Bill > S00053

This bill amends New York State's Vehicle and Traffic Law to lower the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) thresholds for driving while intoxicated offenses. Specifically, the law reduces the BAC limit for standard driving while intoxicated from 0.08% to 0.05%, and lowers the BAC threshold for aggravated driving while intoxicated from 0.18% to 0.12%. The bill also adjusts BAC limits for commercial motor vehicle operators, modifying the levels for "per se" offenses where a driver can be automatically considered intoxicated based on their BAC. These changes mean that drivers can be charged with a driving while intoxicated offense at a lower alcohol concentration than previously allowed, potentially increasing penalties for drivers with lower levels of alcohol in their system. The bill will take effect 30 days after becoming law, which is intended to give drivers and law enforcement time to understand and adapt to the new, stricter BAC standards.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S53