LEANDRA’S LAW On December 18, 2009 the Child Passenger Protection Act was signed into law. Known as Leandra’s Law, this legislation makes operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (.08 or higher blood alcohol content), or under the influence of drugs, with a passenger under the age of 16 a class E felony offense. Individuals charged under Leandra’s Law automatically have their license suspended while awaiting prosecution. Effective August 15, 2010 courts must order anyone found guilty of driving while intoxicated, including first time offenders, to install and maintain an ignition interlock device on any vehicle owned or operated by the driver. The ignition interlock must remain on the vehicle for a minimum of 6 months. 23 | Teen Driver Resource Guide • www.dmv.ny.gov