Chapter 170
2021 -- S 0314 AS AMENDED
Enacted 07/06/2021

A N   A C T
RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

Introduced By: Senators Archambault, Lombardi, Euer, McCaffrey, Burke, Coyne, and Goodwin

Date Introduced: February 18, 2021

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
     SECTION 1. Sections 31-27-2, 31-27-2.1, 31-27-2.5 and 31-27-2.8 of the General Laws
in Chapter 31-27 entitled "Motor Vehicle Offenses" are hereby amended to read as follows:
     31-27-2. Driving under influence of liquor or drugs.
     (a) Whoever drives or otherwise operates any vehicle in the state while under the influence
of any intoxicating liquor, drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of
title 21, or any combination of these, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, except as provided in
subsection (d)(3), and shall be punished as provided in subsection (d) of this section.
     (b)(1)(1) Any person charged under subsection (a), whose blood alcohol concentration is
eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or more by weight, as shown by a chemical analysis of
a blood, breath, or urine sample, shall be guilty of violating subsection (a). This provision shall not
preclude a conviction based on other admissible evidence. Proof of guilt under this section may
also be based on evidence that the person charged was under the influence of intoxicating liquor,
drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination of
these, to a degree that rendered the person incapable of safely operating a vehicle. The fact that any
person charged with violating this section is, or has been, legally entitled to use alcohol or a drug
shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section.
     (2) Whoever drives, or otherwise operates, any vehicle in the state with a blood presence
of any scheduled controlled substance as defined within chapter 28 of title 21, as shown by analysis
of a blood or urine sample, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in
subsection (d).
     (c) In any criminal prosecution for a violation of subsection (a), evidence as to the amount
of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or
any combination of these, in the defendant's blood at the time alleged as shown by a chemical
analysis of the defendant's breath, blood, or urine or other bodily substance, shall be admissible and
competent, provided that evidence is presented that the following conditions have been complied
with:
     (1) The defendant has consented to the taking of the test upon which the analysis is made.
Evidence that the defendant had refused to submit to the test shall not be admissible unless the
defendant elects to testify.
     (2) A true copy of the report of the test result was hand delivered at the location of the test
or mailed within seventy-two (72) hours of the taking of the test to the person submitting to a breath
test.
     (3) Any person submitting to a chemical test of blood, urine, or other body fluids shall have
a true copy of the report of the test result mailed to him or her within thirty (30) days following the
taking of the test.
     (4) The test was performed according to methods and with equipment approved by the
director of the department of health of the state of Rhode Island and by an authorized individual.
     (5) Equipment used for the conduct of the tests by means of breath analysis had been tested
for accuracy within thirty (30) days preceding the test by personnel qualified as hereinbefore
provided, and breathalyzer operators shall be qualified and certified by the department of health
within three hundred sixty-five (365) days of the test.
     (6) The person arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the
influence of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of
title 21 or any combination of these in violation of subsection (a), was afforded the opportunity to
have an additional chemical test. The officer arresting or so charging the person shall have informed
the person of this right and afforded him or her a reasonable opportunity to exercise this right, and
a notation to this effect is made in the official records of the case in the police department. Refusal
to permit an additional chemical test shall render incompetent and inadmissible in evidence the
original report.
     (d)(1)(i) Every person found to have violated subsection (b)(1) shall be sentenced as
follows: for a first violation whose blood alcohol concentration is eight one-hundredths of one
percent (.08%), but less than one-tenth of one percent (.1%), by weight, or who has a blood presence
of any scheduled controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(2) chapter 28 of title 21, shall
be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than three hundred dollars
($300); shall be required to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of public community restitution,
and/or shall be imprisoned for up to one year. The sentence may be served in any unit of the adult
correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge and/or shall be required to attend
a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance;
provided, however, that the court may permit a servicemember or veteran to complete any court-
approved counseling program administered or approved by the Veterans' Administration, and his
or her driver's license shall be suspended for thirty (30) days up to one hundred eighty (180) days.
The sentencing judge or magistrate may prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle,
pursuant to §§ 31-27-2 subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) of this section, that is not equipped
with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8.
     (ii) Every person convicted of a first violation whose blood alcohol concentration is one-
tenth of one percent (.1%) by weight or above, but less than fifteen hundredths of one percent
(.15%), or whose blood alcohol concentration is unknown, shall be subject to a fine of not less than
one hundred ($100) dollars, nor more than four hundred dollars ($400), and shall be required to
perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of public community restitution and/or shall be imprisoned for
up to one year. The sentence may be served in any unit of the adult correctional institutions in the
discretion of the sentencing judge. The person's driving license shall be suspended for a period of
three (3) months to twelve (12) months. The sentencing judge shall require attendance at a special
course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance and/or
alcoholic or drug treatment for the individual; provided, however, that the court may permit a
servicemember or veteran to complete any court-approved counseling program administered or
approved by the Veterans' Administration. The sentencing judge or magistrate may prohibit that
person from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system as
provided in § 31-27-2.8.
     (iii) Every person convicted of a first offense whose blood alcohol concentration is fifteen
hundredths of one percent (.15%) or above, or who is under the influence of a drug, toluene, or any
controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(1)(1), shall be subject to a fine of five hundred
dollars ($500) and shall be required to perform twenty (20) to sixty (60) hours of public community
restitution and/or shall be imprisoned for up to one year. The sentence may be served in any unit
of the adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge. The person's driving
license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months to eighteen (18) months. The sentencing
judge shall require attendance at a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence
of a controlled substance and/or alcohol or drug treatment for the individual; provided, however,
that the court may permit a servicemember or veteran to complete any court-approved counseling
program administered or approved by the Veterans' Administration. The sentencing judge or
magistrate shall prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to §§ 31-27-2
subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) of this section, that is not equipped with an ignition interlock
system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8.
