Requires that any person convicted of a charge of driving under the influence or refusal to submit to a chemical test, have an ignition interlock system installed in their vehicle as part of any sentence before being eligible for a license reinstatement.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would require anyone convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or refusing to take a breathalyzer or other chemical test to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle before they can get their driver's license back. An ignition interlock device is a small piece of equipment connected to a car's ignition that requires the driver to breathe into it before the car will start — if the device detects alcohol, the car won't start.

Under this proposal, the ignition interlock requirement would be a mandatory part of the sentence for these offenses, not just an optional condition. This means a judge would not have discretion to waive it — a convicted person simply could not have their license reinstated unless and until the device is installed. This applies to both first-time and repeat offenders who are convicted of DUI or who refused chemical testing.

The bill primarily affects drivers in Rhode Island who are convicted of DUI-related offenses. It could also affect their households, since the interlock requirement would apply to any vehicle they drive. There are also cost implications for convicted individuals, as ignition interlock devices typically come with installation and monthly monitoring fees paid by the driver. The goal of the legislation is to reduce drunk driving incidents by adding a physical barrier to driving while impaired.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, with a hearing scheduled for April 2026.