Rhode Island court guide
Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal (Cranston)
The Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal at 670 New London Avenue in Cranston hears civil traffic violations from across the state, including first breathalyzer refusal charges. It does not hear DUI charges, which are criminal cases in the District Court. After a DUI arrest with a refusal, you may have cases in both courts.
Address, phone, and hours
The Judiciary lists hours of Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Address: 670 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
- Court information line: 401-275-2700
- Refusal department: 401-275-2734
What the Traffic Tribunal hears
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8.2-2, the Tribunal hears state motor vehicle and traffic violations, probationary license hearings, and some environmental and littering violations. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-41.1-11, it has exclusive original jurisdiction over a first refusal charge.
The law keeps more serious charges out of the Tribunal, including DUI, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident.
What happens at a first appearance
On a civil violation, you may admit the charge or ask for a trial. An admission leads to a judgment with fines, costs, and possibly a license suspension. The state or town must prove the charge by clear and convincing evidence.
On a refusal charge, the magistrate reviews the police reports at the first appearance. If the magistrate finds the statute’s requirements are met, the law calls for an immediate license suspension, subject to the hardship provisions in R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-2.8.
Who prosecutes
The Attorney General has exclusive authority to prosecute every breathalyzer refusal charge. Other traffic violations are generally presented by the police department that wrote the summons.
Security, parking, and what to bring
Parking is free, and the main entrance is the accessible entrance. Capitol Police screen everyone with a metal detector and x-ray machine. Weapons, sharp objects, aerosol sprays, recording equipment, and drinks are not allowed.
Bring your summons and any court notices. Out-of-state drivers must bring a certified copy of their driving record to the first appearance.
How to look up your case
Traffic Tribunal cases are on the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal. Public documents can also be viewed on clerk’s office terminals during business hours.
How we help
We handle the refusal case at the Traffic Tribunal and the related DUI case in District Court together, as one defense. We can appear with you, hold the state to its burden, and raise hardship license options. The first conversation is free. Call 401-621-9700.
Frequently asked questions
No. R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8.2-2 excludes DUI from the Tribunal, so a DUI charge is a criminal case in the District Court. A first refusal charge from the same stop is heard at the Tribunal.
No. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-41.1-11, a second or later refusal of a breath or urine test within the lookback period is heard in the District Court. Blood-test refusal charges stay at the Tribunal.
If you are eligible, yes, by internet, mail, or in person. Payment must reach the court at least seven days before the hearing. A driver with two guilty traffic adjudications in 12 months must appear in person on a third summons.
File a notice of appeal with the Tribunal’s appeals panel, generally within 10 days of the decision. A decision of the appeals panel can then be appealed to the District Court, again within 10 days.
Next step
Charged with a refusal?
Call 401-621-9700 or request a consultation before your first Traffic Tribunal date. The first conversation is free.