
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).
Mandatory DUI Fines and Penalties
Alcohol or drug related DUI with BAC of 0.10% or greater
License loss
Fines, fees & surcharges
Prison term
Community service, IDRC & 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 FundUp to 30 days
12–48 hours IDRC*
BAC 0.15% or greater: ignition interlock device during license suspension and 6 months - 1 year following restoration
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, IDRC & 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 FundUp to 30 days
12–48 hours IDRC*
Repeated DUI convictions
Offense
License loss
Fines, fees & surcharges
Prison term
Community service, IDRC & Interlock
2nd 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 Fund48 hours–
90 days30 days CS
12–48 hours IDRC*
Ignition interlock device during license suspension and 1-3 years following restoration3rd offense within 10 years of 2nd 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 Fund180 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 restorationRelated 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) surcharge10–90 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
Contact us today if you have been arrested for a DUI and would like assistance from a trusted attorney at the firm! Clifford E. Lazzaro, Esq. is an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney who has successfully defended motorists charged with DUI. We have had a number of DUI cases dismissed over a 21 year period in the private practice of law. Let us evaluate your DUI case!