The Law You Never Actually Consented to: New York’s Implied Consent Law<

Written By: Benjamin Goldman, Esq.


There are three separate types of tests that drivers under the suspicion of driving drunk or otherwise impaired can be subjected to:

  1. Field sobriety tests, such as the Horizontal Gaze test and the One-Leg Stand test.
  2. Breath screening tests, such as the Alco-Sensor test.
  3. Chemical tests, such as the Breathalyzer, and / or a blood or urine test.

A lesser-known part of every DUI stop is how the driver reacts to the chemical test. New York has a law outside the scope of public knowledge called the "Implied Consent". Under this statute, when anyone drives a vehicle in the state they are considered to have already given consent to take a chemical test, regardless of whether or not you actually did.

Many drivers faced with this situation understandably choose to refuse one. However, this can have severe consequences. Chemical test refusal then becomes a different issue from whether someone is guilty of an alcohol or drug-related violation.

Regardless of your alcohol/ drug related driving offense, you will be suspended upon arraignment for the refusal alone. The refusal will also be used against you in your original case. Interestingly enough, even if a driver is found not guilty of the original alcohol/ drug offense, they can still have their license revoked on the refusal alone.

A refusal to submit to a chemical test can have far-reaching consequences. Refusals will remain on your driving record and will be seen on DMV “look back” periods. They can even play a factor in eligibility for a new license after a revocation.

What Drivers CAN Refuse

The one silver lining is that there is no requirement that a driver suspected of driving while intoxicated or otherwise impaired submit to field sobriety tests, the first category outlined above. There is also no obligation to answer an officer’s questions that will inevitably be asked to determine the level of impairment. Though a driver has the right to refuse these tests, an officer will most likely never inform them of the right to do so.

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Disclaimer: All the content of this website has been prepared by Benjamin Goldman Law Office PC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information on this website shall not be construed as an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create, nor shall the receipt of such information constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Our hope is that you will find the information useful and informative, and we would be happy to communicate with you and answer any questions you may have about our legal services. Readers should not act upon the information on this website, or decide not to act based upon the information on this website, without first seeking appropriate professional counsel from an attorney licensed in the home state of the drivers license of the person who received the relevant traffic citation.