What Every Pennsylvania and New York Driver Needs to Know About New Jersey’s DWI Ignition Interlock Program – It isn’t Optional if You Ever Want to Drive in New Jersey Again!

New Jersey shares borders, the love of professional sport team with Pennsylvania and New York but the laws between the States are very different especially when it comes to drunk driving (DWI/DUI).  Many residents of Pennsylvania and New York, travel into New Jersey for work and pleasure.  This travel sometimes involves stopping at an establishment or attending an event which serves alcohol.  This can sometimes lead to a drunk driving charge. 

New Jersey doesn’t have a diversion drunk driving program and the minimum license suspension is 3 months even if you are convicted of the lowest level DWI.  The legal limit for drunk driving in the Garden State is .08. If a person is convicted or pleads to DWI, the Court will suspend that person’s driver’s license.  While a New Jersey Court can not take an out of state driver’s license, it can suspend driving privileges in New Jersey. 

If this occurs, the Court will require that out of state driver to install an ignition interlock device for the suspension period even if they don’t plan on driving in New Jersey!  If this person does not install the ignition interlock deice, the suspension will be indefinite!   This means you will never be allowed to legally drive in New Jersey again.  If you do drive on suspended license in New Jersey, there are enhanced penalties which include additional suspensions and even potential jail time! 

What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock deice is a breathalyzer device that attaches to the steering column of a vehicle. A person must blow into the device to start the vehicle. If the breath sample exceeds a certain blood alcohol content (BAC), the vehicle will not start. The length of time an IID is required on your vehicle depends on your BAC for a first-time DWI conviction:

– Less than 0.10 percent: 3 months
– At least 0.10 percent but below 0.15 percent: 7 to 12 months
– 0.15 percent or more: 9 to 15 months
– Second or subsequent DWI: Two to four years
– First refusal: Nine to fifteen months
– Second or subsequent refusal: Two to four years

It is a separate offense to disable an Ignition Interlock Device, or to blow into someone else’s IID in order to start their car for them.

What is the Cost of Ignition Interlock Device?

There is an installation fee, followed by a monthly leasing fee to the licensed vendor who installed the device. The monthly fee is usually $75 to $100. Reduced fees are possible for low-income individuals.