DMV reveals new rules for re-offending impaired drivers

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- There are new regulations for New York drivers who repeatedly drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Starting Friday, drivers will permanently lose their license after four drug- or alcohol-related convictions or incidents.

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.

"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." 

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," the DMV said in a release. "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."

According to the DMV, drivers with previous drug or alcohol-related offenses are more likely to be repeat offenders. For more information on the updated rules, visit the DMV website.