Suspended License

Facts About Suspension

Challenging the rules of the road is not recommended. Besides the obvious risks of injury or loss of life, your antics could result in the suspension or revocation of your Rhode Island driver's license.

In addition, depending on the severity of your violation, you can face jail time, massive fines, or mandatory alcohol and drug education classes. Also, once your insurance carrier is notified, you can expect dramatically increased insurance premiums.

Check Your Driver's License Status

If you would like or need to check your driver's license status, you can order a driving record report. The report will indicate if your driver's license is currently valid. Should your license have been suspended or revoked, the report will indicate that according to the records at the DMV. It will also show points against your license and, if appropriate, information on any accidents you have had.

Reasons for Suspension

A suspended license means you lose your driving privileges for a court-ordered amount of time, usually anywhere from three to 18 months. Once your suspension expires, you are allowed to pursue license reinstatement.

Your Rhode Island driver's license can be suspended for any of the following reasons:

• Attempting to evade a marked police car after being signaled to stop

• Refusing an alcohol test

• Operating your vehicle on a designated bicycle path

• Carrying a controlled substance in your vehicle

Reasons for Revocation

A revoked license means long-term loss, usually amounting to three to 10 years, with no guarantee that you will be allowed to resume driving again. This is determined by a hearing officer with Operator Control (part of the Division of Motor Vehicles). Usually, your participation in a drug and alcohol education program or a driver safety course determines your fate.

Your Rhode Island driver's license can be revoked for any of the following reasons:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol

• Not stopping at an accident to offer aid when injury or death is involved

• Convicted for altering license to buy alcohol

• Vehicular manslaughter

Reinstatement

Once your suspension or revocation period ends, you will be allowed to apply for reinstatement. There are no guarantees in this process. If a hearing officer with Operator Control deems you are safe to resume driving, you must visit any DMV location and bring:

• Your reinstatement notice

• One form of identification

• Your Social Security card

• Solid proof of your address

• Check or credit card to pay a $75 reinstatement fee

If you have questions, contact Operator Control at (401) 462-0800 or visit:

• Operator Control Division

• John O. Pastore Complex

• Harrington Hall - Lower Level

• 30 Howard Ave. Bldg. #58

• Cranston, RI 02920

Hardship or Provisional Licenses

Rhode Island does not offer a hardship or provisional license. If your license is suspended or revoked, you won't be allowed to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, or substance-abuse treatment programs.