Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Rhode Island Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: First speeding ticket, 10mph over speed limit. Could I request forgiveness under "good driving statute"?

I got my first speeding ticket (10mph over the speed limit) in RI. I had my license for a little over a year now with an absolute clean record, would it be worth going to the court pleading guilty and requesting for forgiveness? Thanks!

Allison Abilheira
Allison Abilheira
answered on Aug 5, 2018

You do not qualify for the good driving record, as you need to have had your license for at least three years to be able to use the good driving statute. However, a judge may allow you to do community service or simply pay Court costs for your first ticket, so that it does not go on your driving... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: I recieved a notice in the mail my license would be suspended for not paying a ticket, I never recieved a ticket

The office gave me a verbal warning and told me to slow down. I haven't received anything in the mail until now. How can I prove at a hearing he gave me q verbal warning and now saying he ticketed me?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 18, 2018

Time to go to court. Best thing to bring with you, a good attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: I received a speeding ticket in RI my first violation and I paid it in full before my designated court hearing.

Does this mean I forfeit the right to dispute a Good driving record? I misunderstood how the summons read.

Allison Abilheira
Allison Abilheira
answered on Mar 17, 2018

Yes, unfortunately you did. You will need to file a motion to vacate the guilty plea. You will be given a hearing date and on that date you can explain and ask to use the good driving record.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: Can police still issue citation after over a month of not contacting us about incident?

My wife was involved in car accident with no other motor vehicles and did not have proof of insurance at the time of incident and was never cited now after over a month they are trying to fine her is this possible by law?

Bernard P. Healy
Bernard P. Healy
answered on Mar 3, 2018

I do not have sufficient information to answer this question fully or accurately. I think the answer is not one you will want hear. The Police can issue a citation after over a month, despite not contacting you earlier. You mentioned that this was a single car collision. Did the police arrive at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: Pulled over going twenty over the speed limit. Officer marked I was only going 5 over the speed limit. First offense.

Rhode Island's Good Driving Record statute states that individuals with no traffic violations within three years can get the charge dismissed. Will my judge go off the speed that the officer marked down, or the actual speed posted which was twenty over the speed limit?

Allison Abilheira
Allison Abilheira
answered on Jan 26, 2018

The judge does not use the "actual/police use" speed to determine good driving eligibility, rather it goes by what the police officer actually charged you with, which in this case is 1-10 mph over.

As long as you have had your license for more than three years and have kept a...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: What light color is NOT allowed on a registered automobile. Foglights,halo headlights,etc
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 22, 2018

flashing lights are prohibited. See the general laws for more details.

TITLE 31

Motor and Other Vehicles

CHAPTER 31-24

Lighting Equipment and Reflectors

SECTION 31-24-31

§ 31-24-31. Flashing lights – Forward viewing or rotary beam lights....
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: Can the City of Providence get the RI DMV to suspend my license for an unpaid parking ticket? What is the law on that?

I received a parking ticket I contested three times by letter. After the third letter they threatened me with license suspension. The ticket is less than 90 days old. If they can do this, what is the law that allows it? Thank you.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 11, 2018

Hire an attorney to assist you before(or after) you find you car immobilized by the notorious BOOT.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: Will it be easier to hire a lawyer to request 'good driving record' plea?

I am going to be out of country on the date mentioned on my citation. I have good driving record for last 5 and a half years. Is there a way I can request a dismissal before I leave?

Matthew T. Marin
Matthew T. Marin
answered on Oct 24, 2017

In Rhode Island, a Lawyer can represent you at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal to enter an admission seeking dismissal under the good driving statute. If you are leaving the Country, it is in your best interest to get your affairs in order with the lawyer well before you leave.

In the...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: Will a judge accept the 3 year clean record if I was a month away from 3 years clean?

