The bill amends Chapter 31-27 of the General Laws, which pertains to motor vehicle offenses, specifically focusing on driving under the influence (DUI) of intoxicating substances. It includes an insertion in section 31-27-2 to clarify the offense of DUI, the conditions for chemical testing, and evidence admissibility in court. The bill mandates that chemical tests must be performed according to methods approved by the Rhode Island Department of Health and by an authorized individual. It also requires that breath analysis equipment be tested for accuracy within 30 days preceding the test. Sentencing guidelines for first-time offenders are detailed based on their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, with the bill removing the provision that considered the presence of any scheduled controlled substance as a factor in sentencing. It changes the language from "may" to "shall" regarding the prohibition of operating vehicles without the required systems, emphasizing the mandatory nature of these penalties.

The bill also introduces changes to the duration of mandatory use of an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing for individuals convicted of DUI offenses, with increased minimum periods for repeat offenders. It allows for vehicle seizure and sale by the state for third or subsequent offenses within five years. The bill outlines penalties for DUI with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license, and for DUI with a child under thirteen in the vehicle. It establishes an alcohol and drug safety unit within the division of motor vehicles, requires attendance at a special course on DUI, and clarifies that no fines, suspensions, assessments, or other penalties can be suspended under this section. Additionally, the bill specifies procedures and consequences for refusing to submit to chemical tests, including mandatory installation of an ignition interlock system, and introduces a new $100 assessment fee to be paid to the ignition interlock fund by individuals who refuse to submit to a chemical test or are found in violation of the DUI section. The bill also mandates that individuals subject to license suspension or those convicted of DUI offenses must not operate a vehicle without an ignition interlock system, as provided by law, and includes provisions for blood and urine testing.