Because of Rochester’s proximity to Canada and the number of colleges in the Rochester region, there are a many people in this area who are licensed by a foreign country but drive in New York State for work or school.

When a holder of a foreign driver’s license who is working or attending school in New York State is convicted of drinking and driving, he or she may still need to drive within the borders of the state.

What happens to the driver’s license of a foreign driver who is convicted in New York depends on the rules of the country that issued the license.

Some countries will recognize the conviction and may revoke all driving privileges, while other countries may not take any action.

This is outside of the control of New York.

New York does have the power, however, to suspend or revoke driving privileges within the borders of the state.

Fortunately for foreign drivers who work or attend school in the state, most first time DWI offenders may obtain a conditional license to drive in New York State regardless of where their original license was issued.

Holders of a foreign driver’s license who need a conditional license in New York State must meet the same eligibility requirements and attend the Drinking Driver Program just like a New York State resident who has been convicted of drinking and driving.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, the only additional burden imposed on a foreign citizen seeking a conditional license after a DWI in New York State is that he or she must present a letter from the department that issued the foreign driver’s license stating that the driver’s license is valid.

This letter must be translated into English for it to be accepted by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

New York’s laws surrounding DWI arrests are complicated.

If you need an experienced DWI lawyer to help you, please call us at 585-484-7432.