New Jersey DWI Penalties

NJ penalty

NJ penalties attracts a bunch of penalties that includes fines, charges and surcharges, imprisonment or mandatory counseling. In this state there is no difference between DWI and DUI (Driving Under the Influence).

A first-time offender with a Blood Alcohol Content ( BAC ) of 0.08% can anticipate a fine of $250 to $400, a jail term not surpassing thirty days, and suspension of his license for three months. In addition, there’ll be a New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission ( NJMVC ) surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years, and payments of $200 to the DWI Enforcement Fund, $50 to the Violent Crimes Compensation Fund, $75 to the Safe Neighborhood Fund, and $200 for license restoration. He will also need to undergo analysis for twelve to 48 hours at an Inebriated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), which may cost $150, and extra payment if outpatient analysis is stipulated by the IDRC.

For a first offense, if the alcohol count is 0.1% or more the fine would be between $300 and $500. There is no change in the other charges or jail term, but the license revocation would be for 7 months to one year. The court could also direct the offender to fix an Ignition Interlock Device in his vehicle.

In the case of a second offense the fine will be from $500 to $1,000 and imprisonment from 48 consecutive hours to 90 days, loss of license for two years and community service of thirty days, in addition to the charges and charges stipulated for first-time offenders. At the discreetness of the judge, the registration of the vehicle may be revoked for two years, instead of installing an ignition interlock device.

If the conviction is for a third offence the fine would be $1,000 and the jail term not less than 180 days. If the offense was committed within three years from the second one, the NYMVC surcharge increases to $1,500.

If a DWI occurs in a college section the NJ penalties will be stiffer. A DWI conviction becomes an abiding part of your driving record in New Jersey. Since many insurance firms look into the driving history for 3 years, the premium may be higher for a person with a DWI tag.

It is well to remember that DWI/DUI convictions in other states will be counted as previous offenses in New Jersey.