I was told that I need to get SR22 auto insurance coverage. What are the possible penalties for drunk driving in New York?

Mark

New York

Hello Mark! Below are some of the possible penalties for DUI according to the degree of the offense.

For the first offense the penalties are as follows:

• Up to 1 Year jail time
• $500 to $1,000 fine
• 6 Month Minimum license suspension
• Mandatory Surcharge fee
• Mandatory Alcohol Screening and/or Alcohol Evaluation
• Mandatory installation of Ignition Interlock Device
• completion of Driver Responsibility Assessment

For the 2nd offense, the possible penalties are as follows:

• 5 Days to 4 Years jail time; or
• 30 Days community service
• $1,000 to $5,000 fine
• 1 Year Minimum suspension of license
• mandatory installation of Ignition Interlock Device

For the 3rd offense, the possible penalties are as follows:

• 10 Days to  7 Years jail time or;
• 60 Days community service
• $2,000 to $10,000 fine
• 1 Year Minimum suspension of license
• mandatory installation of Ignition Interlock Device
• Alcohol Assessment
• Mandatory Surcharge fee

Are you required to get SR22 car insurance in New York automatically if you are convicted of driving under the influence?

Paul

Manhattan, NY

Since the laws in all States differ, the answer would NO. It is not always a requirement to get SR22 when you get convicted of DUI. In most states an SR22 car insurance is required to have your license reinstated and not as part of your penalties for DUI conviction. So if you get convicted of DUI and your license is suspended, you may be required to obtain an SR22 car insurance as part of your reinstatement process.

The following states does not require SR22 car insurance:

• Delaware
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• New York (does not require SR22 filings)
• North Carolina (does not require SR22 filings)

Instead of SR22 car insurance, there is also an FR44 that is similar with SR22 that is required after DUI convictions. This FR44 has higher liability limits compared to SR22 and used in Florida and Virginia.

Check with the Department of Motor Vehicle in your state to know if DUI conviction will require an SR22 car insurance.