DUI: Driving Under the Influence

The only scientific way to determine whether a driver is under the influence is through blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Your BAC can be tested with a simple Breathalyzer test.

In New Jersey, a person with a BAC of 0.08% or greater who operates a motor vehicle or a boat is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI).

Being convicted of a DUI is a serious offense, carrying heavy penalties including:

  • Fines, fees  surcharges
  • Jail time
  • Community service


Mandatory fines and penalties

 

Alcohol or drug related DUI with BAC of 0.10% or greater

License loss
Fines, fees & surcharges
Prison term
Community service requirement
7 months–
1 year
$300–$500 fine
$75/day IDRC* fee
$100 to drunk driving fund
$100 to AERF*
$1,000/year (for 3 years) surcharge
$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund
Up to 30 days
12–48 hours IDRC*

Alcohol or drug related DUI with BAC greater than 0.08% but less than 0.10%

License loss
Fines, fees & surcharges
Prison term
Community service requirement
3 months
$250–$400 fine
$75/day IDRC* fee
$100 to drunk driving fund
$100 to AERF*
$1,000/year (for 3 years) surcharge
$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund
Up to 30 days
12–48 hours IDRC*

 

Repeated DUI convictions

Offense
License loss
Fines, fees & surcharges
Prison term
Community service requirement
2nd offense within 10 years
2 years
$500–$1,000 fine
$100/day IDRC* fee
$100 to drunk driving fund
$100 to AERF*
$1,000/year (for 3 years) surcharge
$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund
48 hours–
90 days
30 days
and
12–48 hours IDRC*
3rd offense within 10 years of 2nd offense
10 years
$1,000 fine
$100/day IDRC* fee
$100 to drunk driving fund
$100 to AERF*
$1,500/year (for 3 years) surcharge
$75 to Neighborhood Services Fund
180 days
Up to 90 days (can reduce period of imprisonment) and 12–48 hours IDRC*

Related Offenses

 

Driving or riding with an open container

Offense Fines   Community service
  1st   $200   –
  2nd   $250   10 days

Driving with a DUI suspension

License loss Fines or surcharges Prison term
Additional
1–2 years
$500 fine
$250/year (for 3 years) surcharge
  10–90 days

Driving while possessing drugs

License loss Fines or surcharges
  2 years   Minimum $50 fine

Driving while possessing drugs

License loss Fines or surcharges
  2 years   Minimum $50 fine

Notes:

  • *IDRC – Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
  • *AERF – Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund
  • Underage drinking may cause a six-month delay in getting a license
  • Alcohol and drug-related offenses require completion of an alcohol screening and evaluation program

Failure to pay DUI surcharges will result in

  • Indefinite suspension of driving privileges
  • Action filed in State Superior Court by MVC. This may include securing a lien against your property, garnishing your wages or other similar action