I got a speeding citation (40 in a 30) towards the end of July. The officer told me about the out of state (I'm a MA driver) 3 year record defense. I checked my record and I was probably a little over a month away from 3 years at the time of citation. Would a judge reasonably accept the... View More

Matthew T. Marin
Matthew T. Marin
answered on Aug 15, 2017

In that situation I believe that it is worth the shot. While you may not be technically eligible for application of the Good Driving Statute, they Prosecutor and the Judge may give you some leeway since you are so close. As always, your best bet is with an experienced traffic court attorney by... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: If someone can't afford the price of the speeding ticket they got are they able to work it off with community service?
Matthew T. Marin
Matthew T. Marin
answered on Aug 5, 2017

Unfortunately, the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal does not exchange community service in lieu of court fines and court costs.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: My 17 yr old was given a summons for speeding.... what does this mean? Will his license be suspended?

Do we just appear in court for the fine?? Can he use 1st offense plea? He was going 70 in a 40.

Matthew T. Marin
Matthew T. Marin
answered on Aug 1, 2017

If he is 17 years old then he will not be able to use his good driving record. A good driving record requires no moving violations within the past 3 years and he has not been licensed for a full three years at this time.

Given his age and that he was ticketed going 30 mph over the speed...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: If I was pulled over for speeding in RI, and I'm from MA, can I pay the ticket online?
Matthew T. Marin
Matthew T. Marin
answered on Jul 27, 2017

No, currently you cannot pre-pay your ticket online. You can pay the ticket by mail with a check and you can attempt to call the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal (401-275-2700) with your ticket number and pay it by phone. The State is upgrading the computer system and you may be able to pre-pay... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: Pulled over told my license was suspended for failure to pay a ticket from 1993. What should I do
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 26, 2017

Retain an attorney to assist you in getting this resolved.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: I was pulled over for suspended registration due to lack of insurance. I have court this Thursday. What if I do not hav

proof of insurance before court?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jun 25, 2017

You will most likely be adjudged guilty of the offense charged.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: Rhode Island: I had been pulled over for a expired inspection. It ran out 12/16 and got pulled over 3/10/17.

I got my ticket and will be paying it off and get my car legitimately inspected but my questions are... (1) how will the police know if I inspected it if I do NOT need to show up if the ticket gets paid before the court date. (2) the police gave me 30 days to get it inspected, if I went to the... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 3, 2017

You will likely need to go to court and show them the inspection printout.

They have a computer system to track the inspections now and if you do not comply, you may receive a notice of suspension

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: If I pay my ticket one day before the actual court date do I still need to attend court?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 3, 2017

Not if the ticket provides for a pay by mail option. If the dates are close, you might want to confirm the receipt of the payment before the court date or go "just to be sure"

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: When driving a motor with the learner permit should someone with license be always with me while im driving
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 3, 2017

Read that rule book you got with your permit. It's important.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: I took a turn (in Providence, RI) and there was a school bus directly around the corner. I did not see that the stop

sign was up and I did not stop until I was at the stop sign, at which point I noticed it and slammed on the breaks. What are my chances of getting a summon, and what are my chances of winning if I fight a conviction?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Apr 16, 2017

Be careful out there. As long as you didn't pass the bus, you should be OK. If you are given a citation, your chances for achieving a good result will be enhanced if you engage an attorney to assist you.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: Www.blinkingbrakelights.com Are these legal in Rhode Island?

These brake light bulbs flash 3 times then stay lit with one push of the brake. Are these legal or illegal in Rhode Island? I didn't find anything that says that they would be I'd be considered illegal.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 30, 2017

If they are the equivalent of tapping the brakes three times, then arguably yes. If they could be construed as flashing lights, only law enforcement are permitted to use, then no.

see: TITLE 31

Motor and Other vehicles

CHAPTER 31-24

Lighting Equipment and...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: In Rhode Island, can a cop pull someone over for speeding when they are NOT in their city/town?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 30, 2017

If you mean: May an officer stop someone in violation who is not from their town?, the answer is likely yes. If you are asking: Is an officer permitted to write citations outside of their jurisdiction?, that is a point that is best argued by counsel as there are some factors that MAY permit that... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.