Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
Although it does provide specific information that include regular, CDL or employee driving records, the online service at Cranston does not offer the possibility of getting certified copies online. Certified copies with official DMV stamp can only be obtained via mail or in person. You may want to check which state authority holds non-certified copies satisfactory as some only accept certified copies.

More information: Your Rhode Island Driving Record

Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
If the court of jurisdiction orders that you attend traffic school, in addition to the fact that you need to pay speeding ticket, you will need to be retrained. The Driver Retraining office at DMV Cranston is responsible for coordinating traffic education. Classes are held at the state authorized Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). You will need to register to attend the driving course within four weeks after the court order date.

More information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Rhode Island

How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
There are several options for paying traffic ticket in Rhode Island and they depend on the options offered by the actual court of jurisdiction.

Payment options are stated on the traffic ticket and, if under the jurisdiction of the Traffic Tribunal, and may include:

  • Via mail
  • Via Internet
  • In person
  • At a court hearing

Traffic fines under the jurisdiction of a Municipal Court can be paid if you contact the court in the relevant municipality and check their options.

More information: How to pay a traffic ticket in Rhode Island

How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
If you suspect someone has misused the data from your driving record you must immediately inform the DMV office in Cranston about your notion. Misuse of personal data is considered a criminal act and offenders will be charged with criminal convictions by the state. You can also decide to submit a lawsuit and bring violators to court for civil action.

More information: Your Rhode Island Driving Record

How do I get a copy of my driving record?
Checking driving records in Rhode Island can be done in three ways:
  • In person (for certified copies) at:

DMV Operator Control

600 New London Avenue

Cranston

RI 02920-3024

  • Via mail
  • Online (for non-certified copies only)

More information: Your Rhode Island Driving Record

How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
To get your traffic ticket dismissed you will need to follow through with the instructions listed on your court order. Certain violations ask that you refrain form further traffic offenses in a defined time frame.

On occasions, you may decide to contact a traffic lawyer and get legal advice on dealing with the imposed measures. This could be of help as traffic fines related cases are seldom unified and require individualized approach.

More information: Get a Rhode Island Traffic Ticket Lawyer to Fight Your Ticket

How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
If you need to get a copy of someone else’s driving record you will need to adhere to the federal guidelines for data protection. Certain information is accessible with no restriction, whereas some of it, especially data that may disclose personal identification or address requires permission from the concerned party.

Provided you have taken into account the above restrictions, drivers report can be obtained in the same way as personal records: online, in person or via mail at Operator Control at the DMV office in Cranston. You will need to have information for the date of birth, license number, zip code and last name of the record owner.

More information: Your Rhode Island Driving Record

How do I reinstate my license if I refused to submit a breath/urine/blood test?
Failing to submit to a chemical test in Rhode Island is a completely separate traffic violation and it can result in adrivers license suspension.

Assuming that you have finished all other offense related activities that have been ordered by the court, you will need to pay the DWI $151.50 reinstatement fee and visit DMV Operator Control in Cranston for details on further steps you must take.

DUI/DWI measures usually go in a bundle. Therefore, it is a good idea if you check with a DUI lawyer what can be done to improve your driving record faster.

More information: DUI/DWI Information for Rhode Island

How do I remove points from my driver’s license?
As the state of Rhode Island does not introduce a point-based system for its drivers, there is no need to pay attention to removing points from your drivers license. When dealing with traffic ticket fines or clearing driving record, you can get in touch with Operator Control at DMV main headquarters.

You will be instructed on the measures you need to take to improve your driving record. The RI DMV will also be able to assist if you have been pronounced a Habitual Traffic Offender.

More information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Rhode Island

How many points can I get on my driving record before my driver’s license is suspended?
The state of Rhode Island does not use a point-based system. This does not mean that the driving history is not kept on file and that subsequent violations do not have effect on your driving record.

Three consecutive violations in three years will entitle you the status of Habitual Traffic Offender and may put you into a situation that could result in a drivers license suspension.

More information: Your Rhode Island Driving Record

How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
A point-based system for drivers does not exist in Rhode Island. Repetitive violations are subject to you acquiring the status of Habitual Traffic Offender, which will have effect on your driving record.

