How Many DWIs Can You Get in New York?

In New York, there is no specific limit on the number of DWIs (Driving While Intoxicated) you can get. However, with each subsequent DWI offense, the penalties become more severe, and the consequences for your driving privileges, criminal record, and personal life can become increasingly serious.

New York State has a “look-back” period of 10 years for considering prior DWI or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) convictions when determining penalties for subsequent offenses. If you are convicted of a DWI or DWAI within 10 years of a prior offense, the new offense will be treated as a repeat offense, leading to harsher penalties and consequences.

For example:

1. A second DWI offense within 10 years is classified as a Class E felony, which may result in up to 4 years of imprisonment, fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and a minimum 1-year license revocation.
2. A third DWI offense within 10 years is classified as a Class D felony, which may result in up to 7 years of imprisonment, fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, and a minimum 1-year license revocation.

In addition to the legal penalties, multiple DWI convictions can have long-term consequences on your personal and professional life, such as difficulty finding employment, increased insurance rates, and a lasting impact on your criminal record.

There is no limit to the number of DWI’s (or any alcohol/drug related driving conviction) a person can receive in New York. Unfortunately, the more DWI convictions a person gets, the worse the consequences become. Both the severity level of the offense itself will increase as will the ramifications on a person’s driving privilege.

When an individual is convicted of their third or fourth DWI within 25 years, their license will be revoked for five additional years, then the individual will only be able to drive with an A2 restricted license (which carries the requirement that the individual install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle they own or operate) for five years after that.

Once an individual reaches their fifth DWI conviction they will lose their license for the rest of their life.