Certain New Jersey drunk driving penalties are mandatory every time you get arrested under dui charges. It is important to note that these penalties are in addition to the penalties awarded after conviction. It means even if the charges against you get dismissed in the court, you will still have to face specific penalties that include the following –
- State and Municipality Fee – $100
- Intoxicated Driver Program Fee – $100
- Violent Crimes Compensation fee – $100
- Motor Vehicle Restoration Fee – $100
- Surcharge for the drunk driving enforcement fund – $100
First Dui Conviction In New Jersey
You will face the following New Jersey drunk driving penalties if you get convicted in a dui case in this state for the first time
- You will have to spend two hours every day for two days in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center.
- The court will also order you to pay a whopping $1000 for three years as Automobile Insurance Surcharge.
- A minimum $525 of fine is also mandatory as addition dwi fees.
- If the BAC level is more than 0.09, your license will be suspended for a minimum period of seven months and for a maximum period of twelve months.
- If the BAC level is 0.09 or less, you will face license suspension for three months.
- In either case, you may have an option to apply for a restricted license, but ignition interlock device will be required to qualify for the same.
- If the BAC level is 0.10 or above, the basic compulsory monetary fine will range from $300 to $500.
- If the BAC level is less than 0.10, the basic fine will range from $250 to $400.
- You may also have to spent a maximum of one month in jail imprisonment.
Second Dui Conviction In New Jersey
The second conviction attracts the following New Jersey drunk driving penalties.
- You will have to participate in court-ordered community service program for a period of thirty days.
- You will again be charged $1000 per year for the next three years as Automobile Insurance Surcharge
- At least $525 as addition dwi fees.
- Two years of license suspension, but you may qualify for a restricted license if you fulfill the basic requirements, such as the installation of an ignition interlock device in all your vehicles.
- From $500 to $1000 of basic monetary fine
- A maximum of ninety days in jail imprisonment
Third Dui Conviction In New Jersey
The third conviction results in the following New Jersey drunk driving penalties.
- This time, you will have to pay $1500 per year for three years as Automobile Insurance Surcharge
- A minimum $525 of addition dwi fees
- Your driving license will be suspended for a period of ten years. However, you can still apply for a restricted license by getting an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicles, but it is entirely up to the court to have a final decision in this regard. If the court finds your offence very serious, your application for a restricted license may get rejected.
Refusal to take the chemical test to determine BAC level at the time of dwi stop is also considered as a serious offence and results in some additional New Jersey drunk driving penalties that include one year of license suspension and a fine of $250-$500 for the first time refusal, two years of suspension for a 2nd time refusal, and ten years of license suspension for a third-time refusal.