The bill amends Section 31-11-18.1 of the General Laws to enhance penalties for driving with a denied, revoked, or suspended license due to certain offenses, including operating under the influence, refusing a chemical test, reckless driving, vehicular manslaughter, or accumulating three moving violations within a year. It classifies the first and second offenses as misdemeanors and the third or subsequent offenses as felonies, with increasing fines and imprisonment terms for repeat offenses within a five-year period. The bill includes insertions that specify the list of violations, renumber items accordingly, and detail the mandatory fines and minimum imprisonment terms for each conviction. It also gives jurisdiction to the district court and states that no penalties under this section can be suspended.

Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement officers confiscate the license plates of a vehicle if the owner is arrested for driving with a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license due to refusing a chemical test or operating under the influence. The plates would be impounded for at least 90 days, with provisions for their return if charges are dropped or dismissed, and allows for temporary substitute plates if impoundment causes undue hardship to the offender's dependents. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
116: 31-11-18.1