RI Under 21 DUI

A driver under 18 who refuses faces the § 31-27-2.1 penalties with a 6-month suspension on a first violation under § 31-27-2.5(a), decided in Family Court. The first-offense fine is $200 to $500 with 10 to 60 hours of community restitution, plus $700 in assessments, and it is not a criminal offense.

Under 18, a second § 31-27-2.5 violation suspends the license until age 21 under (d)(3). At 18 to 20, a second § 31-27-2.7 violation brings a fine of up to $250, a $300 assessment, up to 60 hours of community restitution, and a 3 to 6 month suspension.

The limit is .02. Under 18, .02 to under .10 is a violation of § 31-27-2.5; at 18 to 20, .02 to under .08 is a violation of § 31-27-2.7. At .08 or more, the adult statute applies regardless of age.

Under 18, § 31-27-2.5(d)(2) sets 6 months, with the possibility of up to 12 months. At 18 to 20, § 31-27-2.7(b)(2) sets 1 to 3 months. Both require the driving while intoxicated course.

Not in the .02 tiers. Section 31-27-2.5(g) and § 31-27-2.7(d) both say a violation "shall not be considered a criminal offense." At .08 or more, any driver is charged under § 31-27-2, a misdemeanor.