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First Offense DUI in New Jersey

Have You Been Arrested For A First Offense DUI in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law, a DUI is considered a motor vehicle offense that may be tried in municipal court. Many states consider a DUI a criminal offense and focus more on jail time, rather than enforcing high monetary penalties. New Jersey, on the other hand, imposes harsher monetary penalties for a first offense DUI rather than extended jail time.

A person with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered to be driving under the influence when operating a vehicle. Even a first offense DUI may come with significant penalties. New Jersey separates BAC into two categories with different penalties, depending on the level.

The first is at least a 0.08% BAC, but no greater than a 0.10% BAC. If your BAC is at least 0.08%, and not above 0.10%, you could face the following penalties:

  • License suspension for 3 months
  • At least $250 in fines; no more than $400 in fines
  • Up to 30 days of jail time
  • New Jersey DMV surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years
  • Between 12 and 48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center

The second is any value higher than a 0.10% BAC. If your BAC is 0.10% or higher, you could face the following penalties:

  • License suspension for at least 7 months to a year
  • At least $300 in fines; no more than $500 in fines
  • Up to 30 days of jail time
  • New Jersey DMV surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years
  • Between 12 and 48 hours in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
  • Mandatory ignition interlock device for portion of the license suspension and for 6 months following suspension if BAC was higher than 0.15%

Regardless of your BAC, you will also face the following fines:

  • $100 surcharge deposited in the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund
  • $100 Motor Vehicle Commission restoration fee
  • $100 Intoxicated Driving Program fee
  • $50 Violent Crimes Compensation Fund fee
  • $75 Safe and Secure Community Program fee

Failure to pay any of these fees or surcharges may result in an indefinite suspension of your license. Additionally, the Motor Vehicle Commission may file a claim in Superior Court to obtain these fees through a lien on property or a wage garnishment.