Drivers License Suspension

News From New York State
Senator Shirley L. Huntley
For Immediate Release: May 19, 2011
Contact: Antonio Rodriguez | arodrigu@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531

Senator Shirley L. Huntley Announces Passage of Bill Empowering Courts to
Suspend a Driver’s Licenses’ after Failure to DWI Complete Program

Senator Huntley (D-Jamaica) and the New York State Senate passed legislation (S. 3188), which allows the New York State Court System to suspend a person’s driver’s license when an individual fails to pay a fine, complete predetermined community service or finish an alcohol awareness program.

“Despite the severity of their crime, some continue to play games with our judicial system and fail to meet their court ordered obligations,” explained Senator Huntley. “Our legislation empowers judges to act when this occurs and suspend the license of any driver who fails to fulfill the orders of their penalty.”

In Southeast Queens major roadways such as Liberty Avenue, Queens Boulevard, Supthin Boulevard and the Van Wyck Expressway would be safer without drivers who have had DWI offenses and did not complete court ordered programs.  Suspending their licenses and keeping theses reckless drivers off the road will ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers in that area.

Driving While Intoxicated is a severe offense that has cost the lives of people all over Queens and New York City.  The obligation of ensuring drivers do not get behind a wheel that have not completed their respective punishments is an important step to saving lives.

The current law does not provide any further penalty when one fails to carry out their court ordered punishments, causing a loophole in the current law; this bill closes that gap in the existing law.

The bill has been referred to the NYS Assembly.

Additional news available at http://huntley.nysenate.gov and facebook.com/Shirley L. Huntley
New York State Senate Email | shuntley@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531