A new drunk driving/DUI law in New Jersey has been in effect since December 1, 2019. Not only has the legislation eliminated driver’s license suspensions for several first DUI/DWI offenses, but it has also reduced suspension periods for second and subsequent convictions. To learn more about New Jersey DUI law, keep reading.
The following is a breakdown of the updated DWI penalties for first-time offenders in NJ:
First Tier (Blood alcohol content [BAC] of .08 percent but less than .10 percent) New Jersey DUI law
Maximum jail sentence of 30 days
License suspension until you install an ignition interlock device (IID)
IID installation for up to three months
A fine between $250 and $400
Other financial assessments: $75 for SNSF and $50 for VCCO
Other financial surcharges: $125 for DWI Surcharge, $100 for DDEF Surcharge, and $1,000 per year for three years for MVC Surcharge
Between 12 and 48 hours at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) approved rehabilitation facility
Second Tier (BAC of .10 percent but less than .15 percent) New Jersey DUI law
Maximum jail sentence of 30 days
License suspension until you install an ignition interlock device (IID)
IID period between seven months to one year
A fine between $300 and $500
Other financial assessments: $75 for SNSF and $50 for VCCO
Other financial surcharges: $125 for DWI Surcharge, $100 for DDEF Surcharge, and $1,000 per year for three years for MVC Surcharge
Between 12 and 48 hours at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) approved rehabilitation facility
Third Tier (BAC of .15 or higher) New Jersey DUI law
Maximum jail sentence of 30 days
Driver’s license suspension between four and six months
Mandatory IID installation during license suspension and maintain IID between nine and 15 months after license reinstatement.
A fine between $300 and $500
Other financial assessments: $75 for SNSF and $50 for VCCO
Other financial surcharges: $125 for DWI Surcharge, $100 for DDEF Surcharge, and $1,000 per year for three years for MVC Surcharge
Between 12 and 48 hours at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) approved rehabilitation facility
When it comes to first DWI offenses involving drugs, New Jersey DUI law says a conviction will result in mandatory driver’s license forfeiture between seven months and one year. Driver’s license suspension for a second DWI conviction is now between one year and two years, rather than only two years.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DWI in Hackensack or Bergen County, contact the Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC today at (201) 254-8484 for a free initial consultation. Let a skilled attorney with over 15 years of legal experience protect your rights and freedom.