Rhode Island General Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-1.1 (2026)

Driving so as to endanger, resulting in serious personal injury

✓ current as of July 2026
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(a) When the serious bodily injury of any person ensues as a proximate result of the operation of any vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others, including violations of § 31-27-22, the person so operating the vehicle shall be guilty of “driving so as to endanger, resulting in serious bodily injury”.

(b) “Serious bodily injury” means physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.

(c) Any person charged with a violation of this section shall upon conviction be imprisoned for not more than five (5) years and have his or her license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for no more than three (3) years.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 6 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1988–2023 · leading case: State v. DiStefano, 764 A.2d 1156 (R.I. 2000).
State v. DiStefano, 764 A.2d 1156 (R.I. 2000). · cites it 2× “Further, the General Assembly enacted two additional felony offenses at that time, § 31-27-1.1, entitled "Driving so as to endanger, resulting in personal injury," and § 31-27-2.”
Hassett v. State, 899 A.2d 430 (R.I. 2006). · cites it 2× “6; two counts of driving so as to endanger, resulting in serious bodily injury, in violation of § 31-27-1.1; and one count of driving on a suspended license after a previous conviction for DUI, in violation of G.”
State v. Nelson, 982 A.2d 602 (R.I. 2009). · cites it 2× “6 and for driving to endanger, resulting in personal injury in violation of § 31-27-1.1. This case came before the Supreme Court for oral argument on October 6, 2009, pursuant to an order directing the parties to appear and show cause why the issues raised in this appeal should…”
Willis v. Omar, 954 A.2d 126 (R.I. 2008). “6, and driving to endanger, resulting in serious bodily injury, in violation of § 31-27-1.1. On June 24, 2003, Grise entered into a plea agreement to both counts and was sentenced to ten years at the Adult Correctional Institutions, with two years to serve and the rest…”
Coffey v. Am. Cancer Soc'y, 540 A.2d 643 (R.I. 1988). “1956 (1982 Reenactment) § 31-27-1.1, as amended by P.L. 1983, ch.”
State v. Mitchell Savard, 297 A.3d 901 (R.I. 2023). “Salgado in violation of § 31-27-1.1; and operating a vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others resulting in the physical injury of Mr.”
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