DUI Frequently Asked Questions

A: You do face a license suspension if convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence) or a DUI (driving while intoxicated) violation in New Jersey. The question is for how long? First-time offenders with a BAC (blood alcohol content) between 0.08% and 0.10% can lose their license for three months. A BAC of 0.10% or higher carries a license suspension of seven months to one year.

Drivers convicted of a second offense within 10 years of their first offense can lose their license for two years; subsequent offenses carry a license suspension of 10 years.

A: New Jersey does not provide conditional or special work licenses for drivers convicted of a DUI. You would need to make alternative arrangements to get to and from work during your license suspension.

A: That answer depends on several factors: Is this his first offense? If not, how long has it been since his previous conviction? What was his blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest?

A first-time offender with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.10% can expect to receive a fine of between $250 and $400. A BAC of 0.10% or greater carries a fine of between $300 and $500. Repeat offenders face even higher fines.

A driver convicted of a second DUI within 10 years of his or her first offense faces a fine of between $500 and $1,000; for the third and subsequent offenses, the fine is $1,000. These fines do not include other fees and surcharges.

A: There are several fees and surcharges in addition to the fine imposed on drivers convicted of DUIs. They are:

• IDRC (Intoxicated Driver Resource Center) fee -- $230 for first offenses; $280 for subsequent offenses;
• Drunk Driving Fund -- $100;
• AERF (Alcohol Education & Rehabilitation Fund) fee -- $100;
• Neighborhood Services Fund fee -- $75.

In addition, drivers can expect to pay an insurance surcharge to Motor Vehicle Services of $1,000 a year for three years for first and second offenses, and $1,500 a year for three years for third and subsequent offenses. This surcharge is used to fund debt repayments and alcohol rehabilitation programs. It is in addition to any premiums or surcharges that an individual’s own insurance company may impose.

A: You risk an indefinite suspension of your driver’s license if you don’t pay the insurance surcharge imposed on you as a result of a DUI. In addition, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission could file action against you in State Superior Court, which could result in a lien against any property you may own or garnishment of your wages.

A: Yes. The court could impose a prison term of up to 30 days for first time offenders. Persons convicted of a second offense face a possible jail term of 48 hours to 90 days. Third and subsequent offenses carry a mandatory sentence of at least 180 days.

A: Ignition interlock devices measure a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) and prevent drivers from starting their vehicles if their BAC exceeds 0.05%, even though the legal limit in New Jersey, as in most states, is 0.08%. If you are convicted of driving under the influence, there is a possibility that you will be required to have such a device installed on your vehicle depending on the individual circumstances of your case.

Ignition interlock devices are required for first-time offenders who have a BAC of 0.15% or higher, as well as for repeat offenders. The device must be installed on the vehicle – at the driver’s expense – for the duration of the imposed license suspension and for six months to one year following the license restoration for first-time offenders, and one to three years after license restoration for repeat offenders.

A: All persons convicted of driving under the influence in New Jersey will be required to attend the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center for a period of 12 to 48 hours. Second time offenders can also be required to complete 30 days of community service. Anyone convicted of a third or subsequent offense can be sentenced to up to 90 days of community service. This sentence can be applied to reduce an individual’s prison sentence for their DUI offense in some cases.

A: Yes, driving with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle is a violation of State law. A first offense carries a fine of $200. Second and subsequent offenses carry fines of $250 and 10 days of community service.

A: For one thing, you could lose your license for an additional one to two years. You will also be fined $500 and an additional $250 a year surcharge for the next three years. On top of that, you face the possibility of being sentenced to serve 10 to 90 days in jail.

A: No, at the end of your suspension period you will need to apply for restoration of your driving privileges before they are restored. New Jersey State Law (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10a) requires payment of a $100 fee for the restoration of any license or registration that has been suspended or revoked pursuant to any law or regulation. This fee is in addition to any fees that may be related to alcohol related suspensions. It is the driver’s responsibility to submit proof of payment of outstanding fines or tickets to the MVC to be restored. Once you have satisfied the reason for the suspension, completed any suspension period that had been ordered and paid the required fees, you will receive a Notice of Restoration in the mail.