Rhode Island
Rhode Island Rings in 2025 with 108 DUI Arrests Over the New Year Holiday – Newport Buzz
Rhode Island law enforcement didn’t take a holiday break during the New Year’s season, making 108 arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) between December 27, 2024, and January 5, 2025. The crackdown was a collaborative effort among all 38 municipal police departments and the Rhode Island State Police, aimed at keeping roads safe during the busy holiday period.
“I’m proud of the work that our police officers are doing to keep our roadways safe, but at the same time, these numbers are deeply concerning,” said Colonel Bradford Connor, President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Warwick Chief of Police. “Driving under the influence is never acceptable, and our message is clear: if you choose to drink or use cannabis and drive, you will be caught, and you will be arrested. This holiday season, 108 people learned that the hard way and will spend the next months—and years—dealing with the consequences.”
Harsh Penalties for a Costly Mistake
Rhode Island’s DUI laws carry significant penalties for offenders. A first-time DUI conviction can result in:
- A jail sentence of up to one year at the Adult Correctional Institution (ACI).
- License suspension lasting 3 to 18 months.
- Mandatory community service ranging from 10 to 60 hours.
- Fines between $100 and $500, with additional fees that can add up to thousands.
Refusing to take a chemical test, such as a blood, breath, or urine test, also has serious consequences. First-time refusals can lead to:
- License suspension for six months to one year.
- Fines of $200 to $500.
- Community service requirements and mandatory alcohol or drug education programs.
Repeat offenders face even stiffer penalties, including potential incarceration and extended license suspension or ignition interlock periods.
A Deadly Gamble
Despite widespread campaigns against impaired driving, the holiday season often sees a spike in DUIs. Law enforcement and public safety officials are urging Rhode Islanders to plan ahead, use rideshare services, or designate a sober driver to avoid endangering lives and facing life-altering legal repercussions.
“This isn’t just about getting arrested—it’s about saving lives,” Connor emphasized.
As Rhode Island moves into 2025, the message remains firm: impaired driving will not be tolerated, and law enforcement will be out in full force to ensure the roads remain safe for everyone.
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Related
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 4, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from March 4 drawing
07-14-42-47-56, Powerball: 06, Power Play: 4
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from March 4 drawing
Midday: 2-7-4-4
Evening: 7-6-0-2
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from March 4 drawing
08-11-12-18-24, Extra: 15
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 4 drawing
12-13-36-39-58, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
When it comes to expressing ourselves, Rhode Islanders have elevated license plates to an art form. You might not be able to get a new vanity plate — the state suspended applications in 2021 after a judge ruled a Tesla owner could keep his FKGAS plates — but you can still express your Rhody pride with one of seventeen state-approved charity plates. The program has funded ocean research, thrown parades, saved crumbling lighthouses and even provided meals for residents. About half of the $43.50 surcharge goes to the associated charity, while the other half covers the production cost.
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Atlantic Shark Institute
Year first approved: 2022
Plates currently on road: 7,007
Total raised: $269,530
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse
Year first approved: 2009
Plates currently on road: 5,024
Total raised: $336,890
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island
Year first approved: 2013
Plates currently on road: 2,102
Funds raised: $32,080
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Rocky Point Foundation
Year first approved: 2016
Plates currently on road: 1,616
Funds raised: $50,450
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Rhode Island Community Food Bank
Year first approved: 2002
Plates currently on road: 765
Funds raised since 2021: $11,060*
*Prior to 2021, customers ordered plates directly through the food bank, and total revenue numbers are not available.
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
Year first approved: 2009
Plates currently on road: 1,472
Funds raised: $136,740
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Audubon Society of Rhode Island and Save the Bay
Year first approved: 2006
Plates currently on road: 1,132
Funds raised: $61,380 for each organization (proceeds split evenly)
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Boston Bruins Foundation
Year first approved: 2014
Plates currently on road: 1,125
Funds raised: $36,880
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association
Year first approved: 2023
Plates currently on road: 1,105
Funds raised: $37,610
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Bristol Fourth of July Committee
Year first approved: 2011
Plates currently on road: 1,104
Funds raised: $17,640
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Red Sox Foundation
Year first approved: 2011
Plates currently on road: 860
Funds raised: $88,620
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Year first approved: 2012
Plates currently on road: 1,510
Funds raised: $33,360
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Providence College Angel Fund
Year first approved: 2016
Plates currently on road: 693
Funds raised: $23,220
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust
Year first approved: 2022
Plates currently on road: 383
Funds raised: $10,640
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse
Year first approved: 2022
Plates currently on road: 257
Funds raised: $7,580
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License plate images courtesy of the Rhode island division of motor vehicles.
Day of Portugal and Portuguese Heritage in RI Inc.
Year first APPROVED: 2018
Plates currently on road: 132
Funds raised: $3,190
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha will release on Wednesday findings from a multiyear investigation into child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
According to the attorney general’s office, the report will detail the diocese’s handling of clergy abuse over decades.
While the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island is home to the country’s largest Catholic population per capita, with nearly 40% of the state identifying as Catholic, according to the Pew Research Center.
Neronha first launched the investigation in 2019, nearly a year after a Pennsylvania grand jury report found more than 1,000 children had been abused by an estimated 300 priests in that state since the 1940s. The 2018 report is considered one of the broadest inquiries into child sexual abuse in U.S. history.
Neronha’s investigation involved entering into an agreement with the Diocese of Providence to gain access to all complaints and allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy dating back to 1950. Neronha’s office said in 2019 that the goal of the report was to determine how the diocese responded to past reports of child sexual abuse, identify any prosecutable cases, and ensure that no credibly accused clergy were in active ministry.
Rhode Island State Police also helped with the investigation.
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