Rhode Island Driving Records

The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the Department of Revenue maintains comprehensive driving records for all licensed motorists in the state. These records serve as official documentation of a driver's history, including personal information, license status, traffic violations, and convictions.

Driving records contain a wealth of information, from minor infractions to serious offenses, and provide a complete overview of a motorist's behavior on the road. The state classifies driving offenses into criminal and civil categories, with criminal offenses carrying more severe penalties.

Access to driving records is available to the public, but the Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) imposes certain restrictions on access.

Knowing the content of these records is essential for every driver, as they reflect a driver's standing within the state's traffic law system and can significantly impact various aspects of their lives.

Types of Driving Records Available in Rhode Island

Certified records offer a comprehensive view of a driver's history, including sensitive personal data. The DMV provides certified driving records containing personal information such as name, address, and Social Security Number. Financial institutions, courts, and licensing agencies usually require these records.

Only the individual named on the record can order a certified copy. However, authorized parties can verify certified records online with the driver's permission. The DMV strictly controls access to these records, adhering to federal privacy regulations.

Residents seeking certified records must follow specific procedures, which may involve identity verification steps to maintain data security.

How To Request a Rhode Island Driving History Report?

Requesting a Rhode Island driving history report can be done online or in person.

Online Process

DMV offers an online tool to request certified driving history for convenience.

Requesting individuals need a valid credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) to pay the $20.50 fee. Information required includes last name, date of birth, the zip code on the license, and driver's license number.

The report includes medical self-certification details for commercial drivers. Businesses needing multiple reports can use subscriber services, which offer additional features and access under DPPA guidelines.

In-Person Process

For those who prefer to request their driving record in person, a visit to the Adjudication Office is necessary. Services are available Monday through Friday until 4:30 p.m.

Certified copies are not available immediately, so individuals should expect a processing time of at least two weeks. When visiting, requesters should bring two forms of identification and an approximate $18 request fee.

Uses of Rhode Island Driving Records

Driving records serve multiple purposes, including managing traffic violations, influencing insurance rates, and impacting employment opportunities. Understanding their uses helps individuals maintain a clear record and avoid potential issues.

Dismissal of Moving Violations on Record

In Rhode Island, the Good Driver’s Statute (GDS) allows drivers to have certain violations dismissed.

To qualify under the GDS, a driver must maintain a clean driving record and possess a valid license for three consecutive years. On the other hand, judges may allow community service in place of dismissal for those without an active license for three years.

However, this statute does not apply to commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders or violations related to automobile accidents.

Relevant Background Checks

Employers seek information on criminal history, employment history, education verification, and professional credentials, which include driving records for certain positions.

Driving records are frequently requested during pre-employment background checks, especially for positions that require driving.

Record Check for Errors

Reviewing driving records can help drivers identify potential errors that could affect their status. An occasional check after receiving a traffic ticket allows them to see if they are at risk of license suspension, cancellation, or revocation due to accumulated violations.

Errors such as incorrect violations or unrecorded defensive driving courses may appear. Obtaining a copy of the driving record enables drivers to request corrections from the DMV.

Additionally, addressing errors can prevent increased auto insurance premiums, as violations reported by the DMV influence insurance rates and impact future employment background checks.

Insurance Underwriting

Auto insurance companies typically do not check driving records to provide initial quotes.

Quotes are generated based on the driving history submitted by the applicant. Once the quote is accepted, an underwriter verifies the driving record to confirm its validity.

Insurance providers often check driving records 45 days before policy renewal, usually every 6 or 12 months. New tickets or accidents may lead to higher rates, while long-term customers with clean records might not face continuous checks due to cost considerations.

Understanding Rhode Island Driving Laws

Knowledge of Rhode Island's driving laws is crucial for all motorists in the state. These laws are the basis for specific traffic violations that when motorists commit, they can be convicted, or their driving records are impacted. Here are key driving laws in the state:

General Requirements on Driver’s License

All residents must obtain a driver's license to operate a vehicle within the state. New residents must get a Rhode Island-issued license or transfer their out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing residency.

