Alcohol and drugs
An adult driver is convicted for the first time of driving while ability impaired by alcohol (DWAI). What license action does the penalty table list?
- A 90-day suspension. Correct answer
- A revocation of at least six months.
- A revocation of at least one year.
Why
In New York's penalty table, a first DWAI (alcohol) is the lightest of the alcohol offenses: it is classed as a traffic infraction, with a fine of $300 to $500, up to 15 days in jail and a 90-day suspension. The other two options are also in the table, one step up each. A revocation of at least six months goes with a first DWI, and a revocation of at least one year with a first aggravated DWI. DWAI does not stay light for long, though: a second one within five years already brings a revocation of at least six months. Ninety days is as light as the penalty table gets for an alcohol offense.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is A 90-day suspension.
More on alcohol and drugs
- Not counting surcharges and fees, what fine range does the penalty table give for a first DWI conviction?
- What minimum license action does the penalty table list for a first conviction of aggravated driving while intoxicated (Agg-DWI)?
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