---
title: "Is a Rhode Island under 21 DUI a criminal offense?"
description: "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."
url: https://riduilaws.com/faq-items/is-a-rhode-island-under-21-dui-a-criminal-offense/
date: 2026-10-29
modified: 2026-10-29
author: "RI DUI Laws"
type: faq
lang: en
---

# Is a Rhode Island under 21 DUI a criminal offense?

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.

Is a Rhode Island under 21 DUI a criminal offense?[RI DUI Laws](https://riduilaws.com/author/admin_xxgjem88/)2026-10-29T22:10:09+00:00