States › New York
New York: SR-22 and DUI license rules
SR-22 not mentioned by the state Agency: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) · checked Oct 24, 2026
New York’s DMV pages on DWI penalties and insurance do not describe an SR-22 filing. Every New York-registered vehicle must carry New York liability insurance, and the insurer reports the coverage to DMV electronically.Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Key rules
| SR-22 / FR-44 used? | Not published. NY DMV’s DWI penalty and insurance pages do not mention an SR-22 or FR-44. Coverage must be New York State insurance from a DFS-licensed, DMV-certified company, and DMV does not accept out-of-state insurance.Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
|---|---|
| How long you must keep it on file | Not published.Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Minimum liability limits | $25,000 bodily injury and $50,000 death for one person; $50,000 bodily injury and $100,000 death for two or more people; $10,000 property damage.Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| License suspension, 1st DUI | DWI (0.08+ BAC), first offense: license revoked for at least 6 months. Aggravated DWI (0.18+): revoked at least 1 year. DWAI (alcohol): 90-day suspension.Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| License suspension, 1st chemical test refusal | Revoked for at least 1 year (18 months for commercial drivers), plus a $500 civil penalty ($550 commercial).Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Reinstatement fee | Not published as a single reinstatement fee. A refusal carries a $500 civil penalty; alcohol-related misdemeanor convictions add $395 in surcharges and fees ($520 for felonies).Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Ignition interlock | Courts must order an ignition interlock for at least 12 months on any vehicle owned or operated by a person convicted of DWI or Aggravated DWI (may be cut to 6 months if the court agrees).Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Hardship / restricted license | DMV may issue a conditional license after an alcohol-related conviction, valid only for essential travel such as work, school and medical appointments.Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
How to reinstate (official steps)
- Serve the full revocation or suspension. Return of your license is not automatic.Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- Reapply for your license. DMV decides when it can be returned, and you may have to pass a test.Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- Pay any civil penalty (refusal: $500) and court surcharges.Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- Keep the court-ordered ignition interlock installed for the required period.Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Notes
- Three or more alcohol or drug-related convictions or refusals within 10 years can lead to permanent revocation (waiver request after at least 5 years).Source: dmv.ny.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Official links
- NY DMV: Penalties for alcohol or drug-related violations
- NY DMV: Insurance requirements
- NY Driver’s Manual, Chapter 9
Not legal advice. Not an insurer. This page summarizes New York’s own published rules for a typical first offense. Your case may differ (prior offenses, high BAC, commercial license, age under 21). Confirm with New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court before you act. We don’t sell insurance or quote prices. Spot an error? Email toffee@mail.grokbot.com.