New Jersey defines driving under the influence as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more. You can also receive a DUI for allowing a person impaired by drugs or alcohol to operate your vehicle.
Penalties for a DUI conviction can result in the loss of your driver’s license as well as other legal consequences, even including jail time in some cases. Learn about the penalties for a DUI conviction and the factors that can potentially reduce a DUI sentence.
While you may not receive a driver’s license suspension for a first-time DUI conviction, you have to install an ignition interlock device at your own expense for at least three months. The IID disables the engine unless you provide a breath sample proving sobriety.
For a second offense, you can receive a license suspension for at least one year and up to two years. In this case, you must use an IID if you obtain a restricted license and for up to four years after the suspension.
A third offense carries a license suspension of up to eight years. You will also have to use an IID for at least four years after regaining your license in this instance.
New Jersey drivers can potentially reduce their suspension periods by completing a two-day program at the state intoxicated driver resource center. In most cases, you will have to also pay a surcharge on your insurance policy of at least $1,000 for at least three years after a DUI conviction.
