New Regulations for Repeatedly Drunk or Drugged Drivers in New York
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)– The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has introduced new regulations for drivers who repeatedly drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Starting Friday, drivers will permanently lose their license after four drug- or alcohol-related convictions or incidents.
Changes to the “Forfeit after Four” Policy
Previously, drivers would have their driving privileges taken after five drug- or alcohol-related convictions or incidents. The “Forfeit after Four” rules come after the adoption of stricter regulations from the DMV.
Quote from the DMV Commissioner
“At some point we have to say, ‘enough is enough.’ When someone is repeatedly convicted of driving under the influence, they need to be permanently removed from our roadways, and a ‘forfeit after four’ policy significantly increases our ability to do just that,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “This law will appropriately take away the driving privileges of those who unfairly put everyone else on New York’s roads at greater risk.”
New Regulations
According to the DMV, the changes also include permanent license denial after three alcohol- or drug-related driving convictions or incidents with one or more other serious driving offenses. Applications can also be denied, the DMV said.
The DMV can now deny an application for re-licensure for two years if the applicant has three alcohol- or drug-related driving convictions and no serious driving offense. Other applicants who meet the same criteria but have a current license revocation for an alcohol- or drug-related conviction will face a five-year denial.
Why the Changes Were Made
According to the DMV, drivers with previous drug or alcohol-related offenses are more likely to be repeat offenders. The new regulations aim to prevent these repeat offenders from putting others at risk on the roads.
Conclusion
The new regulations aim to reduce the number of drunk or drugged drivers on the roads, making them safer for everyone. The DMV Commissioner believes that these changes will significantly increase the ability to remove repeat offenders from the roadways, ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers.
FAQs
Q: What is the new “Forfeit after Four” policy?
A: The new policy means that drivers will permanently lose their license after four drug- or alcohol-related convictions or incidents.
Q: What is the difference between the old and new policies?
A: Previously, drivers would have their driving privileges taken after five drug- or alcohol-related convictions or incidents. The new policy takes away driving privileges after four convictions or incidents.
Q: What other changes have been made to the DMV regulations?
A: The DMV can now deny an application for re-licensure for two years if the applicant has three alcohol- or drug-related driving convictions and no serious driving offense. Other applicants who meet the same criteria but have a current license revocation for an alcohol- or drug-related conviction will face a five-year denial.
