NCJ Number
167935
Date Published
1996
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This paper evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law establishing a driver's license suspension penalty for drug offenders.
Abstract
In 1991 the Federal Government linked highway funding to formal consideration by each State of legislation mandating a 6-month suspension of drivers' licenses for persons convicted of drug offenses. New York enacted such a law effective September 30, 1993. During the period September 30, 1993 through September 29, 1995 there were 75,468 eligible convictions in New York criminal courts. In the same period the Department of Motor Vehicles recorded 38,086 license suspensions under the Act. The sponsors of the law intended that license suspension would deter drug use, especially among young offenders who might otherwise receive no sanction. However, most offenders who received suspensions were 30 years of age or older; outside New York City, suspensions were more likely to be imposed with an incarcerative sentence than with probation, a fine or a conditional discharge. Statewide, 72.7 percent of the offenders who received suspension orders did not possess valid drivers' licenses. The report includes sections on: implementation procedures and administrative impact; other States' experiences; application of the sanction; offender characteristics; and overall effectiveness of the Act. Tables, notes, appendixes