New Penalties for DWI Convictions

New York State DMV has implemented major changes to the penalties for alcohol related convictions. Effective February 16, 2026, those convicted of driving while intoxicated will now have 11 points placed on their license. There were previously no points imposed.

In addition, the threshold for a permanent license revocation has been reduced from five alcohol related driving incidents to four alcohol related driving incidents. Also, those with three alcohol related driving incidents and a conviction for a serious driving offense may also receive a permanent revocation.

Under the new changes in the law, prior youthful offender DWI offenses will now be included in the drivers total DWI count. In the past they were not included.

The look back period remains the same at 25 years.