Alcohol, Drugs & NY Points and Junior Licence
Impaired driving is a serious offense, and New York applies extra limits to drivers under 21 and to junior licence holders. Points from convictions can cost you your licence.
Blood alcohol limits
A driver 21 or older is guilty of DWI at a BAC of 0.08% or higher, while a BAC of 0.05% to 0.07% can support a lesser DWAI charge. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time and vision at any level.
Zero Tolerance and implied consent
Under the Zero Tolerance law, a driver under 21 can be penalized with a BAC as low as 0.02%. By driving in New York you give implied consent to chemical testing, and refusing a test brings its own licence suspension.
Junior licence and points
Junior (DJ/MJ) licence holders under 18 may never drive in New York City, and elsewhere face limits on hours and passengers. Reaching 11 or more points within 18 months can lead to suspension.