{"id":375007,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-dwi-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-06-26T14:56:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T19:56:46","slug":"new-jersey-dwi-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-dwi-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey DWI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Jersey DWI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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New Jersey DWI laws define driving while intoxicated as operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including narcotics, hallucinogens, and other habit-forming drugs. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in New Jersey is 0.08%, and the penalties for DWI include fines, jail time, a driver’s license suspension, and the installation of an ignition interlock device. New Jersey also enforces a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21, where any BAC over 0.01% can lead to a DWI charge.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The state of New Jersey has some of the strictest driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws in the country. A DWI charge and conviction have severe penalties, including jail time and hefty fines. New Jersey also requires people guilty of DWI to undergo a mandatory substance abuse assessment<\/a> and, if warranted, treatment.<\/p>\r\n

This article discusses New Jersey’s DWI laws and the penalties for DWI in New Jersey. If you\u2019re facing a DWI charge in New Jersey, contact an experienced DWI defense attorney<\/a> right away. They know New Jersey\u2019s DWI laws inside and out and can often achieve a much better result than someone going it alone.<\/p>\r\n

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/h2>\r\n

Whether a person faces DWI charges depends heavily on their blood alcohol content<\/a> (BAC) at the time of their arrest. The table below outlines New Jersey\u2019s BAC limits and other laws related to blood alcohol testing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/b><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

o.08%<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/b><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

0.01%<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Implied Consent to Submit to BAC Test?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Yes<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

New Jersey DWI Laws<\/h2>\r\n

New Jersey law prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of:<\/p>\r\n