     (2)(i) Every person convicted of a second violation within a five-year (5) period with a
blood alcohol concentration of eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or above, but less than
fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%), or whose blood alcohol concentration is unknown, or
who has a blood presence of any controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(2) chapter 28 of
title 21, and every person convicted of a second violation within a five-year (5) period, regardless
of whether the prior violation and subsequent conviction was a violation and subsequent conviction
under this statute or under the driving under the influence of liquor or drugs statute of any other
state, shall be subject to a mandatory fine of four hundred dollars ($400). The person's driving
license shall be suspended for a period of one year to two (2) years, and the individual shall be
sentenced to not less than ten (10) days, nor more than one year, in jail. The sentence may be served
in any unit of the adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge; however,
not less than forty-eight (48) hours of imprisonment shall be served consecutively. The sentencing
judge shall require alcohol or drug treatment for the individual; provided, however, that the court
may permit a servicemember or veteran to complete any court-approved counseling program
administered or approved by the Veterans' Administration and shall prohibit that person from
operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to §§ 31-27-2 subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) of this
section, that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as
provided in § 31-27-2.8.
     (ii) Every person convicted of a second violation within a five-year (5) period whose blood
alcohol concentration is fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%) or above, by weight as shown by
a chemical analysis of a blood, breath, or urine sample, or who is under the influence of a drug,
toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(1)(1), shall be subject to
mandatory imprisonment of not less than six (6) months, nor more than one year; a mandatory fine
of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000); and a mandatory license suspension for a period of
two (2) years from the date of completion of the sentence imposed under this subsection. The
sentencing judge shall require alcohol or drug treatment for the individual; provided, however, that
the court may permit a servicemember or veteran to complete any court approved counseling
program administered or approved by the Veterans' Administration. The sentencing judge or
magistrate shall prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to §§ 31-27-2
subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) of this section, that is not equipped with an ignition interlock
system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8.
     (3)(i) Every person convicted of a third or subsequent violation within a five-year (5)
period with a blood alcohol concentration of eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or above,
but less than fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%), or whose blood alcohol concentration is
unknown or who has a blood presence of any scheduled controlled substance as defined in
subsection (b)(2) chapter 28 of title 21, regardless of whether any prior violation and subsequent
conviction was a violation and subsequent conviction under this statute or under the driving under
the influence of liquor or drugs statute of any other state, shall be guilty of a felony and be subject
to a mandatory fine of four hundred ($400) dollars. The person's driving license shall be suspended
for a period of two (2) years to three (3) years, and the individual shall be sentenced to not less than
one year and not more than three (3) years in jail. The sentence may be served in any unit of the
adult correctional institutions in the discretion of the sentencing judge; however, not less than forty-
eight (48) hours of imprisonment shall be served consecutively. The sentencing judge shall require
alcohol or drug treatment for the individual; provided, however, that the court may permit a
servicemember or veteran to complete any court-approved counseling program administered or
approved by the Veterans' Administration, and shall prohibit that person from operating a motor
vehicle, pursuant to §§ 31-27-2 subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10) of this section, that is not
equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-
2.8.
     (ii) Every person convicted of a third or subsequent violation within a five-year (5) ten-
year (10) period whose blood alcohol concentration is fifteen hundredths of one percent (.15%)
above by weight as shown by a chemical analysis of a blood, breath, or urine sample, or who is
under the influence of a drug, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in subsection (b)(1),
shall be subject to mandatory imprisonment of not less than three (3) years, nor more than five (5)
years; a mandatory fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), nor more than five thousand
dollars ($5,000); and a mandatory license suspension for a period of three (3) years from the date
of completion of the sentence imposed under this subsection. The sentencing judge shall require
alcohol or drug treatment for the individual. The sentencing judge or magistrate shall prohibit that
person from operating a motor vehicle, pursuant to §§ 31-27-2 subsection (d)(9) or 31-27-2(d)(10)
of this section, that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing
as provided in § 31-27-2.8.
     (iii) In addition to the foregoing penalties, every person convicted of a third or subsequent
violation within a five-year (5) period, regardless of whether any prior violation and subsequent
conviction was a violation and subsequent conviction under this statute or under the driving under
the influence of liquor or drugs statute of any other state, shall be subject, in the discretion of the
sentencing judge, to having the vehicle owned and operated by the violator seized and sold by the
state of Rhode Island, with all funds obtained by the sale to be transferred to the general fund.
     (4) Whoever drives or otherwise operates any vehicle in the state while under the influence
of any intoxicating liquor, drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of
title 21, or any combination of these, when his or her license to operate is suspended, revoked, or
cancelled for operating under the influence of a narcotic drug or intoxicating liquor, shall be guilty
of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than three (3) years and by a fine of not more
than three thousand dollars ($3,000). The court shall require alcohol and/or drug treatment for the
individual; provided, the penalties provided for in this subsection (d)(4) shall not apply to an
individual who has surrendered his or her license and served the court-ordered period of suspension,
but who, for any reason, has not had his or her license reinstated after the period of suspension,
revocation, or suspension has expired; provided, further, the individual shall be subject to the
provisions of subdivision subsection (d)(2)(i), (d)(2)(ii), (d)(3)(i), (d)(3)(ii), or (d)(3)(iii) regarding
subsequent offenses, and any other applicable provision of this section.
     (5)(i) For purposes of determining the period of license suspension, a prior violation shall
constitute any charge brought and sustained under the provisions of this section or § 31-27-2.1.
     (ii) Any person over the age of eighteen (18) who is convicted under this section for
operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, or a combination of
these, while a child under the age of thirteen (13) years was present as a passenger in the motor
vehicle when the offense was committed shall be subject to immediate license suspension pending
prosecution. Any person convicted of violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for a
first offense and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than one year and a fine
not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). Any person convicted of a second or subsequent
offense shall be guilty of a felony offense and may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not
more than five (5) years and a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). The sentencing
judge shall also order a license suspension of up to two (2) years, require attendance at a special
course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, and alcohol
or drug education and/or treatment. The individual may also be required to pay a highway
assessment fee of no more than five hundred dollars ($500) and the assessment shall be deposited
in the general fund.