On the other hand, foreign nationals can use their valid driver's license from their home country for a limited time. If they stay for an extended period, they may need to obtain a license issued by the state.

All applicants must pass the knowledge, vision, and driving tests to get a driver's license. They must also provide proof of insurance and carry this at all times, along with vehicle registration. Failure to provide proof results in a $500 fine.

Move Over Law

The Move Over law enhances safety for emergency and designated vehicles. This regulation requires drivers to take specific actions when approaching stopped vehicles with activated lights or warning signals.

Generally, all drivers who see the flashing lights of emergency and designated vehicles must slow down to create a buffer lane. They maximize the distance between their vehicle and the stopped vehicle.

If drivers need to change lanes to create this distance or buffer lane, they must do so with caution, yielding first to oncoming traffic before proceeding with the change of lanes. If unable to change lanes safely, drivers must stop and wait for a safe opportunity to proceed.

Failing to move over may result in citations and fines. Moreover, it may even lead to potential crashes with designated vehicles or risk of injury or death to oneself or others.

Speed Limits

Drivers navigating the Ocean State's roads must familiarize themselves with the maximum and minimum speed limits, which vary depending on the type of road and surrounding environment.

Minimum Speed Limit

State law prohibits driving at speeds that impede or block normal traffic flow except when necessary for safety or compliance with other regulations.

Although the state does not specify minimum speed, it allows low speed vehicles that operates at 10 miles per hour (mph) on public roads.

Police officers have the authority to direct drivers to adjust their speed. Willful disobedience to these directives can result in civil violations and fines.

Maximum Speed Limit

Rhode Island sets specific maximum speed limits for different road types. In residential areas, drivers must not exceed 25 mph. On most highways, the speed limit ranges from 50 to 65 mph.

These limits help regulate traffic flow and reduce the risk of high-speed collisions. Drivers should always observe posted speed limit signs, which may vary based on local conditions or temporary circumstances.

Safety Laws

Drivers must stop for school buses with flashing red lights. Moreover, headlights are required:

From sunset to sunrise
Less than 500 feet of visibility
During inclement weather (rain or snow)
Anytime windshield wipers are in use

In connection to safety, drivers must clear snow and ice from their vehicles to ensure proper visibility and prevent hazards to other motorists. Lastly, wearing a seat belt properly is a must.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances is a misdemeanor offense. If a driver's blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or more, they are guilty of violating the law. Conviction can also be based on other evidence of impairment, such as testimony from a drug recognition expert. The legal use of alcohol or drugs is not a valid defense.

The Points System in Rhode Island

Rhode Island doesn’t use a point system. All traffic violations appear in a driver’s record, which could impact future insurance rates.

Also, authorities rely on penalties. Penalties may include substantial fines, court fees, mandatory driver improvement programs, stringent license restrictions, and extended suspension or revocation periods.

Violations, regardless of severity, stay on a driver’s record for three years. Minor violations disappear after this period. However, certain serious offenses, like accidents involving school buses, felonies, and misdemeanors of driving, remain on record for an extended time.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Rhode Island

Driving offenses in Rhode Island fall into two categories: criminal and civil.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses often involve severe injuries, death, or repetitive offensive behaviors. A criminal intent or intent to harm is one of the basis for these offenses. These offenses are either considered felonies or misdemeanors.

Felony Driving Violations

Rhode Island classifies certain severe traffic violations as felonies. These offenses carry hefty penalties, including jail time exceeding one year and fines over $1,000. Felony driving offenses range from Class A to E. Third-time traffic misdemeanors automatically escalate to felony status.

Common felony driving violations include reckless driving with criminal intent, negligent homicide, and DUI causing injury or death.

Penalties may include imprisonment, fines, assessment fees, restitution, community service, and probation. The long-term consequences of a felony conviction can significantly impact a person's life, affecting employment opportunities and civil rights.

