Rhode Island Drivers License Hardship Law

Drivers Hardship License Law – General – Rhode Island

1. Does the agency (motor vehicle/DOT) law provide for hardship licenses?

No. Under § 31-27-2.7,the DWI statute, no suspension, assessments, driving while intoxicated school, or alcohol and/or drug treatment programs under this section can be suspended, shortened, altered, or changed.

2. Is an agency hearing required before a suspension may be modified?

§ 31-11-7 provides that at a hearing conducted pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, the division of motor vehicles shall issue a written decision based solely on the evidence adduced at the hearing and containing the legal and factual basis for the determination. The division of motor vehicles may either rescind its order of suspension, determine suspension is not warranted; may continue, modify, or extend the suspension of the license; or may revoke the license.

3. Can minors receive limited driving privileges?

§ 31-10-6 allows a person under the age of eighteen a limited instruction permit that shall be valid for a period of one year, and may be extended for a reasonable period of time if the holder of the permit provides the division of motor vehicles with evidence of a hardship.