Increases penalties for driving while ability impaired

1 Co-sponsor

• Ruben Diaz

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the penalties for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Purpose or general idea of bill

The bill would amend the executive law by increasing the penalties for driving while ability impaired.

Summary of specific provisions

The bill makes a second violation of section eleven hundred ninety-two of the vehicle traffic law a misdemeanor and includes increases in the amounts for which a fine can be imposed for repeat violations.

Effects of present law which this bill would alter

The bill amends the vehicle and traffic law by making a second violation of section eleven hundred ninety-two of the vehicle and traffic law a misdemeanor and increasing the amount that can be imposed as a fine.

The bill also increase the amount imposed as a fine for a third or any subsequent violations of section eleven hundred ninety-two of the vehicle and traffic law.

Justification

The operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs presents a significant threat to public safety. Several attempts have been taken to decrease the number of alcohol related accidents, but the number of accidents in New York involving alcohol continued to increase during the period between 1996 and 2000. The intent of this bill is to further deter intoxicated drivers from our roads by increasing the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Legislative history

S.2096 of 2007 01/31/07 Referred to Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date upon which it shall have become a law.