---
title: "What is a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)?"
description: "A police officer trained in a 12-step standardized protocol to identify drug impairment by category. Rhode Island uses DREs to support drug DUI prosecutions where alcohol is ruled out by the breath..."
url: https://riduilaws.com/faq-items/what-is-a-drug-recognition-expert-dre/
date: 2026-10-29
modified: 2026-10-29
author: "RI DUI Laws"
type: faq
lang: en
---

# What is a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)?

A police officer trained in a 12-step standardized protocol to identify drug impairment by category. Rhode Island uses DREs to support drug DUI prosecutions where alcohol is ruled out by the breath test.

What is a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)?[RI DUI Laws](https://riduilaws.com/author/admin_xxgjem88/)2026-10-29T22:36:39+00:00