A first-offense DUI in Rhode Island carries up to 1 year in jail, fines from $100 to $500 plus surcharges, 10 to 60 hours of community service, license suspension of 30 to 180 days for BAC under 0.15 (longer for higher BAC), and mandatory attendance at a DUI education program. Higher BAC tiers (0.10 to 0.15 and over 0.15) bring longer suspensions and higher fines. Ignition interlock applies to certain first offenses, particularly those at or above 0.15. The real cost across fines, fees, ignition interlock, insurance hikes, and lost work time routinely runs into the low five figures over multiple years.