The action you will need to take depends on the restrictions and the instructions given by the relevant court and the opinion of the Medical Advisory Board at DMV Operator Control.

Depending on their opinion you will need to go through indicated programs, which may include additional drivers course.

More information: Your Rhode Island Driving Record

If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
In case you have been negligent when paying traffic fines and you have failed to keep the ticket you can get information on your driving record in DMV Rhode Island Operator Control at the main office in Cranston. Operator Control deals with suspensions and can provide you with a certified copy of your driving record, if you visit them in person, and a non-certified record online. You can also contact the relevant city court or municipal authority to find the information again.

Contact information is usually available at the front of the summons for the ticket. You can search for the information online by:

  • Summons number
  • Case number
  • Party name
  • Business name
  • Drivers license number

More information: How to pay a traffic ticket in Rhode Island

If my driver’s license was confiscated at the time of my DUI/DWI arrest, how do I get it back?
Driving under the influence is a serious offense, which can result in your driving license being confiscated and kept in the local law enforcement agency. The relevant court and the Medical Advisory Board at DMV Operator Control can rule to put you under several measures, which can, but may not be limited to the following requirements:
  • Fine payment
  • Alcohol awareness program
  • Driving course
  • Reinstatement procedure fees
  • Imprisonment

Getting your suspended license back will expect that you improve your driving record by successfully addressing these measures. You will then need to go ahead and reinstate revoked drivers license by applying at DMV offices.

More information: DUI/DWI Information for Rhode Island

What are the different types of driving records?
When you check police records in Rhode Island to get data about the status of someone’s driving license, you can get several types of driving reports depending on the format, the type of license and the inquiry package, including:
  • Certified copy for official use
  • Non-certified copy with limited use
  • CDL copy with medical data included
  • Multiple driving record history usually needed for businesses

The DMV in Cranston is the only office authorized for issuing driving records. You can contact them for more information about the actual type of record you need.

More information: Your Rhode Island Driving Record

What are the penalties of being convicted of driving under the influence?
DWI can result in very strict fines. Whoever is driving under the influence in Rhode Island can be considered guilty ofan offense, misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the unlawful behavior and can be subject to the following penalties:
  • Fines
  • Imprisonment
  • Vehicle confiscation
  • Community service
  • License suspension or confiscation
  • Additional drivers training
  • Alcohol awareness program

More information: DUI/DWI Information for Rhode Island

What happens if I get traffic ticket fines and I have a CDL?
Holding the responsibility of a CDL license puts you in a more serious position when you get traffic fines.Continuous violations of traffic laws may result in getting your commercial drivers license downgraded, suspended or revoked.

If you make new traffic offenses, your CDL license will be revoked for good and you will not be able to drive commercially.

More information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Rhode Island

What information does a driving record contain?
When checking driving record in Rhode Island, the Drivers Privacy Protection Act applies. The act is identical on federal level and it stipulates the police record information that can be acquired through DMV, which includes:
  • Traffic accidents
  • Traffic violations
  • Drivers license status
  • Medical self-certification data, effective dates and examiner information (for CDL)

More information: Your Rhode Island Driving Record

What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
What is the cost of a DUI?
Costs for DUI can involve not only the basic fine, but also costs for drivers license reinstatement, and driving training programs, as well as other ordered measures.

Fines that can be ordered by the court in Rhode Island for DWI can vary between $100 and $5,000 and depend on the following factors:

  • Offense repetition
  • Offense consequences
  • Blood alcohol level

Costs are higher for more severe and frequent offenders. Contacting a DUI lawyer is advisable if you intend to dispute your case.

More information: DUI/DWI Information for Rhode Island

What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
Traffic tickets and violations costs in Rhode Island vary depending on the type of infraction you committed. Some traffic ticket fines can be as low as $75, however, the additional expenses can add up to hundreds, even thousands of dollars for very serious traffic offenses.

Get in touch with DMV locations to check the current updated fees for specific ruled measures.

More information: Get a Rhode Island Traffic Ticket Lawyer to Fight Your Ticket

What is the cost to get a driver record?
An online driving report or a driving report obtained in person is charged with a $19.50 fee.

As fees may vary, you may want to check the most recent fee at DMV Cranston in advance.

