In New York State, you may be arrested for any of these offenses: driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more (.08 BAC), driving while ability impaired by a drug (DWAI-drug), or driving while ability impaired by alcohol (DWAI). Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the percentage of alcohol in your blood and is usually determined by a chemical test of breath, blood, or urine. A BAC of more than .05 is legal evidence that you are impaired, and a BAC of .08 percent or higher is evidence of intoxication. Many people think chemical-test evidence is required to prove you were intoxicated or impaired, however, a police officer’s testimony about your appearance and behavior when arrested can provide enough evidence alone to convict you, even without a chemical test.

In New York State, alcohol or drug-related driving arrest cannot be reduced to a different type of violation unless the district attorney determines there is not enough evidence to support the charge of the impaired or intoxicated operation. Therefore, alcohol or drug-related arrest is hardly ever “plea-bargained” to a charge such as speeding or reckless driving. If you are found guilty of any alcohol or drug-related driving violation, the court must revoke or suspend your license at the time you are sentenced. Even if the court allows you a 20-day continuation of driving privileges, your license itself will be taken immediately.

Zero Tolerance for Drivers Under 21

The legal purchase and possession age for alcoholic beverages in New York State is 21. Under the state’s Zero Tolerance law, it is a violation for a person under age 21 to drive with any measurable BAC (.02 to .07). After a finding of violation is determined at a DMV hearing, the driver’s license will be suspended for six months. The driver will then have to pay a $100 suspension termination fee and a $125 civil penalty to be re-licensed. For a second Zero Tolerance violation, the driver’s license will be revoked for at least one year or until the driver reaches age 21, whichever is longer. Let’s review the penalties for alcohol-related and drug-related violations.

Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

It is illegal to operate a vehicle in this state while impaired. The law says in part:

Driving while ability impaired:

No person shall operate a motor vehicle while the person’s ability to operate such motor vehicle is impaired by the consumption of alcohol.

Driving while intoxicated; per se:

No person shall operate a motor vehicle while such person has .08 of one percent or more by weight of alcohol in the person’s blood as shown by chemical analysis of such person’s blood, breath, urine, or saliva, made pursuant to the provisions of section eleven hundred ninety-four of this article.

Driving while intoxicated:

No person shall operate a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition.

Driving while ability impaired by drugs:

No person shall operate a motor vehicle while the person’s ability to operate such a motor vehicle is impaired by the use of a drug as defined in this chapter.

The use of alcohol and other drugs is very dangerous when driving. You do not have the normal and full use of your faculties. You cannot react to dangerous situations it a timely fashion. The drug impairs you, and this impaired driving has severe consequences. In the next section, we are going to discuss the consequences of the bad choice of driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

The Dangers of Alcohol

After drinking any amount of alcohol, your coordination and reaction time are slower than when sober. Alcohol can distort your vision, make you sleepy, and give you a false sense of security that results in poor judgment. Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction time, reduces your ability to see clearly, distorts your judgment of speed and distances, often reduces your inhibitions from taking chances, and makes you less alert. The important physical and mental skills you need to drive safely are weakened. Because your vision is already restricted at night, driving after drinking is especially dangerous after dark. In addition to its other effects, alcohol reduces your ability to recover from headlight glare.

When another vehicle approaches, its headlights can blind you for a dangerously long period of time. You do not have to look or feel drunk for these things to happen. The effects of alcohol can begin long before you become intoxicated or even legally impaired and begin with the first drink. As alcohol limits your physical ability to drive, it also makes you less aware of what is happening to your safe-driving abilities. It becomes difficult for you to judge your own condition. You may actually feel more confident about driving when you should not be driving at all. During each mile you drive, you literally make hundreds of decisions. You turn those decisions into actions that keep your vehicle under control and keep you from getting into traffic crashes. Alcohol makes it hard to make correct decisions and to take the safest actions. For example You have just stopped at a STOP sign. You see another vehicle approaching the intersection. You must quickly make a decision whether it is safe to go through the intersection. Under the influence of alcohol, you are more likely to make a wrong decision and “take the chance.” Your slower reaction time, coupled with the poor decision, could mean real trouble. It could lead to a crash that should never have happened.

