New Jersey Since December 1, 2019, judges are required to order ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, including those who refuse a test. From 2006 to 2020 in New Jersey, interlocks stopped 119,122 attempts to drive drunk with a breath alcohol concentration of .08 or greater, including 16,105 attempts to drive drunk in 2020.
Grade: D (66.5/100) New Jersey’s new 2019 all -offender interlock law is an improvement that will save lives. More lives would be saved if the state closes loopholes to ensure more interlocks are utilized for all drunk drivers.
Why does MADD call the law all-offender? Judges are required to order an ignition interlock for all convicted drunk drivers.
Process to obtain an ignition interlock 1. Complete jail sentence and wait out suspension period (if applicable). 2. Contact the New Jersey MVC to learn when you need to have your Ignition Interlock Device installed. 3. Schedule an appointment to have an interlock device installed. 4. Pay DUI fines and related fees. 5. Attend an Intoxicated Driver Program and any other mandatory classes or alcohol screenings per the MVC. 6. Contact the New Jersey Surcharge Violation System at 1.888.651.9999 to manage and pay any additional fees, including yearly surcharge of up to $1,500. 7. Complete any pending court regulations. Ignition Interlock Law Overview and MADD Legislative Recommendations How soon can an ignition interlock be installed? Duration on ignition interlock Legislative Recommendation First offense .08 to .099 BAC Upon conviction 3 months Eliminate any waiting periods before installation of an interlock. First offense .10 to .14 BAC Upon conviction 7 to 12 months First offense .15 BAC plus Upon conviction 6 to 12 months Second offense 2 years after conviction 1 to 3 years First refusal 7 to 12 months after conviction 6 to 12 months Can a drunk driver wait out an interlock order? Yes Legislative Recommendation Any person who has a license suspended for a drunk driving offense, must use an ignition interlock for at least six months before obtaining a non-interlock driver's license. Compliance based removal? Yes All convicted drunk drivers who use an interlock must have no recordable violations during the final 30 days on device (such as registering a BAC of .08 or greater) or a Judge could extend the interlock restriction by up to 90 days. Day-for-Day credit for early installation? No Legislative Recommendation Allow for the use of ignition interlock after arrest and credit early installation of an interlock toward time ordered on an interlock upon conviction. Interlocks required for plea agreements or diversion? No
Allow a first-time apprehended drunk driver who did not cause an injury or property damage crash, and successfully completes six continuous months on an ignition interlock and completes other court or department conditions to be granted a plea deal.
Legislative Recommendation
Affordibility program? Yes If a person's family income does not exceed 100% of the federal poverty level, the monthly leasing fee shall be 50% of the fee established by regulation for persons who do not qualify for the reduced fee. If that person’s family income does not exceed 149% of the fed eral poverty level, the monthly leasing fee shall be 75% of the fee established by regulation for persons who do not qualify for the reduced fee. Offenders who qualify for a reduced fee shall not be required to pay the installation fee, the cost for monitoring of the device, or any fees for calibration or removal of the device. Sources: §§39:4-50(a)(1), (2) and (3), §39:4-50.17, New Jersey MVC.
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