     (6)(i) Any person convicted of a violation under this section shall pay a highway
assessment fine of five hundred dollars ($500) that shall be deposited into the general fund. The
assessment provided for by this subsection shall be collected from a violator before any other fines
authorized by this section.
     (ii) Any person convicted of a violation under this section shall be assessed a fee of eighty-
six dollars ($86).
     (7)(i) If the person convicted of violating this section is under the age of eighteen (18)
years, for the first violation he or she shall be required to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of
public community restitution and the juvenile's driving license shall be suspended for a period of
six (6) months, and may be suspended for a period up to eighteen (18) months. The sentencing
judge shall also require attendance at a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the
influence of a controlled substance and alcohol or drug education and/or treatment for the juvenile.
The juvenile may also be required to pay a highway assessment fine of no more than five hundred
dollars ($500) and the assessment imposed shall be deposited into the general fund.
     (ii) If the person convicted of violating this section is under the age of eighteen (18) years,
for a second or subsequent violation regardless of whether any prior violation and subsequent
conviction was a violation and subsequent conviction under this statute or under the driving under
the influence of liquor or drugs statute of any other state, he or she shall be subject to a mandatory
suspension of his or her driving license until such time as he or she is twenty-one (21) years of age
and may, in the discretion of the sentencing judge, also be sentenced to the Rhode Island training
school for a period of not more than one year and/or a fine of not more than five hundred dollars
($500).
     (8) Any person convicted of a violation under this section may undergo a clinical
assessment at the community college of Rhode Island's center for workforce and community
education. Should this clinical assessment determine problems of alcohol, drug abuse, or
psychological problems associated with alcoholic or drug abuse, this person shall be referred to an
appropriate facility, licensed or approved by the department of behavioral healthcare,
developmental disabilities and hospitals, for treatment placement, case management, and
monitoring. In the case of a servicemember or veteran, the court may order that the person be
evaluated through the Veterans' Administration. Should the clinical assessment determine problems
of alcohol, drug abuse, or psychological problems associated with alcohol or drug abuse, the person
may have their treatment, case management, and monitoring administered or approved by the
Veterans' Administration.
     (9) Notwithstanding any other sentencing and disposition provisions contained in this
chapter, if the judge or magistrate makes a finding beyond a reasonable doubt that a motorist was
operating a vehicle in the state while under the influence of drugs, toluene, or any controlled
substance as evidenced by the presence of controlled substances on or about the person or vehicle,
or other reliable indicia or articulable conditions thereof, but not intoxicating liquor based on a
preliminary breath test, results from a breathalyzer which that indicates no blood alcohol
concentration, or both, the judge or magistrate may exercise their his or her discretion and
eliminate the requirement of an ignition interlock system; provided, that blood and/or urine testing
is mandated as a condition to operating a motor vehicle as provided in § 31-27-2.8.
     (10) Notwithstanding any other sentencing and disposition provisions contained in this
chapter, if the judge or magistrate makes a finding beyond a reasonable doubt that a motorist was
operating a vehicle in the state while under the influence of drugs, toluene, or any controlled
substance as evidenced by the presence of controlled substances on or about the person or vehicle,
or other reliable indicia or articulable conditions thereof and intoxicating liquor based on a
preliminary breath test, results from a breathalyzer which that indicates blood alcohol
concentration, or both, the judge or magistrate may require an ignition interlock system in addition
to blood and/or urine testing as a condition to operating a motor vehicle as provided in § 31-27-2.8.
     (e) Percent by weight of alcohol in the blood shall be based upon milligrams of alcohol per
one hundred (100) cubic centimeters (100 cc) of blood.
     (f)(1) There is established an alcohol and drug safety unit within the division of motor
vehicles to administer an alcohol safety action program. The program shall provide for placement
and follow-up for persons who are required to pay the highway safety assessment. The alcohol and
drug safety action program will be administered in conjunction with alcohol and drug programs
licensed by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
     (2) Persons convicted under the provisions of this chapter shall be required to attend a
special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, and/or
participate in an alcohol or drug treatment program; provided, however, that the court may permit
a servicemember or veteran to complete any court-approved counseling program administered or
approved by the Veterans' Administration. The course shall take into consideration any language
barrier that may exist as to any person ordered to attend, and shall provide for instruction reasonably
calculated to communicate the purposes of the course in accordance with the requirements of the
subsection. Any costs reasonably incurred in connection with the provision of this accommodation
shall be borne by the person being retrained. A copy of any violation under this section shall be
forwarded by the court to the alcohol and drug safety unit. In the event that persons convicted under
the provisions of this chapter fail to attend and complete the above course or treatment program, as
ordered by the judge, then the person may be brought before the court, and after a hearing as to
why the order of the court was not followed, may be sentenced to jail for a period not exceeding
one year.
     (3) The alcohol and drug safety action program within the division of motor vehicles shall
be funded by general revenue appropriations.
     (g) The director of the department of health is empowered to make and file with the
secretary of state regulations that prescribe the techniques and methods of chemical analysis of the
person's body fluids or breath and the qualifications and certification of individuals authorized to
administer this testing and analysis.
     (h) Jurisdiction for misdemeanor violations of this section shall be with the district court
for persons eighteen (18) years of age or older and to the family court for persons under the age of
eighteen (18) years. The courts shall have full authority to impose any sentence authorized and to
order the suspension of any license for violations of this section. All trials in the district court and
family court of violations of the section shall be scheduled within thirty (30) days of the arraignment
date. No continuance or postponement shall be granted except for good cause shown. Any
continuances that are necessary shall be granted for the shortest practicable time. Trials in superior
court are not required to be scheduled within thirty (30) days of the arraignment date.
     (i) No fines, suspensions, assessments, alcohol or drug treatment programs, course on
driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, public community
restitution, or jail provided for under this section can be suspended.
     (j) An order to attend a special course on driving while intoxicated, that shall be
administered in cooperation with a college or university accredited by the state, shall include a
provision to pay a reasonable tuition for the course in an amount not less than twenty-five dollars
($25.00), and a fee of one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175), which fee shall be deposited into
the general fund.
