Pop star Justin Timberlake was charged with drunken driving early Tuesday in the village of Sag Harbor, New York, part of the Hamptons after police reported he ran a stop sign and veered out of his lane in the upscale seaside community.

Timberlake, who was driving a 2025 BMW around 12:30 a.m., was pulled over by an officer who determined he was intoxicated, according to court documents. The documents detail that Timberlake, 43, exhibited several signs of intoxication, including bloodshot and glassy eyes, a strong smell of alcohol on his breath, slowed speech, unsteady movements, and poor performance on field sobriety tests.

When questioned by the officer, Timberlake admitted to having one martini and mentioned he was following a friend home. Following his arrest, he was taken to a police station in East Hampton, where he refused to take a breath test.

DWI Laws in New York State

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws in New York are stringent and designed to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

In New York State, the legal limits for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) vary depending on the driver's age and the type of offense. For Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), a BAC of 0.08% or higher is required for drivers aged 21 and over. For Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI/Alcohol), the BAC limit is more than 0.05% but less than 0.07%. Under the Zero Tolerance Law, drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a BAC limit of 0.02% to 0.07%.

Penalties for DWI in New York

A first-time DWI in New York State is a misdemeanor. The penalties include a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000, up to one year of jail time, and a license revocation for a minimum of six months. Additionally, there is a mandatory surcharge of $260 if the case is in city courts or $395 in town and village courts.

A second offense within ten years is classified as a Class E felony. This carries a fine between $1,000 and $5,000, a potential jail sentence of up to four years, and a license revocation for at least one year. The mandatory surcharge increases to $520 in city courts or $570 in town and village courts.

For a third offense within ten years, the charge is elevated to a Class D felony. The penalties include a fine ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, a jail sentence of up to seven years, and a license revocation for a minimum of one year. The mandatory surcharge remains $520 in city courts or $570 in town and village courts.

For a BAC of 0.18% or higher, the penalties include a fine ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, up to one year of jail time, and a license revocation for a minimum of one year.

Chemical Test Refusal

If a driver refuses to take a breath test for the first time, they face a civil penalty of $500 and a license revocation for a minimum of one year. For a second refusal within five years, the civil penalty increases to $750, and the license revocation period extends to a minimum of 18 months. This is particularly relevant in the case of Justin Timberlake, who refused a breath test after being stopped for suspected drunken driving, which could lead to immediate legal consequences under New York's stringent DWI laws.

The 10-time Grammy winner was arraigned in Sag Harbor and released without bond later on Tuesday morning. He faces a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 26, according to the Suffolk County district attorney’s office.

Timberlake, known for his successful transition from boy band fame with *NSYNC to a thriving solo career, has also made a name for himself as an actor.