Hardship License and Ignition Interlock  

Rhode Island affords a motorist accused of DUI or Chemical Test Refusal the ability to operate a motor vehicle after a preliminary suspension has been imposed but the Court upon a finding of need supported by a sworn affidavit.  The Hardship license will allow the motorist to drive as set forth in a Court Order for up to 12 hours per day. 

Once the Court has ordered a Hardship License, you must appear at the Division of Motor Vehicles, Adjudication Office, with the following documents:

• Proof of installation of the Ignition Interlock Device (Installation Certificate.)

• Court Order from the Superior Court/District Court/RI Traffic Tribunal with requirements for hardship license, including the authorized hours of operation. You must pay $100.00 Ignition Interlock fee to at the Division of Motor Vehicles, Adjudication Office.

In drug related cases, the court may issue a hardship license with no Interlock which will still require the hardship restriction on the license.

In accordance with R.I.G.L. 31-27-2.8(b)(7), you must have a copy of the Court Order granting the Hardship License in your vehicle at all times while operating under the Hardship.

Once the Court has ordered an Ignition Interlock and your suspension period is over (AKA - Hard Loss) or completion of your Hardship period, you must appear at the Division of Motor Vehicles, Adjudication Office with the following documents to be reinstated:

• Proof of installation of the Ignition Interlock Device (Installation Certificate.)

• Court Order from the Superior Court/District Court/RI Traffic Tribunal with

specifications of the Ignition Interlock.

• Payment of $100.00 Ignition Interlock fee to be paid at the Division of Motor

Vehicles, Adjudication Office (unless already paid upon issuance of Hardship license.)

• Payment of the required fee for DWI School (if ordered by the court.)

• Payment to update license to add interlock restriction ($28.50.)

• Payment of Reinstatement Fees (License-$352.50/Registration-$252.50.)

***FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY RESULT IN CONTINUED SUSPENSION AND MAY SUBJECT THE MOTORIST TO ADDITIONAL

PENALTIES.

***THE DMV REQUIRES AN APPOINTMENT TO ACCESS THE BUILDING.