Is the “Forfeit After Four” law the end of your driving days? Learn how you could lose your license for good before it's too late!
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In the Empire State, the rules of the road are taking a sharp turn. If you're someone who enjoys the freedom of the open road, it's time to sit up and take notice.
The Forfeit After Four law is revving up the stakes for drivers with a history of drug or alcohol offenses, and it could mean the end of the line for your driving privileges. How does this affect you?
Gone are the days when New York drivers could chalk up to five drug or alcohol-related convictions or incidents before waving goodbye to their licenses. The new Forfeit After Four policy has put the brakes on that leniency, reducing the threshold to just four such offenses.
Effective immediately, this law isn't just about numbers; it's about safety. If you have three alcohol- or drug-related driving convictions or incidents, plus one serious driving offense to your name, you're looking at a permanent red light on your driving future.
But wait, there's more. Even without a serious driving offense, three drug- or alcohol-related incidents could lead to a two-year pit stop where you can't reapply for a license.
And if you're currently serving a revocation for such an offense, prepare for a five-year denial from driving.
You might be thinking, “I'm a safe driver; this doesn't affect me.” But here's the kicker: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's data shows that those with past drug or alcohol offenses are more likely to repeat their mistakes.
This law aims to protect you, your loved ones, and every road user by keeping repeat offenders off the streets.
Mark J.F. Schroeder, Commissioner of the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, puts it bluntly: “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.”
As if the Forfeit After Four law wasn't enough to keep you on your toes, New Yorkers are also adjusting to a new $9-a-day congestion fee.
This charge applies to the bustling streets of Manhattan at or below 60th Street. Trucks, especially during peak hours, will feel the weight of this fee the most, with charges ranging from $14.40 to $21.60.
However, there's a silver lining for savvy drivers. Major routes like the FDR Drive and West Side Highway, as well as the Battery Park Underpass, offer a toll-free journey through Manhattan. And while peak hours see the highest tolls, off-peak travel is 75% cheaper.
Most tolls will be collected via the E-ZPass system. Those without an E-ZPass will receive a bill in the mail and face higher rates.
But not everyone is subject to these fees; emergency vehicles, certain city vehicles, and buses on regular public routes or city school contracts are exempt.
The congestion fee isn't just about managing traffic; it's also part of a broader initiative to tackle the issue of “ghost cars”.
These vehicles, with their forged, stolen, or altered license plates, have been slipping through the cracks, costing the state millions in unpaid tolls and fees.
These elusive vehicles aren't just financial burdens; they're often linked to serious crimes, including shootings and robberies.
In response, the NYPD and the Department of Sanitation have been busy clearing the streets, impounding thousands of cars and arresting hundreds for alleged toll evasion.
What are your thoughts on the Forfeit After Four law or the new congestion fees? Do you have tips for fellow drivers on how to navigate these changes? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
The Forfeit After Four law is revving up the stakes for drivers with a history of drug or alcohol offenses, and it could mean the end of the line for your driving privileges. How does this affect you?
Gone are the days when New York drivers could chalk up to five drug or alcohol-related convictions or incidents before waving goodbye to their licenses. The new Forfeit After Four policy has put the brakes on that leniency, reducing the threshold to just four such offenses.
Effective immediately, this law isn't just about numbers; it's about safety. If you have three alcohol- or drug-related driving convictions or incidents, plus one serious driving offense to your name, you're looking at a permanent red light on your driving future.
But wait, there's more. Even without a serious driving offense, three drug- or alcohol-related incidents could lead to a two-year pit stop where you can't reapply for a license.
And if you're currently serving a revocation for such an offense, prepare for a five-year denial from driving.
New York has introduced the Forfeit After Four law, which toughens the penalties for drivers with drug- or alcohol-related driving offenses. Image source: Bertsz / Pixabay.
You might be thinking, “I'm a safe driver; this doesn't affect me.” But here's the kicker: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's data shows that those with past drug or alcohol offenses are more likely to repeat their mistakes.
This law aims to protect you, your loved ones, and every road user by keeping repeat offenders off the streets.
Mark J.F. Schroeder, Commissioner of the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, puts it bluntly: “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.”
As if the Forfeit After Four law wasn't enough to keep you on your toes, New Yorkers are also adjusting to a new $9-a-day congestion fee.
This charge applies to the bustling streets of Manhattan at or below 60th Street. Trucks, especially during peak hours, will feel the weight of this fee the most, with charges ranging from $14.40 to $21.60.
However, there's a silver lining for savvy drivers. Major routes like the FDR Drive and West Side Highway, as well as the Battery Park Underpass, offer a toll-free journey through Manhattan. And while peak hours see the highest tolls, off-peak travel is 75% cheaper.
Most tolls will be collected via the E-ZPass system. Those without an E-ZPass will receive a bill in the mail and face higher rates.
But not everyone is subject to these fees; emergency vehicles, certain city vehicles, and buses on regular public routes or city school contracts are exempt.
The congestion fee isn't just about managing traffic; it's also part of a broader initiative to tackle the issue of “ghost cars”.
These vehicles, with their forged, stolen, or altered license plates, have been slipping through the cracks, costing the state millions in unpaid tolls and fees.
These elusive vehicles aren't just financial burdens; they're often linked to serious crimes, including shootings and robberies.
In response, the NYPD and the Department of Sanitation have been busy clearing the streets, impounding thousands of cars and arresting hundreds for alleged toll evasion.
What are your thoughts on the Forfeit After Four law or the new congestion fees? Do you have tips for fellow drivers on how to navigate these changes? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
