There are a number of new DUI related laws being considered by the Rhode Island General Assembly.
According to the Brown Daily Herald, Rhode Island DUI law changes proposed include:
- A measure to immediately suspend the driver’s license of anyone arrested for a drunk driving charge. If a person is charged with a DUI, or refusing a chemical alcohol (breathalyser) test, the license suspension would be immediate. Currently 41 states have similar provisions.
- A measure to require mandatory “enhanced probation” for anyone who refuses to take a breath test. The requirement would mandate twice daily alcohol breath tests for anyone on probation for a DUI charge after a chemical, breath, or blood test refusal.
- A measure to permit police officers to perform an alcohol breath test or blood test before performing any other roadside field sobriety tests.
Currently, Rhode Island is one of the few states that doesn’t allow the courts to hold a breath test refusal as evidence against a person at trial.
