In the State of New Jersey it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 percent or above. The .08 limit is the standard measurement of the legally "impaired" driver across the United States. New Jersey has lower BAC limits for drivers of commercial vehicles and minors under the age of 21. The State of New Jersey also has laws that prohibit driving under the influence of drugs and driving while possessing drugs. The penalties for possessing and driving with drugs are similar to driving under the influence of alcohol.

How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in New Jersey?

Predicting how many drinks it will take you to reach the .08 percent BAC limit with certainty is almost impossible. There are charts and calculators that can provide a reasonable reference based on body weight and the amount of time that has passed between drinks, but there are other variables that these devices do not consider that could also impact your BAC score.

The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of New Jersey has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in New Jersey, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.

The first time you are convicted of drunk driving in New Jersey you will be fined between $250 and $400. Your license will be suspended for up to 3 months and you would face up to 30 days in jail. You will also have to spend a minimum of 6 hours a day for 2 consecutive days in an intoxicated driver resource center. You will also have to pay an automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for the following 3 years.

The second arrest and conviction for drunk driving in the State of New Jersey will cost you between $500 and $1,000 for the initial fine. You will also be imprisoned for up to 90 days and have your license suspended from 7 months to 1 year. You will also have to spend a minimum of 6 hours a day for 2 consecutive days in an intoxicated driver resource center and pay an automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for the following 3 years.

The 3rd time you are arrested in New Jersey for drunk driving you will be fined $1,000. Your drivers license will be suspended for 10 years and you will spend 180 days in Jail. You will also be ordered to pay an automobile insurance surcharge of $1,500 a year for the following 3 years.

Drunk Driving Laws in New Jersey

State of New Jersey BAC Laws:

All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .01 or ANY Detectable Amount of Alcohol
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.

The Implied Consent Law in New Jersey

The State of New Jersey implied consent law means that all drivers that travel on the roadways of the State consent to submitting a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine if an officer of the law suspects that the driver is intoxicated. If you refuse to submit to this test your drivers license will be suspended for up to 1 year on your first refusal and you will be fined from $250-$500. Your drivers license will be suspended for 2 years for a second refusal and 10 years for a 3rd refusal.

State of New Jersey DUI Pamphlet

Other New Jersey Information on this Website

New Jersey Teen Driving Laws & Insurance Requirements

New Jersey Hands - Free Driving Laws

DUI Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties

First NJ DWI Offense

1st Drunk Driving Conviction

Jail – Up to 30 Days

Fine – From $250-$400 Fine – From $300-$500 (Blood Alcohol Level .10 or Above)

License Suspension – 3 Months License Suspension – 7 Months to 1 Year (Blood Alcohol Level .10 or Above) Ignition Interlock Possible

Other DWI Fees - $525 Minimum Automobile Insurance Surcharge - $1,000 for 3 Years Attend Intoxicated Driver Resource Center – 2 Days at 6 Hours per Day

Second NJ DWI Offense

2nd Drunk Driving Conviction

Jail – Up to 90 Days Fine – From $500-$1,000 License Suspension – 2 Years

Other DWI Fees - $525 Minimum Ignition Interlock Possible Automobile Insurance Surcharge - $1,000 for 3 Years Community Service – 30 Day

Third NJ DWI Offense

3rd Drunk Driving Conviction

Jail – Up to 180 Days Fine – $1,000 License Suspension – 10 Years

Ignition Interlock Possible Other DWI Fees - $525 Minimum Automobile Insurance Surcharge - $1,500 for 3 Years

SR-22 in New Jersey

Our Sponsor Provides Free SR-22 Auto Insurance Quotes

All drunk driving arrests also carry the following penalties.

Drinking and Driving Laws in New Jersey

Drunk Driving Laws in New Jersey

State of New Jersey BAC Laws:

All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher. Under 21 with a BAC of .01 or ANY Detectable Amount of Alcohol Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.

The Implied Consent Law in New Jersey

Other New Jersey Information on this Website

Fine – From $250-$400
Fine – From $300-$500 (Blood Alcohol Level .10 or Above)

License Suspension – 3 Months
License Suspension – 7 Months to 1 Year (Blood Alcohol Level .10 or Above)
Ignition Interlock Possible

Other DWI Fees - $525 Minimum
Automobile Insurance Surcharge - $1,000 for 3 Years
Attend Intoxicated Driver Resource Center – 2 Days at 6 Hours per Day

Jail – Up to 90 Days
Fine – From $500-$1,000
License Suspension – 2 Years

Other DWI Fees - $525 Minimum
Ignition Interlock Possible
Automobile Insurance Surcharge - $1,000 for 3 Years
Community Service – 30 Day

Jail – Up to 180 Days
Fine – $1,000
License Suspension – 10 Years

Ignition Interlock Possible
Other DWI Fees - $525 Minimum
Automobile Insurance Surcharge - $1,500 for 3 Years

All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .01 or ANY Detectable Amount of Alcohol
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.