A 3-minute lesson from the New York course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
New York can charge you based on your BAC, on an officer's observations, or on drug impairment. Penalties are tough, enforcement is strong, and state law strictly limits plea bargaining for alcohol or drug charges.
Know the rule
Drivers under 21 are about 4 percent of the driving population but 7 percent of impaired drivers in fatal crashes. That's one reason license penalties are more severe for young drivers.
It can be a criminal offense to drive while impaired by drugs, alcohol or both, including marijuana/cannabis, illegal drugs such as cocaine, LSD, heroin and opium, and some prescription drugs.
Drugs can harm your reflexes, judgment, vision and alertness. Combining alcohol and other drugs severely reduces your driving ability and can cause serious health problems, including death.
If you're found guilty of any alcohol or drug violation, the court must suspend or revoke your license at sentencing. Even if the court allows you to keep driving for 20 days, your license is taken immediately.
An officer stops you for weaving, and you refuse to blow into a breath tester at the roadside. You can still be convicted of DWI on the officer's testimony about your driving and behavior. A chemical test isn't required.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
At what BAC are you considered legally intoxicated (DWI) in New York?
.08 percent or higher
.05 percent or higher
.02 percent or higher
.10 percent or higher
Answer: .08 percent or higher
A BAC of .08 percent or higher is evidence of intoxication (DWI).