More information: Your Rhode Island Driving Record

What is the DUI penalty for a CDL driver?
If you drive a commercial vehicle and hold a commercial drivers license (CDL) driving while intoxicated can be a grave hit to your driving record. The blood alcohol limits in Rhode Island are set as low as 0.02 percent.

On top of all ordered actions that refer to regular operator license, you will be denied a commercial driving license if you were convicted of DUI within the last five years of applying for such a license.Repetitive violations will result in permanent CDL license revocation.

More information: DUI/DWI Information for Rhode Island

What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
The law observes minors more carefully for DUI because they are beginner drivers and are susceptible to more traffic violations. DUI penalties for minors under the age of 18 are as follows:
  • For first DUI violation:
    • 10 to 60 hours of public community restitution service
    • Drivers license suspension for a period from 6 to 18 months
  • For subsequent DUI violation:
    • Drivers license suspension until the age of 21
    • One year of additional training
    • Fine of maximum $500

Parental guidance and involvement may be necessary.

More information: DUI/DWI Information for Rhode Island

What must I do to reinstate my driver’s license as a result of a DUI/DWI?
DUI citations in Rhode Island are executed in cooperation between the court of jurisdiction, the Medical Advisory Board and DMV Operator Control in Rhode Island.

Court orders depend on the severity of the offense you have done, on blood alcohol level, on the type of license and on your previous driving record. To reinstate a suspended drivers license, you will need to:

  1. Pay the ordered fine.
  2. Manage the Alcohol Support Form.
  3. Go through a driving course.
  4. Take an alcohol awareness program.
  5. Attend community service.
  6. Pay license reinstatement fee.

More information: DUI/DWI Information for Rhode Island

Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
One activity that you may need to undertake if you get a DUI ticket in Rhode Island is putting an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

DMV Rhode Island issues a Hardship License and Ignition Interlock Instructions form in which you can find more information. To apply for a hardship license, provide the following documents to a RI DMV office:

  • Proof of installation of an ignition interlock device
  • Proof of an SR-22 insurance policy (pink copy)
  • Court order from the relevant court or jurisdiction
  • $100 ignition interlock fee
  • $6.50 fee to add hardship/ interlock restriction
  • Payment of fee for DWI school if ordered by the court
  • Payment of reinstatement fees for license $351.50 and registration $251.50

Failure to respond to this measure may result in further suspension of your drivers license.

More information: DUI/DWI Information for Rhode Island

Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
When you want to pay traffic tickets online in Rhode Island you should go ahead and visit the official website of the Rhode island Traffic Tribunal, which has a well organized online system for information and payment.

The online system provides sufficient information on:

  • Dealing with your specific case.
  • Method of payment.
  • Researching for driving record information.
  • Information on your legal rights to appeal.

Alternatively, you can get in touch with the official city authority in the applicable municipality to check if they have established an online system for parking or traffic ticket fines.

More information: How to pay a traffic ticket in Rhode Island

Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
When you have received a traffic ticket in Rhode Island, it might take some time for the driving record to be fully processed and for the ticket information to appear on the driving record.

On-field officers may need some time to get in touch with DMV offices and send all necessary information. Administrative and IT officials also need to process the police record internally and online. Thus it may on average take up to two weeks to process inquiries so that you can receive the most recent copy.

More information: Your Rhode Island Driving Record

Will I have points against my driver’s license if I get a ticket?
The state of Rhode Island does not present a point-based system for the driving violations and for traffic ticket fines. In case you want to check the status of your drivers license or driving record you can visit DMV Operator Control on the first floor in Cranston and present your transaction number.

You can also look for the status online. For that you will need to provide the following information:

  • Last name
  • Drivers license number
  • Current zip code
  • Date of birth

More information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Rhode Island

Will I have to take an alcohol awareness class to reinstate my driver’s license?
Enrolling into an Alcohol awareness program is a legal requirement for DUI offenders in Rhode Island. The Medical Advisory Board under DMV Cranston is a body established to deal with drivers fitness in terms of toxic substances and other medical issues.

If you have been put under the awareness program, there is a ready-to-use Alcohol Support Form, which is mandatory for reinstating revoked drivers license.

More information: DUI/DWI Information for Rhode Island