DUI/DWI Fines And Penalties
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 .08 percent 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 and surcharges
- License suspension
- Ignition interlock device
- Jail time
- Community service
At the Law Office of Jack L. Stillman, P.A., we can help you understand what you’re up against when faced with a DUI/DWI. To speak directly with attorney Jack Stillman, call our law office at 732-333-8942 or take a moment and complete our online contact form. We are located in Manalapan, and we represent clients throughout Monmouth and Middlesex counties.
Below are some examples of potential penalties facing those accused of DUI/DWI in New Jersey:
| Alcohol- or drug-related DUI with BAC of .10 percent or greater | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| License loss | Fines, fees and surcharges | Prison term | Community service, IDRC and interlock |
| 7 months 1 year |
$300-$500 fine $230 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* BAC .15 percent or greater: ignition interlock device during license suspension and 6 months to 1 year following restoration |
| Alcohol- or drug-related DUI with BAC greater than .08 percent but less than .10 percent | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| License loss | Fines, fees and surcharges | Prison term | Community service, IDRC and Interlock |
| 3 months | $250-$400 fine $230 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 and surcharges | Prison term | Community service, IDRC and Interlock |
| Second offense within 10 years | 2 years | $500-$1,000 fine $280 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 CS 12-48 hours IDRC* Ignition interlock device during license suspension and 1-3 years following restoration |
| Third offense within 10 years of second offense | 10 years | $1,000 fine $280 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 CS (can reduce period of imprisonment) 12-48 hours IDRC* Ignition interlock device during license suspension and 1-3 years following restoration |
Related Offenses:
| Driving or riding with an open container | ||
|---|---|---|
| Offense | Fines | Community service |
| First | $200 | |
| Second | $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.