| Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey | | | | direct the offender to fix an Ignition Interlock |
| attracts a bunch of penalties that includes fines, | | | | Device in his vehicle. |
| charges and surcharges, imprisonment or | | | | In the case of a second offense the fine will be |
| mandatory counseling. In this state there is no | | | | from $500 to $1,000 and imprisonment from 48 |
| difference between DWI and DUI (Driving Under | | | | consecutive hours to 90 days, loss of license for |
| the Influence). | | | | two years and community service of 30 days, in |
| A first-time offender with a Blood Alcohol Content | | | | addition to the fees and charges stipulated for |
| (BAC) of 0.08% can expect a fine of $250 to | | | | first-time offenders. At the discretion of the |
| $400, a jail term not exceeding 30 days, and | | | | judge, the registration of the vehicle may be |
| suspension of his license for three months. | | | | revoked for two years, instead of installing an |
| Additionally, there will be a New Jersey Motor | | | | ignition interlock device. |
| Vehicles Commission (NJMVC) surcharge of | | | | If the conviction is for a third offence the fine |
| $1,000 per year for three years, and payments | | | | would be $1,000 and the jail term not less than |
| of $200 to the DWI Enforcement Fund, $50 to | | | | 180 days. If the offense was committed within |
| the Violent Crimes Compensation Fund, $75 to | | | | three years from the second one, the NYMVC |
| the Safe Neighborhood Fund, and $200 for license | | | | surcharge increases to $1,500. |
| restoration. He will also have to undergo counseling | | | | If a DWI takes place in a school zone the |
| for 12 to 48 hours at an Intoxicated Driver | | | | penalties will be stiffer. |
| Resource Center (IDRC), which may cost $150, | | | | A DWI conviction becomes a permanent part of |
| and extra payment if outpatient counseling is | | | | your driving record in New Jersey. Since many |
| stipulated by the IDRC. | | | | insurance companies look into the driving history |
| For a first offense, if the alcohol count is 0.1% or | | | | for three years, the premium could be higher for |
| more the fine would be between $300 and $500. | | | | a person with a DWI tag. |
| There is no change in the other charges or jail | | | | It is well to remember that DWI/DUI convictions |
| term, but the license revocation would be for | | | | in other states will be counted as prior offenses in |
| seven months to one year. The court may also | | | | New Jersey. |