Solving a Critical Problem: Driving Under the Influence

RIDEWAVE SOLUTION

A Smarter, Safer Alternative

Driving under the influence, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication, remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and fatalities worldwide. Our app provides a reliable, judgment-free solution, helping impaired individuals get home safely by offering professional drivers who drive you in your own car.

Avoid Legal, Health, and Social Consequences

With tougher DUI laws and stricter enforcement, getting behind the wheel while impaired can result in fines, license suspension, criminal charges, or even worse, injury or death. Our app offers a safe, legal alternative to protect you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

Convenience and Peace of Mind

Ride Home in Your Own Vehicle

Unlike traditional ride-hailing services, our app sends a qualified driver to drive you home in your car. That means no need to leave your vehicle behind or figure out how to retrieve it the next day.

Book in Seconds

Whether you’re at a party, bar, concert, or simply not able to drive, you can book a professional driver in just a few taps—no long wait times. No hassle. Just a fast, secure way to get home.

Prioritizing Your Safety

Professionally Vetted Drivers

Every driver on our platform is carefully screened, trained, and background-checked. You can count on a safe, discreet, and respectful experience, especially when you’re not in the best condition to drive yourself.

Real-Time Tracking and Sharing

For added security, the app provides live trip tracking and allows you to share your journey with friends or family. Everyone can rest easy knowing you’re getting home safely.

User-Friendly and Reliable

Designed for Ease

Our clean, intuitive interface makes it easy to request a ride, track your driver, and communicate all within seconds. No confusion, just a streamlined experience.

Quick Dispatch, Minimal Wait

We prioritize fast response times, especially during peak hours when people are most likely to need help getting home safely. No long lines. No worries.

For Anyone Who Shouldn’t Be Driving

After Alcohol or Drug Use

Whether you’ve had a few drinks or consumed substances that affect your ability to drive, our app gives you a safe exit plan without risking a DUI.

When You’re Just Not Fit to Drive

Fatigue, medication, or emotional distress can also impair your driving. If you’re not in the right state to be behind the wheel, we’re here to make sure you get home without putting yourself or others at risk.

A Unique and Essential Service

Bridging the Gap

Traditional ride-share services don’t solve the problem of getting your car home. We fill that gap by offering a personalized solution: you ride, your car comes with you.

Perfect for Social and Professional Events

Whether you’re out with friends, at a wedding, or attending a work function, our service ensures you get home safely without compromising your plans or your car.

Transparent, Affordable Pricing

No Hidden Fees

Choose from clear, upfront pricing options, flat rates, or distance-based fares. What you see is what you pay.

Membership and Discounts

For regular users, we offer membership packages with discounted rates, priority driver access, and guaranteed availability during high-demand times.

Available Where You Need Us

Expanding to More Locations

Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quieter town, our goal is to make safe transportation accessible everywhere. We’re continuously expanding to meet growing demand.

Partnering with Local Hotspots

We collaborate with bars, restaurants, event venues, and local communities to promote safe rides and reduce impaired driving risks at the source.

Making a Positive Impact

Reducing DUI Incidents

Every safe ride home is one less potential DUI crash. Our service directly contributes to safer roads and fewer alcohol- or drug-related accidents.

Peace of Mind for Loved Ones

Friends and family members can rest easier knowing their loved ones have a dependable way to get home, without endangering themselves or others.

A Simple, Responsible Choice

Whether you’ve had a drink, taken medication, used cannabis, or just don’t feel safe driving, our app offers a stress-free way home in your own vehicle, driven by a professional.

Drive Safe. Ride Smart. Get Home.

With our app, you’re just a few taps away from a safer, smarter, and more responsible way to travel. No DUI. No regrets.

NEW YORK LAW

Offense

Jail Sentence

Fines

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – First Offense

Up to 1 year

$500 – $1,000

DWI – Second Offense (within 10 years, felony)

Up to 4 years

$1,000 – $5,000

DWI – Third Offense (within 10 years, felony)

Up to 7 years

$2,000 – $10,000

Aggravated DWI (BAC 0.18% or higher) – First Offense