This bill amends Section 31-11-18.1 of the General Laws to strengthen penalties for driving without a license or with a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license for certain violations. It adds new legal language that establishes misdemeanor and felony charges for repeat offenses, increases fines and mandatory imprisonment for first and second convictions, and extends the length of license suspension or denial for subsequent violations. The bill also adds a provision that requires law enforcement officers to 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 a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The license plates would be impounded for at least 90 days, but would be returned if the charges are dropped or dismissed. Temporary substitute license plates may be issued if the impoundment would cause undue hardship to the offender's dependents.

This bill strengthens penalties for driving without a license or with a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license for certain violations. It increases fines, mandatory imprisonment, and the length of license suspension or denial for repeat offenses. Additionally, it introduces a provision for the confiscation of license plates in cases of driving with a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license due to refusing a chemical test or operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Statutes affected:
5212: 31-11-18.1