Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Rhode Island, state leaders, and community advocates highlighted public safety legislation passed in 2024 to extend the “lookback” period for impaired driving offenses from five years to 10 years. They also reaffirmed their commitment to holding accountable those who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Rhode Island, especially repeat DUI offenders.
“Increasing our DUI lookback period is a long overdue victory in addressing a public safety crisis,” said Attorney General Neronha. “This victory did not happen overnight, nor did it happen in a silo; it took collaboration, community advocacy, and firm commitment to protecting the public from those who choose to drive while impaired. And while I strongly believe this new law will have a deterrent effect, my Office knows, from working with victims and their families every day, that justice and accountability matter. Year after year, my Office prosecutes impaired drivers, some of whom cause irrevocable harm to innocent Rhode Islanders. These horrific tragedies are entirely avoidable – and they must stop. Once again, I am very grateful to our sponsors, supporters, and advocates who helped pass this critical law; there’s always more work to be done, and I look forward to their continued partnership.”
In June 2024, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed a bill introduced at the request of Attorney General Peter F. Neronha to extend the lookback period for which a driver convicted of a second or subsequent violation of driving under the influence or failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests can receive an enhanced penalty from five years to 10 years. Since repeat DUI offenses carry harsher penalties, an increased lookback period will serve as a deterrent and ensure that drivers with a history of operating vehicles under the influence are punished appropriately.
“A great victory has been won in the fight for DUI legislation, but there is much more to do,” said Wesley Pennington, MADD RI Program Director. “Now is the time to stand closer together and fight harder for safer roads in Rhode Island. Together we can see an end to impaired driving and a future with no more victims.”
Impaired driving remains a significant public safety issue in Rhode Island. In 2022, nearly 43% of all traffic-related fatalities involved alcohol impairment. According to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), law enforcement agencies arrest approximately 3,000 drivers for driving under the influence annually. In 2022, nearly 70 percent of arrested individuals refused chemical testing; those who submitted averaged a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 0.17—more than twice the legal limit.
“The sad truth is that many offenders don’t learn until they cause permanent injury or death,” said Senator V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37). “The problem seems only getting worse; this law is desperately needed.”
“Every year we face senseless tragedy as residents continue getting hurt or killed due to drunk or high drivers,” said Representative Patricia Serpa (D-Dist. 27). “Too many children and family members have been taken away due to criminal actions behind the wheel.”
“During my time in the House of Representatives, I was proud to introduce this legislation,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “I am grateful for Attorney General Neronha’s determination along with Chair Sosnowski's and Chair Serpa's efforts.”
“The passage of this legislation is a beacon of light for many victims and survivors,” said Jennifer O’Neil, MADD RI Victim Advocate.
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) aims to end drunk driving and support victims through various initiatives including supportive services provided free through local victim advocates.