     (k) For the purposes of this section, any test of a sample of blood, breath, or urine for the
presence of alcohol that relies in whole or in part upon the principle of infrared light absorption is
considered a chemical test.
     (l) If any provision of this section, or the application of any provision, shall for any reason
be judged invalid, such a judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of the
section, but shall be confined in this effect to the provision or application directly involved in the
controversy giving rise to the judgment.
     (m) For the purposes of this section, "servicemember" means a person who is presently
serving in the armed forces of the United States, including the Coast Guard, a reserve component
thereof, or the National Guard. "Veteran" means a person who has served in the armed forces,
including the Coast Guard of the United States, a reserve component thereof, or the National Guard,
and has been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
     31-27-2.1. Refusal to submit to chemical test.
     (a) Any person who operates a motor vehicle within this state shall be deemed to have
given his or her consent to chemical tests of his or her breath, blood, and/or urine for the purpose
of determining the chemical content of his or her body fluids or breath. No more than two (2)
complete tests, one for the presence of intoxicating liquor and one for the presence of toluene or
any controlled substance, as defined in § 21-28-1.02(8), shall be administered at the direction of a
law enforcement officer having reasonable grounds to believe the person to have been driving a
motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any
controlled substance, as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination of these. The director
of the department of health is empowered to make and file, with the secretary of state, regulations
that prescribe the techniques and methods of chemical analysis of the person's body fluids or breath
and the qualifications and certification of individuals authorized to administer the testing and
analysis.
     (b) If a person, for religious or medical reasons, cannot be subjected to blood tests, the
person may file an affidavit with the division of motor vehicles stating the reasons why he or she
cannot be required to take blood tests and a notation to this effect shall be made on his or her
license. If that person is asked to submit to chemical tests as provided under this chapter, the person
shall only be required to submit to chemical tests of his or her breath or urine. When a person is
requested to submit to blood tests, only a physician or registered nurse, or a medical technician
certified under regulations promulgated by the director of the department of health, may withdraw
blood for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content in it. This limitation shall not apply to
the taking of breath or urine specimens. The person tested shall be permitted to have a physician of
his or her own choosing, and at his or her own expense, administer chemical tests of his or her
breath, blood, and/or urine in addition to the tests administered at the direction of a law enforcement
officer. If a person, having been placed under arrest, refuses upon the request of a law enforcement
officer to submit to the tests, as provided in § 31-27-2, none shall be given. , but a judge or
magistrate of the traffic tribunal or district court judge or magistrate, upon receipt of a report of a
law enforcement officer: that he or she had reasonable grounds to believe the arrested person had
been driving a motor vehicle within this state under the influence of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or
any controlled substance, as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination of these; that the
person had been informed of his or her rights in accordance with § 31-27-3; that the person had
been informed of the penalties incurred as a result of noncompliance with this section; and that the
person had refused to submit to the tests upon the request of a law enforcement officer; shall
promptly order that the person's operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this
state be immediately suspended, however, said suspension shall be subject to the hardship
provisions enumerated in § 31-27-2.8.
     (1) At the initial traffic tribunal appearance, the magistrate shall review the incident, action,
and/or arrest reports submitted by the law enforcement officer to determine if there exists
reasonable grounds to believe that the person had been driving a motor vehicle while under the
influence of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of
title 21, or any combination thereof. The magistrate shall also determine if the person had been
informed of the penalties incurred as a result of failing to submit to a chemical test as provided in
this section and that the person had been informed of the implied consent notice contained in
subsection (c)(10) of this section. For the purpose of this subsection only, "driving a motor vehicle
while under the influence of any controlled substance as defined in chapter 28 of title 21" shall be
indicated by the presence or aroma of a controlled substance on or about the person or vehicle of
the individual refusing the chemical test or other reliable indicia or articulable conditions that the
person was impaired due to their intake of a controlled substance.
     (2) If the magistrate determines that § 31-27-2.1 subsection (b)(1) of this section has been
satisfied they shall promptly order that the person's operator's license or privilege to operate a motor
vehicle in this state be immediately suspended. Said suspension shall be subject to the hardship
provisions enumerated in § 31-27-2.8.
     (c) A traffic tribunal judge or magistrate, or a district court judge or magistrate, pursuant
to the terms of subsection (c) (d) of this section, shall order as follows:
     (1) Impose, for the first violation, a fine in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200) to
five hundred dollars ($500) and shall order the person to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of
public community restitution. The person's driving license in this state shall be suspended for a
period of six (6) months to one year. The traffic tribunal judge or magistrate shall require attendance
at a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance
and/or alcohol or drug treatment for the individual. The traffic tribunal judge or magistrate may
prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock
system and/or blood and urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8.
     (2) Every person convicted of a second violation within a five-year (5) period, except with
respect to cases of refusal to submit to a blood test, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; shall be
imprisoned for not more than six (6) months; shall pay a fine in the amount of six hundred dollars
($600) to one thousand dollars ($1,000); perform sixty (60) to one hundred (100) hours of public
community restitution; and the person's driving license in this state shall be suspended for a period
of one year to two (2) years. The judge or magistrate shall require alcohol and/or drug treatment
for the individual. The sentencing judge or magistrate shall prohibit that person from operating a
motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing
as provided in § 31-27-2.8.
     (3) Every person convicted for a third or subsequent violation within a five-year (5) period,
except with respect to cases of refusal to submit to a blood test, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor;
and shall be imprisoned for not more than one year; fined eight hundred dollars ($800) to one
thousand dollars ($1,000); shall perform not less than one hundred (100) hours of public community
restitution; and the person's operator's license in this state shall be suspended for a period of two
(2) years to five (5) years. The sentencing judge or magistrate shall prohibit that person from
operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system and/or blood and
urine testing as provided in § 31-27-2.8. The judge or magistrate shall require alcohol or drug
treatment for the individual. Provided, that prior to the reinstatement of a license to a person charged
with a third or subsequent violation within a three-year (3) period, a hearing shall be held before a
judge or magistrate. At the hearing, the judge or magistrate shall review the person's driving record,
his or her employment history, family background, and any other pertinent factors that would
indicate that the person has demonstrated behavior that warrants the reinstatement of his or her
license.
