AUO stands for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation. An AUO is a misdemeanor, and therefore a crime under New York law.
A person is guilty of the offense of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree when a person operates a motor vehicle upon a public highway while knowing or having reason to know that their license or privilege of driving has been suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by the DMV.
The penalty for an AUO in the Third Degree conviction is a fine of $200-$500, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
Multiple AUO offenses or numerous suspensions pending can result in a AUO Second Degree, which is punishable by a fine of not less than $500, prison of up to 180 days, or probation. An AUO related to alcohol can be elevated to the first degree, which is a class-E felony.
AUO is a serious offense.