DUI in New Jersey is considered a serious offense. Courts are required to impose mandatory license suspensions, fines, surcharges and in some instances, jail sentences.
The terms DUI, driving under the influence, drunk driving, driving while intoxicated, DWI are all synonymous under New Jersey Statute 39:4-50.
In addition to the court sentences, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) is required to impose a mandatory insurance surcharge from $3,000 to $4,500, depending on number of drunk driving offenses. These involve annual payments of either $1,000 or $1,500.
A permanent record of any DWI conviction is also entered on the Drivers History Abstract maintained by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
