The bill amends Section 31-11-18.1 of the General Laws regarding the suspension or revocation of licenses due to specific driving violations. It introduces new legal language that specifies the offenses leading to penalties for driving after denial, revocation, or suspension of a license, including operating under the influence, refusing a chemical test, reckless driving, and causing death through dangerous driving. The bill establishes a tiered penalty system, where first and second offenses are classified as misdemeanors, while third or subsequent offenses are felonies. It also mandates fines and minimum imprisonment terms for these violations, with the district court having jurisdiction over such cases.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that requires law enforcement officers to impound the license plates of vehicles owned by individuals arrested for driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license due to specific violations. The impoundment period is set for a minimum of ninety days, but the plates must be returned if charges are dropped or dismissed. Furthermore, the court has the discretion to issue temporary substitute license plates if the impoundment would cause undue hardship to the offender's dependents. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
214: 31-11-18.1