---
title: "When can a Rhode Island officer require a PBT?"
description: "An officer may require a preliminary breath test under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.3(a) when they have \"reason to believe\" the driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. This is a..."
url: https://riduilaws.com/faq-items/when-can-a-rhode-island-officer-require-a-pbt/
date: 2026-10-29
modified: 2026-10-29
author: "RI DUI Laws"
type: faq
lang: en
---

# When can a Rhode Island officer require a PBT?

An officer may require a preliminary breath test under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.3(a) when they have "reason to believe" the driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. This is a lower threshold than probable cause and can be based on erratic driving, smell of alcohol, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or failed field sobriety tests.

When can a Rhode Island officer require a PBT?[RI DUI Laws](https://riduilaws.com/author/admin_xxgjem88/)2026-10-29T22:19:40+00:00