New York Driver's Handbook, Section 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs
How alcohol and drugs affect driving, BAC levels, chemical tests, penalties and zero tolerance.
Summary written by MyPermitExam from the official handbook, MV-21 (9/25). Not a copy of the handbook. Checked Oct 2026. Not affiliated with the DMV. New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21)
Key rules
- More than .05 is impaired (DWAI), .08 intoxicated (DWI), .18 aggravated DWI. p. 55
- Only time lowers BAC, about one drink per hour; coffee and cold showers do not. p. 56
- Zero tolerance: drivers under 21 with .02 to .07 lose their license for six months. p. 57
- Leandra's Law: drunk driving with a child under 16 can be a felony; DWI requires an ignition interlock for at least 12 months. p. 59