New Jersey State Laws and Requirements

New Jersey Ignition Interlock Devices

The state of New Jersey refers to alcohol-based driving offenses as Operating Under the Influence, or OUI. In New Jersey, the legal BAC limit is below .08 percent. Anyone caught driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more is at risk of an OUI conviction. The state suspends the license of any driver caught with a BAC of .08 percent or more immediately. This means that prior to court appearance, offenders won’t be able to drive. In some cases, restricted driving privileges may be restored if the offender installs an ignition interlock device.

State Interlock Regulations

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Table of Contents

The NJ Ignition Interlock Program

What happens if I get a DUI in New Jersey?

New Jersey has significant penalties for alcohol-based driving offenses. Those convicted of DWI will be penalized financially and they’re required to install a BAIID. The penalties increase with each offense.

1st Offense

  • License revoked for 3 months
  • Up to 30 days in prison
  • 12-48 hours of community service and courses via the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
  • Additional fines totaling up to $5,000 as ordered
  • Must install a BAIID

2nd Offense

  • License revoked for two years
  • 48 hours to 90 days in prison
  • 30 days of community service
  • 12-48 hours of IDRC classes
  • Additional fines totaling up to $5,000 as ordered
  • Must install a BAIID

3rd Offense

  • license revoked for 10 years
  • 180 days in prison
  • Up to 90 days of community service
  • 12-48 hours of IDRC classes
  • Additional fines totaling up to $5,000 as ordered
  • Must install a BAIID

What Happens if I Fail or Refuse to Take a Test in New Jersey?

Refusing to take the test doesn’t mean offenders will not be penalized. A refusal will incur the following penalties:

First refusal

  • License suspended for up to 7 months
  • Fine from $300-500

Second refusal

  • License suspended for up to 2 years
  • Fine from $500-1,100

Third refusal

  • License suspended for 8 years
  • $1,000 fine

How do I get a restricted driver’s license in New Jersey?

New Jersey allows some drivers to get a restricted license to regain some of their driving privileges during the suspension period. Typically, these licenses allow offenders to drive to work, school, medical appointments, treatment, and other necessary appointments. To qualify, offenders must meet the following criteria:

list
  • Install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device from an approved provider
  • Complete any community service programs and pay all fines
  • Attend and complete a 12-48 hour program at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
  • Pay fines to the drunk driving fund, Neighborhood Services Fund, Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund, and an additional surcharge for three years
  • Serve any applicable prison time
  • Complete alcohol screening and evaluation program
  • Share certification of installation with County requiring the device to be installed pretrial, probation or bond officer that reporting be sent to
  • Send copy of court order to ADS

The court will share any other requirements with offenders if they are necessary to get the BAIID.

ADS NJ Interlock Devices

The breath alcohol ignition interlock program allows New Jersey offenders to get back on the road during their suspension period. This is beneficial because it allows them to go to work, school, medical appointments, and other necessary places.

What is a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device?

A breath alcohol ignition interlock device, or BAIID, is a small device installed in your vehicle which:

  • Requires a breath alcohol content test before starting the car, and will not allow you to start the engine if alcohol is in your system.
  • Requires random retests of your Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) during trips to prevent tampering and ensure continuous sobriety

How long is an NJ interlock device required?

The ignition interlock device is required typically for the length of the time the license is revoked or suspended, and perhaps beyond. The exact length of time is typically determined in court.

Ignition Interlock Cost in New Jersey

The device cost is covered by the offender, although New Jersey has financial assistance programs available for anyone considered indigent.

How much does an IID cost?

The price of the device is typically about $2.50 to $3.50 a day.

Ignition Interlock installation in New Jersey

The ADS partner network features nearly 5,000 locations nationwide, so you should have no problem finding one near you. You will need to return every 60 days for calibration. Keep that in mind when choosing a location so it’s convenient to return to regularly.