.” |
Compare: motorcycles by state · employer, medical and reduced-cost exemptions by state
Frequently asked questions
- When is an ignition interlock required after a Rhode Island DUI?
- Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2(d)(1)(iii), a first-offense conviction with a BAC of .15 or above (or under the influence of drugs) requires the judge or magistrate to prohibit driving a vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock and/or blood and urine testing. For first offenses below .15 the court 'may' impose it. Second and subsequent convictions 'shall' carry the prohibition (§ 31-27-2(d)(2)–(3)).
- How long does the interlock period last?
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.8(b) sets ranges: three months to one year for a first violation of § 31-27-2(d)(1); six months to two years for a second violation (§ 31-27-2(d)(2)) or a first refusal; one to four years for a third violation or second refusal; and two to ten years for a third refusal.
- Who issues the interlock restriction and hardship license?
- The RI DMV states that 'Only a Rhode Island court can issue a hardship license or ignition interlock restriction upon conviction of an alcohol related offense in accordance with RIGL 31-27-2.8,' and that the DMV 'only ensures that the hardship and interlock restrictions are added to the Rhode Island driver's license.' Under 280-RICR-30-15-9, the DMV places a 'U' restriction on the record and license.
- Does Rhode Island require an SR-22 after a DUI?
- No. The RI DMV's GU-1338 Special Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate page states that 'Financial Responsibility (SR-22) is no longer required by the State of Rhode Island.' The GU-1338 certificate applies only to certain business plate types and to minors registering a vehicle.
- What DMV fees apply after an alcohol-related suspension?
- The RI DMV Adjudication Fees table lists License Reinstatement and Refusals (DUI) at $353.50, an Ignition Interlock Device fee of $100.00, Registration Reinstatement at $253.50, and Alcohol Education at $405.00, each including a $3.50 technology surcharge. The DMV's Hardship License Instructions also list a $27.50 fee to update the license with the interlock restriction. The DMV states it does not offer payment plans.
Sources
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.8 (Ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing imposed as part of sentence)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2 (Driving under influence of liquor or drugs — penalties)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.1 (Refusal to submit to chemical test)
- 280-RICR-30-15-9 Rules and Regulations Governing the Certification and Use of Ignition Interlock Systems
- RI DMV — Hardship License/Ignition Interlock page (certified providers and devices; FAQ)
- RI DMV — RI Certified Ignition Interlock Service Providers and Devices (PDF, dated Aug. 14, 2026)
- RI DMV — Hardship License and Ignition Interlock Information (Adjudication Office instructions PDF)
- RI DMV — Adjudication Fees
- RI DMV — Alcohol Reinstatement Fees
- RI DMV — Alcohol or Drug-related License Suspensions
- RI DMV — GU-1338 Special Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22 no longer required)
- RI DMV — Driver's License Fees
Record history
- — Record verified against primary sources.