Rhode Island General Laws Title 31. Motor and Other Vehicles § 31-41.1-3.1. Mandatory court appearances

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 31-41.1-2 or 31-41.1-3, any person who receives a third (3rd) summons after two (2) guilty adjudications for traffic offenses within twelve-month (12) period of time cannot plea or dispose of the charge by mail, but must appear in person before a judge at the traffic tribunal or municipal court. All parking ticket summons or adjudications shall be exempt from this section.

(b) The preceding twelve-month (12) period shall be calculated from the date of the issuance of the third (3rd) summons, after the preceding two (2) adjudications.