Regulations Relating to Multiple Alcohol/Drugged-Driving Offenders

handcuffsRegulations that took effect on September 25, 2012 affect drivers with multiple alcohol/drugged-driving related convictions or incidents.  The highlights of these regulatory changes are as follows.

Applicants with two or more alcohol/drugged-driving related convictions or incidents within the preceding 25 years will be required to serve their entire suspension or revocation period even if they complete the Drinking Driver Program (DDP).  (Normally, at the completion of the DDP, the driver is allowed to re-apply for driving privileges, even if the sanction period has not expired yet).

Applicants with three or four alcohol/drugged-driving related convictions or incidents within the preceding 25 years, without a serious driving offense and whose revocation does not result from an alcohol or drugged driving conviction or incident, will be denied relicensing for two years in addition to the statutory revocation period, and then will be relicensed with a “problem driver” restriction for two years.

A serious driving offense means a fatal accident; a driving-related penal law conviction; conviction of two or more violations for which five or more points are assessed; or 20 or more points from any violations.

A “problem driver” restriction allows you to drive only:

  • To and from your place of employment.
  • During the hours of your employment, if your occupation requires the operation of a motor vehicle.
  • To and from a medical appointment which is part of a necessary medical treatment for you or a member of your household. You may be required to provide a written statement from your licensed medical provider that verifies the travel is necessary.
  • To and from a Motor Vehicle office to transact business related to the license/permit/privilege that contains a problem driver restriction.
  • To and from a child’s school/day-care if the child’s attendance at the school/day-care is necessary for you to maintain employment or to maintain enrollment at an accredited school, college or university or a state-approved institution of vocational or technical training.
  • To and from an accredited school, college or university or a State-approved institution of vocational or technical training in which you are enrolled.

Applicants with three or four alcohol/drugged-driving related convictions or incidents within the preceding 25 years, without a serious driving offense and whose revocation does result from an alcohol or drugged driving conviction or incident, will be denied relicensing for five years in addition to the statutory revocation period, and then will be relicensed with a problem driver restriction for 5 years with an ignition interlock.

Applicants with three or four alcohol/drugged-driving related convictions or incidents within the preceding 25 years, with a serious driving offense will be permanently denied re-licensure, subject to compelling or extenuating circumstances.

Applicants with five or more alcohol/drugged-driving related convictions or incidents on their lifetime driving record will be permanently denied relicensing, subject to compelling or extenuating circumstances.