Golden, Malliotakis Applaud Governor Cuomo's Drunk Driving Crack Down

Penalties tightened on repeat offenders

Senator Martin Golden (R,C,I-Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I-Brooklyn, Staten Island) recently applauded Governor Andrew Cuomo’s measure tightening restrictions on drunk drivers in an effort to keep criminals off the road. Under the Governor’s initiative, the Department of Motor Vehicles will be able to permanently revoke licenses from drivers who have been convicted of three or more drug- or alcohol-related offenses over the last 25 years when coupled with another serious driving conviction. Golden and Malliotakis, who are sponsors of legislation that would impose similar penalties on dangerous drivers, labeled today’s announcement a victory for law-abiding drivers and their families who deserve safety and peace of mind on the road.

Senator Golden stated, “I applaud Governor Andrew Cuomo's initiative announced today that will increase penalties against drunk drivers in New York State. This session, I supported legislation, along with my colleague Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, similar to this proposal that would create a three-strike rule for repeat drunk drivers and set forth provisions for license revocation. Earlier this year, I said that 2012 must be the year that the Empire State stands up against drunk driving. As families across New York are too often destroyed by drunk drivers, it would be irresponsible of us to not seize this moment and work with Governor Cuomo to enhance the safety of all motorists and pedestrians."

“Throughout my time in the Assembly, I have been a fierce advocate for the kind of no-nonsense penalties on drunk drivers that will keep criminals away from the wheel and protect the safety of our roads,” said Malliotakis. “Driving is a privilege, but safety is a right. Repeat offenders do not deserve the chance to jeopardize the safety of responsible travelers. Governor Cuomo’s initiative will help to keep reckless drivers off the road and protect our children, families and seniors in their travels.”

Senate bill 4036, whose Assembly companion was the first bill introduced by Malliotakis in the Assembly, would create a three-strike rule for repeat drunk drivers. The bill would automatically revoke a driver’s license for 10 years upon one’s third DWI conviction while immediately suspending one’s vehicle registration and revoking license plates for any convicted drunk driver caught driving with a suspended license.