New York officials say new rules in the state have kept thousands of repeat drunk drivers off the roadways. Stricter rules were set in place in New York last September to keep repeat drunk driving offenders from obtaining their license as easily. The Department of Motor Vehicles has reviewed over 3,800 applications for relicensing from people with two or more alcohol or drug related driving offenses on their record since the new rules have been put into effect. Of those applicants, over 1,600 have been permanently denied relicensing and about 1,500 have been denied relicensing for another 5 years. 699 drivers in New York were relicensed but are required to use an ignition interlock device to ensure that they do not drive while drinking, and also were given restricted licenses to limit their driving to work commutes.
