| Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey attracts | | | | Ignition Interlock Device in his vehicle. |
| a bunch of penalties that includes fines, charges and | | | | In the case of a second offense the fine will be from |
| surcharges, imprisonment or mandatory counseling. In | | | | $500 to $1,000 and imprisonment from 48 consecutive |
| this state there is no difference between DWI and DUI | | | | hours to 90 days, loss of license for two years and |
| (Driving Under the Influence). | | | | community service of 30 days, in addition to the fees |
| A first-time offender with a Blood Alcohol Content | | | | and charges stipulated for first-time offenders. At the |
| (BAC) of 0.08% can expect a fine of $250 to $400, a | | | | discretion of the judge, the registration of the vehicle |
| jail term not exceeding 30 days, and suspension of his | | | | may be revoked for two years, instead of installing an |
| license for three months. Additionally, there will be a | | | | ignition interlock device. |
| New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission (NJMVC) | | | | If the conviction is for a third offence the fine would be |
| surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years, and | | | | $1,000 and the jail term not less than 180 days. If the |
| payments of $200 to the DWI Enforcement Fund, $50 | | | | offense was committed within three years from the |
| to the Violent Crimes Compensation Fund, $75 to the | | | | second one, the NYMVC surcharge increases to |
| Safe Neighborhood Fund, and $200 for license | | | | $1,500. |
| restoration. He will also have to undergo counseling for | | | | If a DWI takes place in a school zone the penalties will |
| 12 to 48 hours at an Intoxicated Driver Resource | | | | be stiffer. |
| Center (IDRC), which may cost $150, and extra | | | | A DWI conviction becomes a permanent part of your |
| payment if outpatient counseling is stipulated by the | | | | driving record in New Jersey. Since many insurance |
| IDRC. | | | | companies look into the driving history for three years, |
| For a first offense, if the alcohol count is 0.1% or more | | | | the premium could be higher for a person with a DWI |
| the fine would be between $300 and $500. There is | | | | tag. |
| no change in the other charges or jail term, but the | | | | It is well to remember that DWI/DUI convictions in other |
| license revocation would be for seven months to one | | | | states will be counted as prior offenses in New |
| year. The court may also direct the offender to fix an | | | | Jersey. |