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 Laws2026-10-29T22:19:40+00:00