The Rhode Island System

Unlike most other states, Rhode Island does not monitor a person's driving record through a point system. Instead, it relies upon the sting of fines and the possibility of license suspensions or revocations to discourage drivers from challenging traffic laws.

Rhode Island's absence of a point system means there is less tolerance for major offenses. Violations such as voluntary or involuntary vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol, and failure to stop in the event of an accident that causes injury or death result in mandatory and immediate license revocations lasting from one to three years.

In some instances, drivers get labels instead of points. A habitual offender, for example, is defined as any driver who commits three or more major offenses over a three-year span. Classification as a habitual offender results in loss of your Rhode Island driver's license for one to five years.

And, just like every state that maintains a point system, Rhode Island also informs car insurance companies of every traffic violation. Depending on the severity of the infraction, this could substantially increase your insurance premiums.

Check Your Driver's License Status

If you need or want to check the status of your driver’s license, you might be able to order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver’s license is currently valid. Should your license have been revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what’s on record at the DMV. This report will also show points against your license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have had.

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