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What “Forfeit after Four” means for those with DWI/DUI convictions

On Behalf of | Feb 4, 2025 | State Crimes

There’s little doubt that the worst part of being convicted of any offense involving impaired driving is the legal consequences. In addition to significant fines, a conviction may carry a jail sentence. If you’re convicted, you also have a criminal record that can follow you forever.

A close second in terms of the consequences for conviction is the loss of driving privileges. That’s not as much of an inconvenience for people who live in New York City as for those who live in parts of the state where numerous public transportation options aren’t available. However, even a suspension can be highly disruptive to your life.

Understanding the new policy

As of the beginning of 2025, the potential for New Yorkers to permanently lose their driver’s license due to impaired driving increased. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that anyone with four impaired driving convictions (including failure to take a chemical test) will permanently lose their driving privileges. It’s known as the “Forfeit after Four” policy. Prior to 2025, five convictions or “incidents” were required for a permanent loss of driving privileges in the state.

The new regulations also allow the DMV to permanently revoke a New Yorker’s driver’s license if they’ve had three impaired driving convictions and at least one other “serious driving offense.” Further, the DMV can now deny license renewals for those with three convictions but no other serious driving offenses.

The policy is aimed at repeat offenders

The head of the DMV, who also chairs the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, noted that the agency is trying to deal with the problem of repeat offenders who continue to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs even after facing the consequences of a conviction. He said, “When someone is repeatedly convicted of driving under the influence, they need to be permanently removed from our roadways, and a ‘forfeit after four’ policy significantly increases our ability to do just that.”

Federal statistics show that drunk drivers who are involved in fatal crashes are four times more likely to have been convicted for impaired driving in the past than drivers in fatal crashes who aren’t under the influence. 

These new regulations are all the more reason to avoid having a DWI or DUI conviction on your record. That’s why it’s crucial not to take even a first-time charge lightly. Having experienced legal guidance can help you protect your rights.