Regardless of the penalties for a first, second or third DUI - DWI offense, New Jersey law provide for certain additional penalties.
Judges may order the installation of an ignition interlock device or the revocation of vehicle registration under Public Law 2000, Chapter 83.
This ignition interlock device, which measures the driver’s blood alcohol level, may be required for up to three years following license restoration after a DUI conviction.
Underage Drinking and Driving
In New Jersey, a person must be 21 to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages.
Anyone under 21 who buys or drinks alcohol in a place with an alcohol beverage license, may be fined $500 and lose their license for 6 months. If they do not have their driver’s license, the suspension starts when they are first eligible to receive a license. They also may be required to participate in an alcohol education or treatment program.
Anyone under 21 driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system (.01 BAC or above), are subjected to the following penalties:
- Loss or postponement of driving privileges for 30 to 90 days
- 15 to 30 days of community service
- Participation in a program of alcohol education and highway safety
Other penalties:
Driving with a suspended license due to driving under the influence:
- A fine of $500
- 10 to 90 days imprisonment
- 1 to 2 years added license suspension
- If you have a crash and someone is hurt while your license is suspended, you face a mandatory 45 day jail sentence
- Revocation of motor vehicle registration
Refusal to submit to breath test:
- 1st offense - $250-$500 fine and a 6-month license suspension
- 2nd offense - $250-$500 fine and a 2-year license suspension
- 3rd offense - $250-$500 fine and a 10-year license suspension
- Automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for 3 years for 1st and 2nd offenses, $1,500 for 3rd offense
- $100 surcharge to be deposited in a drunk driving enforcement fund
Possessing an open container in the passenger compartment:
- 1st offense - $200
- 2nd offense - $250 fine or 10 days of community service