Misdemeanor Driving Offenses

Misdemeanors are a middle ground between felonies and minor infractions. The state distinguishes between regular misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors, both of which carry fines and potential short-term jail sentences.

Drivers convicted of regular misdemeanors may be imprisoned for up to one year and pay fines not exceeding $1,000. Petty misdemeanors, on the other hand, carry a maximum six-month jail term and fines of up to $500.

Common driving misdemeanors include:

DUI
Refusing to submit to chemical testing
Careless driving
Indecent conduct while driving
Unlawfully using a vehicle to transport alcohol or drugs

Reckless driving that endangers public safety or attempting to elude a police vehicle constitutes a misdemeanor for first-time offenders but escalates to a felony for subsequent convictions.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses, commonly known as infractions, constitute the majority of traffic-related incidents in the state. Law enforcement officers issue summonses for these violations, leading to fines and recorded convictions on the offender's driving history.

Common infractions include:

Speeding
Running red lights
Driving with an expired license
Parking violations
Failure to yield the right of way
Not slowing down for school buses or ambulances
Tailgating

When ticketed, individuals can pay the fine by the due date or plead "not guilty." Failure to respond may lead to a default judgment, potentially resulting in suspension of vehicle registration and license suspension.

While most infractions don't require court appearances, accumulating three traffic convictions within 12 months may necessitate facing a court or tribunal.

Rhode Island Driving Statistics and Goals

Rhode Island faces significant challenges with impaired driving, surpassing national averages in alcohol-related fatalities. Based on driving statistics, fatalities on the national average approximately 30% of all driving accidents, while in the state, these numbers reach 43.7%.

Law enforcement agencies arrest approximately 3,000 drivers annually for DUI. In 2022, nearly 70% of those arrested refused chemical testing. Drivers who submitted to testing had an average blood alcohol concentration of 0.17, more than double the legal limit.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) spearheads localized advertising campaigns to address impaired driving. These campaigns, developed in collaboration with safety partners like the Rhode Island State Police (RISP), include:

"Beyond the Crash" showcases police officers' experiences with impaired driving fatalities.
"Ripple Effect" highlights the widespread impact of a single impaired driving fatality on families and communities.
"Ripple Effect – Take Action" encourages public intervention to prevent impaired driving.

The state is committed to taking multifaceted approaches to reduce impaired driving incidents and promote road safety. By combining targeted law enforcement, public education, and community engagement, the state aims to create a safer driving environment for all residents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Driving Records

Discover answers to common questions about driving records in Rhode Island.

Who Can Request a Driving Record?

The DMV protects drivers' personal information under the DPPA. With some exceptions, driving records are primarily issued to the record holder. However, individuals such as employer agencies and government-authorized personnel, impound yards, and insurance companies can request driving records with official consent from the record holder.

Can a Record Holder Expunge or Seal Their Offenses?

Some traffic misdemeanors may be sealed or expunged for offenders turning 18 if not under investigation. However, DUI offenses and traffic felonies remain permanent on records.

Are Driving Records Accurate?

Although most of the entries are accurate, drivers should still regularly review their records. Errors can impact insurance rates and employment opportunities. Rhode Island provides processes for correcting inaccuracies in driving records.

Helpful Links and Resources

Here are some helpful links and resources for drivers to maintain a clean driving record and gain a better understanding of driving laws and tribunal hearing procedures:

Driver retraining: https://dmv.ri.gov/adjudications-suspensions/adjudication-office/driver-retraining
Traffic tribunal hearing: https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/traffictribunal/Pages/ability-to-pay.aspx
Different driving access and rules on highways: https://dmv.ri.gov/node/1201
Proper procedures when backing vehicles: https://dmv.ri.gov/node/1196
Various operating manuals for drivers: https://dmv.ri.gov/licenses-permits-ids/permits-tests/operator-manuals
Accident reports that impact driver’s records: https://risp.ri.gov/safety-education/motor-vehicle-safety-information/if-you-are-involved-accident

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