Rhode Island § 31-40-8 - Habitual Offenders
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 31-40-8 — Habitual Offenders, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-40-8. Habitual Offenders
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-40-8
§ 31-40-8. Operation of motor vehicle by habitual offender prohibited — Penalty — Enforcement of section.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle in this state while the order of the court prohibiting the operation is in effect. The operation may be punished by imprisonment of not more than five (5) years. No portion of the sentence shall be suspended or deferred, except that in cases where the operation is necessitated in situations of apparent extreme emergency which require the operation to save life or limb, the sentence, or any part of it may be suspended or deferred.
(b) For the purpose of enforcing this section, in any case in which the accused is charged with driving a motor vehicle while his or her license, permit, or privilege to drive is suspended or revoked, or who is charged with driving without a license, the court before hearing the charge shall determine whether the person has been held an habitual offender and by reason of the holding, is barred from operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 219, § 2.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 31-40-8
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 31-40-8 cover?
Section 31-40-8 ("Habitual Offenders") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 31-40-8?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 31-40-8" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 31-40-8 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.