RI H8097

Expands the list of license suspension reasons that trigger criminal penalties for driving while suspended to include: lack of physical or mental fitness, frequency of offenses under § 31-11-7(a)(1)(i), and any court-ordered license suspension

First and second offenses for driving while suspended under these categories constitute a misdemeanor; third or subsequent offenses become a felony

First conviction carries a mandatory $500 fine; second conviction within 5 years also carries $500 fine; subsequent convictions within 5 years carry $1,000 fine with potential imprisonment up to one year

Division of Motor Vehicles must impose additional license suspensions upon conviction: minimum 3 months for first offense, minimum 6 months for second offense, and license revocation for subsequent offenses

Takes effect upon passage