Official reference · Plain-language guide

DWI and DWAI Cases

Q: How many points is DWI?

DMV lists alcohol/drug driving incidents as 11 points, but consequences go beyond points.

DWI / DWAI / AGGRAVATED DWI / CHEMICAL TEST REFUSAL

DWI is not an ordinary traffic ticket. NY DMV states alcohol or drug-related driving incidents are 11 points. First DWI or DWAI-Drug can involve $500-$1,000 fine, up to one year jail, and at least six months revocation; first Aggravated DWI carries $1,000-$2,500 fine and at least one year revocation.

Common ticket labels

DWIDWAIAGGRAVATED DWIDWAI-DRUGCHEMICAL TEST REFUSALZERO TOLERANCE

Alcohol/drug driving incident: 11 points.

First DWI/DWAI-Drug: at least six months revocation.

First Aggravated DWI: at least one year revocation.

Refusal can trigger separate civil penalties and revocation.

Points, penalties, and risk

Offense

Points

Fine

Note

First DWI or DWAI-Drug

11 points

$500 - $1,000

Up to one year jail and at least six months revocation.

First Aggravated DWI

11 points

$1,000 - $2,500

At least one year revocation.

First DWAI/Alcohol

Not ordinary points

$300 - $500

Up to 15 days jail and 90-day suspension.

Chemical Test Refusal

Separate admin result

$500 civil penalty+

Can cause at least one year revocation.

Commonly missed issues

Review criminal, license, immigration, insurance, and job impact.
BAC, refusal, crash, child passenger, and CDL status matter.
There may be court and DMV administrative tracks.
Repeat records sharply increase risk.

Common ticket terms

English

Meaning

Note

Conviction

May trigger fines, surcharges, points, and insurance impact.

Surcharge

A fee that may be added on top of a fine.

Plead Not Guilty

Plead not guilty

Usually means requesting a hearing or further process.

Hearing Date

Hearing date

The date or deadline should be tracked carefully.

Official reference

Use the official link to verify points, penalties, and rules; the outcome depends on the code, location, and facts. The information above is based on the official DMV website.

View official source

What to check first

1Check code, location, date, court/agency, and response deadline.
2Separate the ticket wording from the actual facts.
3Calculate DMV points and accumulated risk as reference for document preparation.
4Organize evidence and timeline.
5Review response options before the deadline; consult a licensed attorney for legal advice or representation.

FAQ

Is DWI an ordinary traffic ticket?

No. NY DMV states driving while intoxicated is a crime.

How many points is DWI?

DMV lists alcohol/drug driving incidents as 11 points, but consequences go beyond points.

Need document and process help?

YUANWAY can help review ticket content, explain terms, organize materials, and track common process steps; consult a licensed attorney for legal advice or court representation.

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