Big Changes To DWI Laws In NJ: Here's What

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey has a plan to crackdown on drunk driving – and it will lead to a big change in driver's license rules.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation this week that will revise penalties for drunk driving and expand the use of ignition interlock devices.

The legislation (S824) also reduces the length of license suspension and forfeitures for these offenses.

The "IID" is a device that detects alcohol from breath samples it takes from the driver. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle’s engine will not start.

Expanding the use of ignition interlock devices is "just common sense,” said Murphy. But he said license suspensions are "an imperfect tool for accomplishing both aims, as they do not stop drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel and they can prevent ex-offenders from supporting their livelihoods."

“We must deter drunk driving without negatively impacting individuals’ ability to take care of themselves or their families," Murphy said.

Under the law, drunk drivers will be subject to these new rules:

• First time offenders with a blood alcohol of 0.08 to 0.10 percent will be required to have an IID installed in their vehicle for three months.
• An offender with a blood alcohol count of 0.10 to 0.15 percent will be required to have an IID installed in their vehicle for seven to 12 months.
• License suspensions will be reduced from the mandatory 45 days down to the time required for installing the IID.
• Any first time offender who has a blood alcohol count above 0.15 percent will have their license suspended for four to six months and have an IID installed during and after the suspension for nine to 15 months.
• Current law provides for a one year driver’s license suspension for failing to install a required IID. The bill increases the suspension to 18 months.
• The law will take effect by Jan. 1.

“Drunk driving is a serious issue in New Jersey,” said Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union. “Having been a prosecutor for 16 years, my experience is that the use of ignition interlocks is the best way to safe guard our roads while also allowing minor offenders to continue their employment.”

Offenders who do not own, lease or operate a vehicle will be required to attest to this in court and their license will be suspended for a period of time equal to the IID installation period.

“The numbers show that requiring the installation of an ignition interlock device is the most effective way to prevent repeat offenses and ultimately reduce deaths caused by drunk driving,” said Senator Joseph Lagana, D-Bergen/Passaic. “You simply cannot drive drunk with one in your vehicle because the engine will not even start if you are intoxicated. This law will make our roads safer to travel for all of our residents.”