2015 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 23 - Health and Safety
Chapter 23-1.10 - Alcoholism
Section 23-1.10-16 - Limits on application of laws punishing intoxication.
§ 23-1.10-16 Limits on application of laws punishing intoxication. – (a) Neither the state, municipality, nor other political subdivision of the state or municipality may adopt or enforce a law, ordinance, resolution, or rule having the force of law that includes drinking, being a common drunkard, or being found in an intoxicated condition as one of the elements of the offense giving rise to a criminal or civil penalty or sanction.
(b) Neither the state, municipality, nor other political subdivision of the state or municipality shall interpret or apply any law of general application to circumvent the provision of subsection (a).
(c) Nothing in this chapter affects any law, ordinance, resolution, or rule against drunken driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, or other similar offense involving the operation of a vehicle, aircraft, boat, machinery, or other equipment, or regarding the sale, purchase, dispensing, possessing, or use of alcoholic beverages at stated time and places or by a particular class of persons.
History of Section.
(P.L. 1972, ch. 130, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 40.1-4-16; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 4.)
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