Rhode Island Strengthens Drunken Driving Laws

December 1, 2009

  • December 1, 2009 at 9:57 am
    lucy says:
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    Not quite understanding how this works…..So you were previously able to drive drunk, cause a serious accident, refuse to take a BAC test, and get off ‘scott free’? In PA if you refuse to take a BAC you are automatically charged with a DUI of .12 (i think), lose your license, pay the fines, etc.

  • December 1, 2009 at 11:43 am
    wudchuck says:
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    so a bac they could decline, what about a breathalyzer? can they refuse that too? how can they allow these folks from at least 1 of the 2? did they do the other test from the field?

    it should not if they refuse, is what kind of punishment. did we make it stiff enough to understand that you are messing around with the safety of one’s life, including your own and those around you.

  • December 1, 2009 at 12:31 pm
    Optimist says:
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    The law varies from state to state, but I believe you can refuse the test in most (if not all) of them. Usually, your license is suspended and you face fines/penalties that are similar to actually getting a DUI.

  • December 1, 2009 at 12:49 pm
    WK says:
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    You can refuse it here but to do so it an automatic suspension and fine as if you got a DUI. The only difference is you don’t have to take the alcohol classes if you were convicted of a DUI. It sounds like this State’s new law means they can basically force you to submit a blood test. What are they going to do, hold you down and stick the needle in you? I am all for tough DUI laws so don’t take that thought the wrong way. Just found it uncomfortable to think about a State being able to force you to submit to a blood test for a DUI. Whatever works for them I guess. I just don’t drink so it won’t happen to me.

  • December 1, 2009 at 12:55 pm
    Azekiel says:
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    Our badly flawed legal system doesn’t respond to DUI citations/convications anyway so all this is nonsense will make no difference getting drunks off the road. I’m sure everyone has read articles about people who have DUI citations in the double digits and are still behind the wheel. What good is this test if there’s no teeth in the law? This is just another feel good law so people will think the politicians are doing something.



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