New York Assembly Bill A05907

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/25
• Refer: 2/24/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Provides for the revocation of a person's driver's license who has been convicted of operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Summary

This bill would require a court to suspend a person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle, and allow suspension of vehicle registration, when that person is convicted of certain boating intoxication offenses under the Navigation Law. Specifically, it applies to convictions for operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs under section 49-a, including the enumerated subdivisions referenced in the bill, as well as related offenses under section 49-b. The measure also amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to make these suspensions part of the existing framework for alcohol- and drug-related driving sanctions. The bill further authorizes the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to adopt rules allowing conditional or restricted driving privileges after a mandatory revocation period of at least three years, subject to criteria set by the commissioner. In practical terms, the proposal links boating-under-the-influence convictions to consequences for a person’s automobile driving privileges, extending penalties beyond marine enforcement and into the motor vehicle licensing system.

Impact

The bill would amend both the Navigation Law and the Vehicle and Traffic Law to create a cross-penalty system for boating intoxication offenses. It would require courts to suspend a convicted person’s driver’s license privileges and could also permit suspension of motor vehicle registration, thereby affecting individuals convicted of operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The bill would also expand the DMV’s authority to set rules for conditional or restricted driving after a mandatory revocation period, integrating these offenses into the state’s broader impaired-operation sanction structure.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the bill appears to be framed as a public-safety measure with no recorded committee debate or vote history in the materials provided. The sponsor’s approach suggests support for stronger deterrence and consistent penalties for impaired operation of vessels, treating boating under the influence similarly to other alcohol- and drug-related offenses. Because there are no transcripts or votes, there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill’s stated enforcement purpose.

Contention

The main policy issue is whether a boating intoxication conviction should trigger loss of automobile driving privileges and possible registration suspension, rather than being limited to marine-related penalties. Supporters would likely view the measure as a deterrent and a way to address dangerous impaired operation across transportation modes. Potential concerns could include proportionality, the fairness of imposing motor vehicle sanctions for conduct occurring on water, and the scope of DMV discretion in setting conditional or restricted driving rules after the mandatory revocation period.