The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association announced that the state’s BAT Mobile will be stationed in North Kingstown this weekend as part of an intensified effort to combat impaired driving.
The mobile enforcement unit will be deployed at 1300 Ten Rod Road on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. The operation will be a collaborative effort between the North Kingstown Police Department, East Greenwich Police Department, and Rhode Island State Police.
“It’s shaping up to be a beautiful weekend, and we anticipate busy roads as both residents and visitors head out to enjoy it,” said Chief Thomas Oates of the Woonsocket Police Department, who serves as president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association.
Oates emphasized the importance of planning ahead for those who intend to consume alcohol or cannabis. “With DUI patrols active across the state and the BAT Mobile deployed in North Kingstown, impaired drivers will be identified and you will be arrested,” he warned. “Make the smart choice: designate a sober driver, use rideshare, or stay where you are.”
The enforcement comes as summer weekend traffic typically increases, with residents and visitors taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to travel throughout the state.
Under Rhode Island law, a first DUI offense carries significant penalties, including possible jail time of up to one year, mandatory license suspension from three to eighteen months, community service requirements of 10 to 60 hours, and fines ranging from $100 to $500. Additional fees can push total costs into the thousands of dollars.
The state requires drivers to submit to chemical testing of blood, breath, or urine to determine impairment levels. Refusing these tests triggers automatic penalties, including license suspension of six months to one year for first-time offenders, fines of $200 to $500, mandatory community service, and required attendance at specialized courses on impaired driving.
Repeat offenders face escalating consequences, with potential jail sentences of up to six months for second offenses and up to one year for third or subsequent offenses within a five-year period.
The weekend enforcement initiative represents part of ongoing statewide efforts to reduce impaired driving incidents during peak travel periods.
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