A conviction for any violation of New York's Vehicle & Traffic Law (VTL) §1192 brings monetary and licensing consequences, and can bring jail. The conviction appears on your DMV driving abstract for 10 years, in most cases stays on your criminal record for life, and in all likelihood raises your auto-insurance premiums substantially for several years. Below is what New York imposes, by offense, with current figures.
New York DWI penalties at a glance
| Offense | Fine | Max jail | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWAI-Alcohol, 1st (.05–.07) | $300–$500 | 15 days | 90-day suspension |
| DWAI-Alcohol, 2nd (within 5 yrs) | $500–$750 | 30 days | Revoked ≥6 months |
| DWAI-Alcohol, 3rd (within 10 yrs) | $750–$1,500 | 180 days | Revoked ≥6 months |
| DWI / DWAI-Drugs, 1st | $500–$1,000 | 1 year | Revoked ≥6 months |
| DWI, 2nd (within 10 yrs, E felony) | $1,000–$5,000 | 4 years | Revoked ≥1 year |
| DWI, 3rd (within 10 yrs, D felony) | $2,000–$10,000 | 7 years | Revoked ≥1 year |
| Aggravated DWI, 1st (.18+) | $1,000–$2,500 | 1 year | Revoked ≥1 year |
| Aggravated DWI, 2nd (E felony) | $1,000–$5,000 | 4 years | Revoked ≥18 months |
| Aggravated DWI, 3rd (D felony) | $2,000–$10,000 | 7 years | Revoked ≥18 months |
Figures reflect current New York law (Vehicle & Traffic Law §§1192, 1193, 1809; NY DMV) as of 2026 and are provided for general information, not legal advice. Amounts and rules can change, your exact exposure depends on the facts of your case.
What every DWI conviction adds, on top of the fine
The fine is only part of the cost the State attaches to a conviction. On top of the penalties in the table, a New York DWI conviction carries:
A conviction also stays on your DMV driving abstract for 10 years, appears on your criminal record, and typically raises your auto-insurance premiums for years. Those collateral costs are usually far larger than the fine itself, which is the real argument for fighting for a reduction or dismissal rather than simply pleading to the charge.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), first offense
DWI in violation of VTL §1192(2) or (3) is a misdemeanor. A first-offense conviction carries a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both; a period of probation of up to three years; mandatory revocation of your license for at least six months; a discretionary suspension of your registration; the mandatory surcharge and $25 victim fee; the $250-per-year Driver Responsibility Assessment for three years; and a mandatory ignition interlock device on any vehicle you own or operate for at least 12 months. A first offender may be eligible for a conditional license through the Impaired Driver Program.
DWI, second offense (within 10 years)
A DWI within 10 years of a prior VTL §1192 conviction can be charged as a Class E felony: a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 and up to four years in jail or both, up to five years of probation, license revocation for at least one year, the surcharge and fees, the $750 assessment, and the interlock requirement. The DMV will require evidence of an alcohol evaluation and, where indicated, rehabilitation before it will relicense you.
DWI, third offense (within 10 years)
A third DWI within 10 years can be charged as a Class D felony: a fine of $2,000 to $10,000 and up to seven years in jail or both, five years of probation, revocation for at least one year (and often longer), plus the surcharge, fees, assessment, and interlock. This is serious state-prison exposure.
Aggravated DWI (.18 or higher)
A first Aggravated DWI (BAC .18+) under VTL §1192(2-a) is a misdemeanor with a higher fine range of $1,000 to $2,500 and a full one-year revocation instead of six months. Repeat Aggravated DWIs climb into felony territory with revocations of at least 18 months.
DWAI-Drugs
Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs under VTL §1192(4) is a misdemeanor on a first offense with the same fine and jail range as DWI, but a driver convicted of DWAI-Drugs is generally not eligible for a conditional license (though a restricted-use license may be available). Repeat offenses are charged as felonies.
Chemical test refusal, a separate penalty
Refusing the chemical test triggers its own DMV penalty, independent of the criminal case: a license revocation of at least one year (18 months for a commercial driver), a $500 civil penalty ($750 for a repeat refusal), plus the $750 Driver Responsibility Assessment, and these apply even if the DWI charge is later dismissed. See the stop, breath test, and refusal.