Rhode Island’s Colin Foote Act
Rhode Island’s Colin Foote Act
In 2010, the Rhode Island legislature passed what is known as the Colin Foote Act. The purpose behind this Act is to prevent and punish habitual traffic offenders. In doing so, courts enforce harsher penalties for people who get four moving violations within an eighteen-month period. The Act (Rhode Island General Laws § 31-27-24) specifically provides:
“Every person convicted of moving violations on four (4) separate and distinct occasions within an eighteen (18) month period may be fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), and shall be ordered to attend sixty (60) hours of driver retraining, shall be ordered to perform sixty (60) hours of public community service, and the person’s operator license in this state may be suspended up to one year or revoked by the court for a period of up to two (2) years. Prior to the suspension or revocation of a person’s license to operate within the state, the court shall make specific findings of fact and determine if the person’s continued operation of a motor vehicle would pose a substantial traffic safety hazard.”
What is a “moving violation”?
A moving violation is essentially any traffic violation that is committed while the motor vehicle is in motion. § 31-27-24(c) provides a list of these violations. A moving violation does not include, for example, a parking ticket or a technical paperwork violation.
What penalties can you get for violating Colin Foote in Rhode Island?
The penalties are enumerated in the statute provided above. While penalties vary by case, they include the following:
- A fine of up to $1,000.00
- 60 hours of driver retraining classes
- 60 hours of community service
- License suspension for up to one (1) year
- License revocation for up to two (2) years
Being a Colin Foote violator can affect your life in many ways whether it’s an increased financial burden, time away from your life to complete classes or community service, losing your job due to your inability to drive to and from work, etc.. Don’t let your driving record negatively consume other areas of your life. Hire a Rhode Island traffic ticket lawyer today! Call the Law Offices of Stefanie A. Murphy, LLC for your FREE consultation right now! (401) 316-9423