     (4) For a second violation within a five-year (5) period with respect to a case of a refusal
to submit to a blood test, a fine in the amount of six hundred dollars ($600) to one thousand dollars
($1,000); the person shall perform sixty (60) to one hundred (100) hours of public community
restitution; and the person's driving license in this state shall be suspended for a period of two (2)
years. The judicial officer shall require alcohol and/or drug treatment for the individual. The
sentencing judicial officer shall prohibit that person from operating a motor vehicle that is not
equipped with an ignition interlock system as provided in § 31-27-2.8. Such a violation with respect
to refusal to submit to a chemical blood test shall be a civil offense.
     (5) For a third or subsequent violation within a five-year (5) period with respect to a case
of a refusal to submit to a blood test, a fine in the amount of eight hundred dollars ($800) to one
thousand dollars ($1,000); the person shall perform not less than one hundred (100) hours of public
community restitution; and the person's driving license in this state shall be suspended for a period
of two (2) to five (5) years. The sentencing judicial officer shall prohibit that person from operating
a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system as provided in § 31-27-2.8.
The judicial officer shall require alcohol and/or drug treatment for the individual. Such a violation
with respect to refusal to submit to a chemical test of blood shall be a civil offense. Provided, that
prior to the reinstatement of a license to a person charged with a third or subsequent violation within
a three-year (3) period, a hearing shall be held before a judicial officer. At the hearing, the judicial
officer shall review the person's driving record, his or her employment history, family background,
and any other pertinent factors that would indicate that the person has demonstrated behavior that
warrants the reinstatement of their license.
     (6) For purposes of determining the period of license suspension, a prior violation shall
constitute any charge brought and sustained under the provisions of this section or § 31-27-2.
     (7) In addition to any other fines, a highway safety assessment of five hundred dollars
($500) shall be paid by any person found in violation of this section, the assessment to be deposited
into the general fund. The assessment provided for by this subsection shall be collected from a
violator before any other fines authorized by this section.
     (8) In addition to any other fines and highway safety assessments, a two-hundred-dollar
($200) assessment shall be paid by any person found in violation of this section to support the
department of health's chemical testing programs outlined in § 31-27-2(4) §§ 31-27-2(f) and 31-
27-2(g), that shall be deposited as general revenues, not restricted receipts.
     (9) No fines, suspensions, assessments, alcohol or drug treatment programs, course on
driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, or public community
restitution provided for under this section can be suspended.
     (10) Implied consent notice for persons eighteen (18) years of age or older: "Rhode Island
law requires you to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of
determining the chemical content of your body fluids or breath. If you refuse this testing, certain
penalties can be imposed and include the following: for a first offense, your Rhode Island driver's
license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state can be suspended for six (6) months to
one year or modified to permit operation in connection with an ignition interlock device for a period
specified by law,; a fine from two hundred dollars ($200) to five hundred dollars ($500) can be
imposed,; and you can be ordered to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of community service and
attend a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance
and/or alcohol or drug treatment. If you have had one or more previous offenses within the past
five (5) years, your refusal to submit to a chemical test of breath or urine at this time can have
criminal penalties, including incarceration up to six (6) months for a second offense and up to one
year for a third or subsequent offense, and can carry increased license suspension or ignition
interlock period, fines, and community service. All violators shall pay a five hundred dollar ($500)
highway safety assessment fee, a two hundred dollar ($200) department of health chemical testing
programs assessment fee, and a license reinstatement fee. Refusal to submit to a chemical test of
blood shall not subject you to criminal penalties for the refusal itself, but if you have one or more
previous offenses other civil penalties may increase. You have the right to be examined at your
own expense by a physician selected by you. If you submit to a chemical test at this time, you have
the right to have an additional chemical test performed at your own expense. You will be afforded
a reasonable opportunity to exercise these rights. Access to a telephone will be made available for
you to make those arrangements. You may now use a telephone."
     Use of this implied consent notice shall serve as evidence that a person's consent to a
chemical test is valid in a prosecution involving driving under the influence of liquor, controlled
substances, and/or drugs.
     (c)(d) Upon suspending or refusing to issue a license or permit as provided in subsection
(a), the traffic tribunal or district court shall immediately notify the person involved in writing, and
upon his or her request, within fifteen (15) days, shall afford the person an opportunity for a hearing
as early as practical upon receipt of a request in writing. Upon a hearing, the judge may administer
oaths and may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant books
and papers. If the judge finds after the hearing that:
     (1) The law enforcement officer making the sworn report had reasonable grounds to believe
that the arrested person had been driving a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence
of intoxicating liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance, as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or
any combination of these;
     (2) The person, while under arrest, refused to submit to the tests upon the request of a law
enforcement officer;
     (3) The person had been informed of his or her rights in accordance with § 31-27-3; and
     (4) The person had been informed of the penalties incurred as a result of noncompliance
with this section, the judge shall sustain the violation. The judge shall then impose the penalties set
forth in subsection (b) (c) of this section. Action by the judge must be taken within seven (7) days
after the hearing or it shall be presumed that the judge has refused to issue his or her order of
suspension.
     (d)(e) For the purposes of this section, any test of a sample of blood, breath, or urine for
the presence of alcohol that relies, in whole or in part, upon the principle of infrared light absorption
is considered a chemical test.
     (e)(f) If any provision of this section, or the application of any provision, shall, for any
reason, be judged invalid, the judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of the
section, but shall be confined in this effect to the provisions or application directly involved in the
controversy giving rise to the judgment.
     31-27-2.5. Chemical tests to persons under eighteen (18) years of age -- Refusal --
License suspension.
     (a) Any person under eighteen (18) years of age who shall refuse to submit to a chemical
test as provided in § 31-27-2 shall have imposed all the penalties provided by § 31-27-2.1, but shall
have his or her license suspended on a first violation for six (6) months, subject to the terms of
subsection (e) of this section.
