---
title: "What is the difference between the Traffic Tribunal and District Court for a Rhode Island DUI?"
description: "The Traffic Tribunal handles the administrative license suspension for chemical test refusal (§ 31-27-2.1). District Court is a criminal court that handles the underlying DUI charge (§ 31-27-2)...."
url: https://riduilaws.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-the-traffic-tribunal-and-district-court-for-a-rhode-island-dui/
date: 2026-10-29
modified: 2026-10-29
author: "RI DUI Laws"
type: faq
lang: en
---

# What is the difference between the Traffic Tribunal and District Court for a Rhode Island DUI?

The Traffic Tribunal handles the administrative license suspension for chemical test refusal (§ 31-27-2.1). District Court is a criminal court that handles the underlying DUI charge (§ 31-27-2). They are different courts with different rules. A second or third refusal within ten years is itself a misdemeanor and can be heard in District Court as well.

What is the difference between the Traffic Tribunal and District Court for a Rhode Island DUI?[RI DUI Laws](https://riduilaws.com/author/admin_xxgjem88/)2026-10-29T22:27:52+00:00