
What is Aggressive Driving?
A person may be liable for aggressive driving if they commit two or more violations detailed in Rhode Island General Laws § 31-27.1-3 (“Aggressive Driving Act”), which include:
(1) 31-13-4. Obedience to devices.
(2) 31-15-5. Overtaking on the right.
(3) 31-15-1. Driving within a traffic lane.
(4) 31-15-12. Interval between vehicles (following too closely).
(5) 31-15-12.1 Yielding right of way.
31-17-1
31-17-2
31-17-4
31-17-6
31-17-7
31-17-8
(6) Entering the Roadway.
31-15-14
31-17-3
31-17-5
(7) Use of Turn Signals.
31-16-5
31-16-6
31-16-8
31-16-9
(8) Chapter 20. Offenses relating to school buses, special stops, stop signs, and yield signs.
(9) 31-15-16. Use of emergency break-down lane for travel.
It should be noted that the two violations must be coincident to operating a motor vehicle and occur at the same time or immediately preceding the traffic stop or police encounter.
Aggressive Driving Penalties
The penalties for aggressive driving are generally higher than most traffic offense penalties. Further, Rhode Island Law permits the lesser included offenses (which in total constitute “aggressive driving” by definition) separately. In addition to the penalties prescribed by the Aggressive Driving Act, you could face increased insurance rates if found guilty of aggressive driving.
A fine of $260 - $500
Driver retraining classes
Minimum license suspension of thirty (30) days
What is the difference between Aggressive Driving and Reckless Driving?
Although both offenses have the potential to result in devastating consequences for the person charged and others involved, Aggressive Driving is a civil (not criminal) offense punishable by a fine, driver retraining classes, and/or license suspension. Reckless Driving is a criminal offense punishable by a period of incarceration/jail time in addition to a fine, driver retraining classes, and/or license suspension. A person charged with Reckless Driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the first conviction and a felony for the second or subsequent conviction according to § 31-27-4.
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