Your license can be suspended or revoked in Rhode Island for a wide range of offenses—from failing to pay a fine to DUI violations. Driving with a suspended Rhode Island license is a serious offense that can result in further suspensions, costly fines, and even possible jail time. It'll also affect the

cost of car insurance in Rhode Island.

Unfortunately, having your license suspended or revoked is all too common, not to mention all too frustrating. If you’re not familiar with the rules for license suspensions or revocations in your state, it’s important to learn the law. As the saying goes: ignorance of the law excuses no one.

Thankfully,

Jerry

has gone through Rhode Island’s license suspension regulations so you don’t have to! Keep reading to learn more about the most common reasons for a suspended Rhode Island license and how to access

car insurance

savings in the Ocean State.

Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds

Find Savings!

4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars

4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?

The terms “suspension” and “revocation” are often used interchangeably when referring to losing driving privileges, but they actually have two different meanings.

Here’s what each term means:

A license suspension refers to a temporary loss of driving privileges for a specified period of time

A license revocation refers to a more serious loss of driving privileges, often requiring the driver to reapply for licensing

The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV) can suspend or revoke driver’s licenses for a variety of offenses—from failure to pay required fines to more serious offenses like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

MORE:

9 common reasons your license can be revoked

What can your license be suspended for in Rhode Island?

The RI DMV can suspend your license for an array of different offenses. Be aware of the following violations to avoid losing your driving privileges.

1. If you committed an offense in another state

It’s not just what you do inside the Ocean State that affects your Rhode Island driver’s license. If you receive a suspension notice for an out-of-state issue—like failing to pay for citations in another state—your license will be suspended until payment is received.

2. If you commit a violation that causes death or serious injury

Manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle can get your license revoked for three years. Driving carefully and following Rhode Island’s traffic laws can prevent this tragic accident and serious revocation.

3. If you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

If you're convicted of a

DUI in Rhode Island

, your license can be suspended for 30 to 180 days if it’s your first offense. But this might be the least of your worries as you may also have to pay a fine between $100 to $300 and either perform ten to sixty hours of community service or spend up to one year in jail.

4. If you fail to stop and render aid

If you get into a collision with another driver that results in the death or personal injury to another person—but you don’t stop to help (also known as a

hit-and-run

)—your license will be revoked for two years.

5. If you are a repeat traffic regulations offender

Rhode Island doesn’t have a points system like many other states, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t keeping track of all your traffic violations. If you frequently violate traffic laws, you could have your license suspended for up to a year.

MORE:

Rhode Island car accident laws

6. If you have been a reckless or negligent driver

Reckless driving in Rhode Island can get your license suspended for up to a year.

Didn’t your mother teach you to ask permission first? If you drive someone else’s car without their permission, not only will your license be suspended for up to a year—but you could be fined up to $5,000 or be imprisoned for up to five years, or both.

8. If you fail to pay a fine

Rhode Island issues fines for most traffic citations, such as speeding tickets. If you fail to pay fines or costs related to your violation, your license will be suspended until all fines are paid or you make satisfactory arrangements with the court for payment of fines.

9. If you drive after denial, suspension, or revocation of license

At this point, if you are driving on a suspended or revoked license and you get caught, you may be guilty of a misdemeanor. For a first offense, a civil penalty of $250 to $500 shall be imposed.

10. If you don’t maintain Rhode Island car insurance

Rhode Island's car insurance law

requires drivers to carry minimum amounts of both

property damage liability

($25,000) and

bodily injury liability

insurance ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident).

If you’re caught driving without proof of insurance, your license could be suspended for up to three months and you could pay a fine between $100 and $500. Luckily, Rhode Island gives you a grace period of 10 days to come up with proof of insurance.

MORE:

Open container laws in Rhode Island

How to save money on car insurance in Rhode Island

No matter what your Rhode Island driving record looks like, you can find the best car insurance rates available by downloading the

Jerry

app. Jerry is the #1 rated insurance app for a reason: in 45 seconds, Jerry can find you the lowest rates from top insurance providers.

As a

licensed broker

, Jerry’s expert team of insurance agents will handle all the paperwork, including helping you cancel your old policy. It’s the easiest way to save money on insurance without any unwanted phone calls, unnecessary forms, or endless comparisons.

“My speeding ticket raised my insurance to $310/month.
Jerry
got me full comprehensive coverage on two vehicles for $144/month through Progressive. I definitely recommend giving them a try.” —Brandon D.

RECOMMENDED