Rhode Island's implied consent law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.1) provides that any person operating a motor vehicle in the state is deemed to have consented to chemical testing of breath, blood, or urine if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing the test triggers automatic license suspension and a separate civil charge, even if you are not ultimately convicted of DUI. The law applies to all drivers on Rhode Island roads regardless of state of residence. The officer must advise you of the consequences of refusal before requesting the test, and procedural failures in that advisement can support a defense to the refusal charge.
