Rhode Island Police Chiefs: “Fans don’t let fans drive drunk” – extra patrols will be on the roads

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association reminded residents to drive sober and celebrate the Super Bowl responsibly this weekend.

“Throughout Rhode Island, police departments will have extra patrols to keep impaired drivers off the roads,” said Chief Thomas Oates III, Woonsocket Chief of Police and President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. “While we encourage everyone to enjoy the Super Bowl, we urge you to do it responsibly. Make smart choices—whether that means using a rideshare, having a designated driver, or staying put for the night. Whatever you do, don’t drive under the influence.”

To assist with these efforts, the B.A.T. Mobile will be deployed at 2250 New London Turnpike in East Greenwich in the CVS parking lot. Coventry, West Warwick, West Greenwich, and East Greenwich Police Departments are all involved with this initiative, as well as the Rhode Island State Police. This high visibility mobile unit serves as a deterrent and is equipped with a breathalyzer and holding cells, enabling officers to efficiently test, fingerprint, detain, and arraign DUI suspects all in one centralized location.

The social media post below will be featured on RIPCA’s channels to help share this important message with residents across Rhode Island.

Background on impaired driving

The first offense for driving under the influence of liquor or drugs carries several penalties:

•  Possible jail sentence of up to one year at the ACI.
• Mandatory license suspension from three to eighteen months.
• Mandatory community service from 10 to 60 hours.
• Fines of not less than $100, nor more than $500.
• Fees can easily reach a few thousand dollars.

Rhode Island law requires you to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine to determine the chemical content of your body fluids or breath.

If you refuse this testing, certain penalties can be imposed, including 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 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 $200 to $500 can be imposed; and you can be ordered to perform 10 to 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 years, your refusal to submit to a chemical test of breath or urine at this time can have criminal penalties, including incarceration of up to six 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.