New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on September 25, 2012 directed the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to enforce stricter drunken-driving sanctions for those convicted of driving while under the influence. The DMV estimates this will cause 20,000 drivers to have their licenses permanently revoked or delayed in 2012. The new penalties were adopted on an emergency basis by the DMV and take effect immediately. The DMV also will proceed with the regular rule-making process to make the changes permanent.

The DMV has assumed the power to permanently rescind the licenses of drivers with five or more alcohol-related driving convictions on their records during their lifetimes or three or more alcohol-related driving convictions within the past 25 years, plus one other serious driving violation not related to alcohol. Drivers previously only faced permanent revocation of a license if they had two convictions for drinking-related accidents causing injury or death.

Drunken drivers whose licenses have been revoked or suspended for six months or a year will no longer be able to get their driving privileges back in seven weeks by completing an education program. Over 50,000 New York drivers have had their licenses suspended after three or more alcohol-related convictions and 15,000 of those have had those convictions within the past 20 years.

If you have questions regarding the new DWI/DUI laws in New York’s Rochester Area- and would like to speak with an attorney about the possible implications- feel free to call the Law Office of Friedman & Ranzenhofer at 585-484-7432. We can provide the help you need.