     (b) Jurisdiction for violations of this section is given to the family court.
     (c) If a person as set forth in subsection (a) of this section refuses, upon the request of a
law enforcement officer, to submit to a test as provided in § 31-27-2.1, none shall be given, but a
judge of the family court, upon receipt of a report or testimony of a law enforcement officer: that
he or she had probable cause to stop the arrested person and reasonable grounds to believe the
arrested person had been driving a motor vehicle within this state while impaired by intoxicating
liquor, toluene, or any controlled substance, as defined in chapter 28 of title 21, or any combination
of these; that the person had been informed of his or her rights in accordance with § 31-27-3; that
the person had been informed of the penalties to be incurred as a result of noncompliance with this
implied consent notice contained in subsection (h) of this section; and that the person had refused
to submit to the test upon the request of a law enforcement officer; shall promptly order a hearing
on whether the person's operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state shall
be suspended. Upon suspension, the judge shall order the license of the person to be surrendered to
the department of administration, division of motor vehicles, within three (3) days.
     (d) If the person takes a test, as provided in § 31-27-2 and the test determines the person's
blood alcohol concentration to be at least two-hundredths of one percent (.02%) but less than one-
tenth of one percent (.1%) by weight, the person shall be determined to have been driving while
impaired. A judge of the family court shall, pursuant to the terms of subsection (e) of this section,
order as follows:
     (1) A highway safety assessment of one hundred fifty dollars ($150), or community
restitution in lieu of highway safety assessment shall be paid by any person found in violation of
this section. The assessment shall be deposited into the general fund.
     (2) The person's driving license shall be suspended for six (6) months on a first violation,
and may be suspended for a period of up to twelve (12) months, provided the person also shall
attend a special course on driving while intoxicated and provided that the person shall also attend
an alcohol and/or drug treatment program if ordered by the family court judge. Failure or refusal
of the person to attend the course and/or alcohol or drug treatment program shall result in the
person's driving license being suspended until the course or treatment program has been completed.
     (3) On a second violation of this section, the person's driving license shall be suspended
until he or she is twenty-one (21) years of age. The sentencing judge shall require alcohol and/or
drug treatment for the individual.
     (4) On a third or subsequent violation, the person's driving license shall be suspended for
an additional period of two (2) years and the sentencing judge shall require alcohol and/or drug
treatment for the individual.
     (5) No suspensions, assessments, driving while intoxicated school, or alcohol and/or drug
treatment programs under this section can be suspended, shortened, altered, or changed.
     (e) Upon suspending a license or permit as provided in subsection (a), (c), or (d) of this
section, the family court shall immediately notify the person involved, in writing, as well as the
custodial parent if the person is under the age of eighteen (18) years.
     (f) The police department which charges any person under eighteen (18) years of age with
refusal to submit to a chemical test, driving while impaired by intoxicating liquors or drugs, or
driving while under the influence of liquor or drugs, shall ascertain the name and address of the
custodial parent of the person and shall notify the parent in writing within ten (10) days of the
charge.
     (g) The department of administration, upon issuing a first license to a person sixteen (16)
or seventeen (17) years of age, shall provide a written notice of the penalties provided by this
section. Any violation of this section shall not be considered a criminal offense.
     (h) Implied consent notice for persons under eighteen (18) years of age:
     "Rhode Island law requires you to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine
for the purpose of determining the chemical content of your body fluids or breath. If you refuse this
testing, certain penalties can be imposed. These penalties include the following: your Rhode Island
driver's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state can be suspended for six (6)
months or modified to permit operation in connection with an ignition interlock device for a period
specified by law,; a fine from two hundred dollars ($200) to five hundred dollars ($500) can be
imposed,; and you can be ordered to perform ten (10) to sixty (60) hours of community service and
attend a special course on driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance
and/or alcohol or drug treatment. If you have had one or more previous offenses within the past
five (5) years, your loss or modification of license, fine, and community service sanctions can
increase over those provided for a first offense. All violators shall pay a five hundred dollar ($500)
highway safety assessment fee, a two hundred dollar ($200) department of health chemical testing
programs fee, and a license reinstatement fee. If you refuse to submit to a chemical test, you will
be required to maintain proof of financial responsibility for three (3) years. Refusal to submit to a
chemical test shall not be considered a criminal offense. You have the right to be examined at your
own expense by a physician selected by you. If you submit to a chemical test at this time, you have
the right to have an additional chemical test performed at your own expense. You will be afforded
a reasonable opportunity to exercise these rights. Access to a telephone will be made available for
you to make those arrangements. You may now use the telephone."
     Use of this implied consent notice shall serve as evidence that a person's consent to a
chemical test is valid in a trial for driving under the influence of liquor, controlled substances,
and/or drugs.
     31-27-2.8. Ignition interlock system imposed as part of sentence -- Requirements
Ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing imposed as a part of sentence --
Requirements.
     (a) Any person subject to suspension pursuant to §§ 31-27-2.1(b)(1) and §§ 31-27-2.1
(b)(2) or convicted under the provisions of §§ 31-27-2(d)(1), § 31-27-2(d)(2), § 31-27-2(d)(3)(i),
or § 31-27-2(d)(3)(ii), or whose violation is sustained under the provisions of § 31-27-2.1(b)(1) §§
31-27-2.1(b)(1) and §§ 31-27-2.1 (b)(2), may be prohibited by the sentencing judge or magistrate
from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system, and/or blood
and urine testing by a licensed physician with knowledge and clinical experience in the diagnosis
and treatment of drug-related disorders, a licensed or certified psychologist, social worker, or EAP
professional with like knowledge, or a substance abuse counselor certified by the National
Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (all of whom shall be licensed in Rhode
Island), pursuant to this section.
