Leandra's Law gets tougher with new provisions
By TANIQUE WILLIAMS
As of Nov. 1, the penalty for New Yorkers who drive drunk with a conditional license has been bumped up from a traffic infraction to a class E felony as part of a revision to Leandra's Law.
Conditional licenses permit restricted use of a vehicle — to and from medical appointments, work, or school — for an individual whose license was suspended or revoked due to an alcohol or drug-related violation, provided they enroll in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles, according to the New York state DMV website.
"Tough new laws are [in] effect to keep drunk drivers off our roads," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. "Strengthening Leandra's Law and increasing penalties will continue the state's efforts to keep dangerous and irresponsible drivers from getting behind the wheel and putting themselves and others at risk. Drinking and driving has no place in New York, and we will make sure those who break the law will be properly penalized for it."
Leandra's Law — named after 11-year-old Leandra Rosado who was killed in a crash while riding in a car driven by an intoxicated driver — was passed December 2009 and made the penalty for drunk driving with a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle a felony. It also established a requirement for ignition interlock devices on vehicles owned, or operated by a person convicted of driving under the influence. The interlock device prevents the ignition of a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath.
http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2013-11-18-85880.113122-Leandras-Law-gets-tougher-with-new-provisions.html