Here’s The Penalty For Getting Caught Driving While High In New York State

Before you decide to consume cannabis and then illegally drive under the influence in New York, you should know the real cost of your decision. Not only will you have to pay up in dollars, but you'll also pay with time, a hit to your license, and possibly injury or death.

The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are pretty harsh in New York, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. There are several types of violations when it comes to driving while intoxicated.

New York State Penalties for Drug-Related Violations:

Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (AGG DWI)
Mandatory fine of $1,000 - $2,500
Maximum jail time of up to 1-year
License revoked for at least one year

Second AGG DWI in 10 years
Mandatory fine of $1,000 - $5,000
Maximum jail time of up to 4-years
License revoked for at least 18-months

Third AGG DWI in 10 years
Mandatory fine of $2,000 - $10,000
Maximum jail time of up to 7-years
License revoked for at least 18-months

Driving While Impaired by a Drug (DWAI-Drug)
Mandatory fine of $500 - $1,000
Maximum jail time of up to 1-year
License revoked for at least six months

Second DWAI-Drug violation in 10 years
Mandatory fine of $1,000 - $5,000
Maximum jail time of up to 4-years
License revoked for at least one year

Third DWAI-Drug violation in 10 years
Mandatory fine of $2,000 - $10,000
Maximum jail time of up to 7-years
License revoked for at least one year

Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combination of Alcohol/Drugs (DWAI-Combination)
Mandatory fine of $500 - $1,000
Maximum jail time of up to 1 year
License revoked for at least six months

Second DWAI-Combination in 10 years
Mandatory fine of $1,000 - $5,000
Maximum jail time of up to 4 years
License revoked for at least one year

Third DWAI-Combination in 10 years
Mandatory fine of $2,000 - $10,000
Maximum jail time of up to 7-years
License revoked for at least one year

Chemical Test Refusal
$500 civil penalty ($550 for commercial drivers)
License revoked for at least one year/revoked for 18-months for commercial drivers

Chemical Test Refusal within five years of a previous DWI-related charge/Chemical Test Refusal $750 civil penalty
License revoked for at least 18-months/CDL permanently revoked for commercial drivers

You can see some of the other penalties here.

Driving under the influence could cost you up to $10,000 in fines, not to mention lawyer fees. You could also spend up to 7 years in prison (excluding any vehicular manslaughter charges).

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