     (1) Notwithstanding any other sentencing and disposition provisions contained in this
chapter, if a Rhode Island traffic tribunal magistrate makes a finding that a motorist was operating
a vehicle in the state while under the influence of drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance as
evidenced by the presence of controlled substances on or about the person or vehicle, or other
reliable indicia or articulable conditions thereof, but not intoxicating liquor based on a preliminary
breath test, results from a breathalyzer which that indicates no blood alcohol concentration or both,
the magistrate may exercise their his or her discretion and eliminate the requirement of an ignition
interlock system; provided, that blood and/or urine testing is mandated as a condition to operating
a motor vehicle as provided in this section.
     (2) Notwithstanding any other sentencing and disposition provisions contained in this
chapter, if a Rhode Island traffic tribunal magistrate makes a finding that a motorist was operating
a vehicle in the state while under the influence of drugs, toluene, or any controlled substance as
evidenced by the presence of controlled substances on or about the person or vehicle, or other
reliable indicia or articulable conditions thereof and intoxicating liquor based on a preliminary
breath test, results from a breathalyzer which that indicates blood alcohol concentration or both,
the magistrate may require an ignition interlock system in addition to blood and/or urine testing as
a condition to operating a motor vehicle as provided in this section.
     (b) Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in this chapter, after a finding of
eligibility, any mandatory period of license suspension shall, upon request, be reduced by the
imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing ordered by the court or
traffic tribunal as follows:
     (1) For a violation of § 31-27-2(d)(1), a person shall be subject to a minimum thirty-day
(30) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine
testing for three (3) months to one year.
     (2) For a violation of § 31-27-2.1(b)(1) § 31-27-2.1(c)(1), a person shall be subject to a
minimum thirty-day (30) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system
and/or blood and urine testing for a period of six (6) months to two (2) years.
     (3) For a violation of § 31-27-2(d)(2), a person shall be subject to a minimum forty-five-
day (45) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and
urine testing for a period of six (6) months to two (2) years.
     (4) For a violation of § 31-27-2.1(b)(2) § 31-27-2.1(c)(2), a person shall be subject to a
minimum sixty-day (60) license suspension and an imposition of an ignition interlock system
and/or blood and urine testing for a period of one to four (4) years.
     (5) For a violation of § 31-27-2(d)(3), a person shall be subject to a minimum sixty-day
(60) license suspension and imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine
testing for a period of one to four (4) years.
     (6) For a violation of § 31-27-2.1(b)(3) § 31-27-2.1(c)(3), a person shall be subject to a
minimum ninety-day (90) license suspension and imposition of an ignition interlock system and/or
blood and urine testing for a period of two (2) to ten (10) years.
     (7) In any case where a person is convicted of a first offense under the provisions of § 31-
27-2(d)(1) or under § 31-27-2.1(b)(1), the sentencing judge or magistrate shall, upon request, grant
the person a conditional hardship license immediately upon a plea or admission of guilt, or an initial
suspension under § 31-27-2.1(b), and after a finding of need under this section; provided, however,
that in a case where a conditional hardship license shall be granted by the sentencing judge or
magistrate upon an initial suspension under § 31-27-2.1(b) and prior to the installation of an ignition
interlock device, said hardship license shall be issued to the motorist upon proof of installation of
an ignition interlock device. No license suspension shall be subject to more than a thirty-(30) day
(30) license suspension based solely upon the imposition of an ignition interlock system.
     (i) If a conviction pursuant to §§ 31-27-2(d)(l) or § 31-27-2.l(c)(l) is a first offense, or upon
     an initial suspension pursuant to § 31-27-2.1(b)(1), where there has been a finding or
determination that the motorist was under the influence of intoxicating liquor only, the magistrate
shall, upon request, immediately grant a conditional hardship license after a finding of need
pursuant to this section and upon proof of the installation of an ignition interlock device.
     (ii) If a conviction pursuant to §§ 31-27-2(d)(l) or § 31-27-2.l(c)(l) is a first offense, or
upon an initial suspension pursuant to § 31-27-2.1(b)(1), where there has been a finding or
determination that the motorist was under the influence of drugs, toluene, or a controlled substance,
but not intoxicating liquor, the judge or magistrate shall, upon request immediately grant a
conditional hardship license after a finding of need pursuant to this section and upon proof of blood
and urine testing pursuant to this section.
     (iii) If a conviction pursuant to § 31-27-2(d)(1) or § 31-27-2.1(c)(1) is a first offense, or
upon an initial suspension pursuant to § 31-27-2.1(b)(1), where there has been a finding or
determination that the motorist was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, toluene, a controlled
substance, or any combination thereof, the magistrate shall, upon request immediately grant a
conditional hardship license after a finding of need pursuant to this section and upon proof of the
installation of an ignition interlock device, subject also to the following testing:
     (A) The testing of either blood or urine is being performed by or monitored by a licensed
physician with knowledge and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of drug-related
disorders, a licensed or certified psychologist, social worker, or EAP professional with like
knowledge, or a substance abuse counselor certified by the National Association of Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Counselors (all of whom shall be licensed in Rhode Island).
     (B) The motorist is required to pay for the substance abuse professional, any testing,
retesting, monitoring, and reporting costs of the blood and urine testing.
     (C) Samples are to be collected, tested and confirmed by a federally certified laboratory by
means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or technology recognized as being at least as
scientifically accurate.
     (D) Samples are to be taken weekly for the first sixty (60) days, thereafter in accordance
with the recommendation of the substance abuse professional. The samples taken thereafter may
be ordered randomly, but must be provided by the motorist within twenty-four (24) hours of the
request. The substance abuse professional shall report to the department of the attorney general
within twenty-four (24) hours any failure by the motorist to comply with a request for a sample.
     (E) A positive test of urine or blood which that evidences any controlled substances shall
be reported by the substance abuse professional to the motorist and to the department of the attorney
general within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of the results. The motorist may, at their his or her
own expense, have an opportunity to have the sample retested or reevaluated by an independent
testing facility who which shall provide the result directly to the substance abuse professional. The
attorney general may request, at any time, a copy of any or all test results from the substance abuse
professional, which shall forward the requested results within forty-eight (48) hours.
     (F) Upon completion of the license suspension, conditional hardship, ignition interlock and
substance abuse testing periods, a finalized report shall be presented to the department of motor
vehicles prior to any license reinstatement.
