New Jersey DUI Laws

In the state of New Jersey, not only will you face jail time for driving under the influence, you also face thousands of dollars in fines ranging from $250 up to $1,000. You will be charged for everything from the drunk driving enforcement fund to a violent crimes compensation fee. The state of New Jersey also treats possession of alcohol similar to driving while under the influence. In addition, New Jersey has a zero tolerance policy for minors and the limits are lower for commercial vehicle drivers than for non-commercial vehicle drivers.

New Jersey is one of the many states with an implied consent law. This means, by driving on New Jersey roads, you automatically consent to chemical test if an officer of the law suspects that you are driving under the influence.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of New Jersey?

In the state of New Jersey, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Sentence enhancements exist for cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

In the state of New Jersey what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of New Jersey, if you get arrested for DUI, there is no administrative license period. This means, your driving privileges cannot be restored while you await trial.

In the state of New Jersey, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

In the state of New Jersey, first offenses could result in 30 days in jail, license suspension for up to 90 days, and $250-$400 in fines. Following a conviction for a first DUI offense, you will also have to pay a $1,000 auto insurance surcharge for 3 years and you will have to spend six hours in a drunk driver program. For second offenses, you will have to pay anywhere from $500 up to $1,000 in fines, plus an auto insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for 3 years. In addition, you will have to spend 30 days in jail, your license will be suspended for 7-12 months, and you will have to spend six hours in a drunk driver program at your own expense.

In the state of New Jersey, third drunk driving offenses carry a mandatory $1,000 fine, a 10-year drivers license suspension, 6 months in jail and an auto insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for 3 years.