WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 8095

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Potter

HB 8095 tightens ignition interlock/testing in RI sentencing, expands conditional hardship licenses with strict testing/monitoring, and increases penalties for IID violations.

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 8095

Summary: HB 8095 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Motor Vehicle Offenses

Purpose and intent

HB 8095 aims to modify Rhode Island laws governing ignition interlock requirements and blood/urine testing as part of sentencing for certain motor vehicle offenses. The bill focuses on conditions for ignition interlock devices (IIDs), mandatory testing, hardship licenses, and related penalties, with an emphasis on ensuring testing is ordered and monitored by licensed professionals and that conditional driving privileges can be granted in specified circumstances.

Key provisions and changes

  • Ignition interlock and/or blood/urine testing as part of sentence (Section 31-27-2.8)

    • Courts can prohibit a violator from operating a vehicle unless it is equipped with an IID and/or ordered blood/urine testing performed by licensed professionals (physician, psychologist, social worker, EAP professional, or NAADAC-certified counselor, all licensed in RI).
    • If a driver is found to have used drugs, toluene, or a controlled substance (via indicative evidence) but not intoxicated by liquor (per preliminary breath test), the court may eliminate the IID requirement but must mandate blood/urine testing.
    • If intoxication is also evident, the court may require both IID and blood/urine testing.

  • Reduction of license suspensions via IID/testing ( subsection (b) )

    • Mandatory suspension periods may be reduced by the Court through IID/testing requirements:
    • § 31-27-2(d)(1): Minimum 30-day suspension; IID/testing for 3 months to 1 year.
    • § 31-27-2.1(c)(1): Minimum 30-day suspension; IID/testing for 6 months to 2 years.
    • § 31-27-2(d)(2): Minimum 45-day suspension; IID/testing for 6 months to 2 years.
    • § 31-27-2.1(c)(2): Minimum 60-day suspension; IID/testing for 1 to 4 years.
    • § 31-27-2(d)(3): Minimum 60-day suspension; IID/testing for 1 to 4 years.
    • § 31-27-2.1(c)(3): Minimum 90-day suspension; IID/testing for 2 to 10 years.
    • No suspension may be based solely on IID requirements.

  • Conditional hardship license provisions (early license access)

    • For first offenses in DUI-related categories, when appropriate findings are made, the court can grant a conditional hardship license after:
    • Installing an IID, and
    • Meeting testing and monitoring requirements as outlined (including ongoing testing, monitoring, and reporting).
    • Details cover testing by licensed professionals, weekly samples for 60 days (then follow-up per professional), and reporting to the Attorney General if noncompliance or positive results occur.
    • If testing or compliance is noncompliant or positive, the court may extend IID/testing periods or revoke the hardship license, with potential additional license suspension.
    • A second violation within 12 months of a failure/positive test can lead to more severe penalties (up to 1 year imprisonment, $1,000 fine, or both).

  • Alcohol-related offenses and hardship licenses

    • In alcohol-related offenses, the court may grant a conditional hardship license immediately after a short initial license loss (up to 90 days) and must accompany IID and/or testing. The hardship license is limited to 12 consecutive hours per day and requires proof of employment, education, medical needs, etc.
    • Continued compliance with IID/testing is required after hardship and license reinstatement.

  • Additional penalties and enforcement (sections (d)–(l))

    • Offenses involving tampering, circumventing, or bypassing the IID system carry misdemeanor penalties (up to 1 year imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine) with enhanced penalties for repeated violations.
    • Clear record notation of IID requirements, monitoring, and associated costs.
    • Court or DMV oversight responsibilities for IID installation verification, monitoring, and cost-bearing (or probation/justice system oversight if applicable).

  • Effective date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected individuals and entities

  • Individuals convicted of or suspended for motor vehicle offenses related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including offenses involving drugs, toluene, or other controlled substances.
  • Motorists subject to IID requirements and/or blood/urine testing as part of sentencing.
  • Courts, the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), probation departments, and justice assistance programs responsible for monitoring, reporting, and enforcing IID/testing compliance.
  • Licensed professionals authorized to conduct or oversee blood/urine testing (physicians, psychologists, social workers, EAP professionals, and NAADAC-certified counselors, all RI-licensed).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The act introduces a framework for conditional hardship licenses that can be issued after an initial license loss, contingent on IID installation and ongoing testing/monitoring.
  • Testing schedules include weekly urine/blood samples for the first 60 days, with subsequent testing determined by the supervising professional.
  • Testing results must be reported to the Attorney General within specified timeframes; individuals may seek retesting at their expense.
  • Violations of IID/testing orders carry civil or criminal penalties, including potential imprisonment and fines.
  • The act emphasizes immediate conditional hardship licensing upon certain findings, particularly where intoxication is involved, and outlines guardrails to ensure testing integrity and monitoring.

Bottom line

HB 8095 tightens the use of ignition interlocks and mandatory testing within Rhode Island's motor vehicle offense sentencing framework, expands court discretion to grant conditional hardship licenses with stringent testing and monitoring, and strengthens penalties for violations of interlock requirements. It seeks to balance public safety with structured avenues for driving privileges during rehabilitation, under professional supervision.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.