     (G) If a judge or magistrate determines that a motorist either failed, without good cause, to
comply with a sample request or tested positive for any controlled substance, they he or she may
exercise their his or her discretion and revoke the conditional hardship license, extend the time
period for the ignition interlock system and/or substance abuse testing for an additional period of
up to twelve (12) months and/or impose an additional loss of license for up to twenty-four (24)
months.
     (H) A motorist who has failed, without good cause, to comply with a sample request or
tested positive for any controlled substance for a second time within twelve (12) months of the first
failure and/or positive test determination shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to one
year imprisonment, or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
     (c) However, in any case where a motorist has a prior is convicted of an alcohol-related
offense pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or a prior reckless driving conviction under § 31-
27-4 or reckless eluding conviction under § 31-27-4.1, within the prior ten (10) years of the offense,
or when the instant offense involves a motor vehicle accident, the judge or magistrate may exercise
their his or her discretion in the granting of the hardship license by imposing up to a ninety (90)
day loss of license prior to any imposition of the hardship license. If the instant matter involves a
blood alcohol level of fifteen hundredths (.15) BAC or above, the judge or magistrate may exercise
his or her discretion in the granting of the hardship license by imposing up to a six (6) month loss
of license prior to any imposition of the hardship license. Said The hardship license shall be valid
only for twelve (12) continuous hours per day to get to and from employment, necessary medical
appointments, job training, schooling, or for any other valid reason approved in advance by the
sentencing judge or magistrate, which shall include employment, medical appointments, job
training, schooling, or for religious purposes. The hardship license shall not be for less than twelve
(12) continuous hours per day. A hardship license shall only be granted in conjunction with the
installation of an ignition interlock device and/or blood and urine testing. Any conditional driving
privileges must be set by the sentencing judge or magistrate after a hearing in which the motorist
must provide proof of employment status and hours of employment, or any other legitimate reasons
justifying a hardship license. These shall include, but not be limited to, any unemployment training,
schooling, medical appointments, therapy treatments, or any other valid requests set forth by sworn
affidavit. Once said hardship period has concluded, the motorist must still be subject to the
conditions of the ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing as set forth under this
section for the period of time as directed by the court. Any individual who violates the requirements
of this subsection shall be subject to the penalties enumerated in § 31-11-18.1.
     (c)(d) Any person convicted of an offense of driving under the influence of liquor or drugs
resulting in death, § 31-27-2.2; driving under the influence of liquor or drugs resulting in serious
bodily injury, § 31-27-2.6; driving to endanger resulting in death, § 31-27-1; or driving to endanger
resulting in serious bodily injury, § 31-27-1.1; may, in addition to any other penalties provided by
law, be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an approved ignition
interlock system and/or blood and urine testing for one to five (5) years.
     (d)(e) Any person who operates a motor vehicle with a suspended license during the period
of suspension, and the reason for the suspension was due to a conviction of driving under the
influence of drugs or alcohol or a sustained violation or conviction of refusal to submit to a chemical
test, shall be subject to the further use of the ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing
for a period of six (6) months subsequent to the penalties enumerated in § 31-11-18.1.
     (e)(f)When the court orders the use of an ignition interlock system, the judge or magistrate
shall cause an appropriate notation to be made on the person's record that clearly sets forth the
requirement for, and the period of the use of, the ignition interlock system.
     (f)(g) In addition to the requirements of subsection (e) (f) of this section, the court or traffic
tribunal shall:
     (1) Require proof of the installation of the ignition interlock system and periodic reporting
by the person for the purpose of verification of the proper operation of the ignition interlock system;
     (2) Require the person to have the ignition interlock system monitored for the proper use
and accuracy by a person, firm, corporation, or other association to be approved by the division of
motor vehicles at least once every six (6) months, or more frequently as the circumstances may
require; and
     (3) Require the person to pay the reasonable cost of leasing or buying, monitoring, and
maintenance of the ignition interlock system.
     (4) The requirements under subsection (f) (g) of this section shall be the responsibility of
the probation department or justice assistance, if the individual is under their control, or the division
of motor vehicles if the individual is not monitored as a condition of the individual's plea or finding
of guilt.
     (h) Any person granted a conditional hardship license upon proof of installation of an
ignition interlock device, may operate that motor vehicle during the entire twelve-(12) hour (12)
period of operation granted by the sentencing judge or magistrate including during the scope of
their the person’s employment and/or any other valid reason approved by the sentencing judge or
magistrate.
     (g)(i) If a person is required, in the course of the person's employment, to operate a motor
vehicle owned or provided by the person's employer, the person may operate that motor vehicle in
the course of the person's employment without installation of an ignition interlock system if the
court makes specific findings expressly permitting the person to operate, in the course of the
person's employment, a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system.
     (h)(j)(1) Any person subject to an ignition interlock order and/or blood and urine testing
who violates such order shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year
imprisonment, or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
     (2) For a second violation within six (6) months from entry of the order, the person
violating the order shall be imprisoned for a term of not less than ten (10) days and not more than
one year.
      (k) For the purposes of this subsection, a violation of the interlock order, includes, but is
not limited to:
     (1) Altering, tampering, or in any way attempting to circumvent the operation of an ignition
interlock system that has been installed in the motor vehicle of a person under this section;
     (2) Operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system; or
     (3) Soliciting or attempting to have another person start a motor vehicle equipped with an
ignition interlock system for the purpose of providing an operable motor vehicle to a person who
is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system.
     (i)(l) Any person who attempts to start, or starts, a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition
interlock system, tampers with, or in any way attempts to circumvent, the operation of an ignition
interlock system that has been installed in the motor vehicle for the purpose of providing an
operable motor vehicle to a person who is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle that is not
equipped with an ignition interlock system, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to
one year imprisonment or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
     SECTION 2. With respect to any provisions of this act which that require the department
of motor vehicles to modify or upgrade their computer systems, said provisions of the act shall take
effect on January 1, 2022, and the remaining provisions of the act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC001063
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