The bill amends Section 31-11-18.1 of the General Laws concerning the suspension or revocation of licenses due to violations. It introduces new legal language that specifies the section as "Driving after denial, revocation, or suspension for certain violations." The bill expands the list of offenses that would classify as violations for unlicensed driving, including driving after a license has been denied, revoked, or suspended for reasons such as operating under the influence of a controlled substance, reckless driving, and having been designated a frequent offender. Notably, the bill replaces the term "narcotic drug" with "controlled substance" and removes references to "manslaughter from the operation of a motor vehicle."

Additionally, the bill establishes stricter penalties for violations, including mandatory fines and imprisonment for first, second, and subsequent offenses. For instance, a first conviction incurs a mandatory fine of $500 and a minimum of ten days in jail, while a second conviction results in a fine of $500 and imprisonment for six months to one year. Subsequent convictions carry a fine of $1,000 and potential imprisonment of up to one year. The bill also stipulates that no fines, suspensions, treatment, or jail sentences can be suspended, ensuring that penalties are enforced without leniency. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
571: 31-11-18.1