Any amount of alcohol affects your judgment and coordination. The degree of impairment depends upon:

BAC stands for "blood alcohol concentration." It's a measure of the amount of alcohol in your blood. In New York State, a BAC of more than .05% is evidence that your ability is impaired by alcohol (DWAI or driving while ability impaired). A BAC of .08% or more is evidence of intoxication (DWI, driving while intoxicated, and/or driving with a BAC of .08 or more.) Under New York's Zero Tolerance Law, drivers under age 21 may be detained for driving with as little as .02% BAC.

There is no quick way. Only time can make you sober. You must wait for your body to metabolize the alcohol. Most people need about one hour to metabolize one drink.

If a police officer believes you are intoxicated, you will be arrested and requested to take a BAC test. If convicted you will face a substantial fine, license revocation, higher insurance costs, legal fees and a possible jail sentence. [See Section 1192, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law.]

The law prohibits a plea to reduce an alcohol traffic offense to a non-alcohol traffic offense.

Your license will be suspended by DMV at arraignment and later revoked at a hearing. You are also subject to a civil penalty of $200-500. [Section 1194, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law.]

Yes. If you are under 21 and convicted of an alcohol related offense your license is revoked for at least one year. A second offense while under 21 results in a one year revocation or a revocation until age 21, whichever is longer. [Section 1193.2(b) (6),(7) of the NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law.]

Greater than ever before. The STOP-DWI Law has increased both enforcement and prosecution of drunk drivers. This law returns fine money to counties for anti-DWI programs. Also State and local police are doing blanket patrols and checkpoints to aid in the apprehension of drunk drivers. These enforcement efforts can occur at any place and time.

In some cases, yes. Such conditional licenses are available mostly to first time offenders who agree to attend the 16 hour Drinking Driver Program. [Section 1196, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law.]