Alcohol, Drugs & Graduated Licensing
Impaired driving is a serious crime in Rhode Island, and new drivers face added training and limits while they gain experience. Knowing these rules protects your license and your safety.
Impaired driving limits
A driver 21 or older is legally impaired at 0.08 percent BAC. Drivers under 21 face a stricter 0.02 percent zero-tolerance standard, so any measurable alcohol can lead to license action.
Driver education
Rhode Island requires drivers under 18 to complete a 33-hour classroom driver education course before licensing, along with supervised practice.
Graduated licensing
During the first year, an intermediate license holder under 18 is generally restricted from driving 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and from carrying more than one passenger under 21 who is not immediate family, with limited exceptions. Confirm the current stages, ages, and hours with the RI DMV.