BAC - refers to the amount of alcohol in your blood.

The Penalties

1st Offense:                       

• a fine of $250-$400*
• imprisonment for up to 30 days*
• 6 months to 1 year license suspension*
• a minimum of 6 hours a day for 2 days detainment in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), at a charge of $75 a day
• an automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for 3 years

2nd Offense

• a fine of $500-$1,000*
• imprisonment of at least 48 consecutive hours, and up to 90 days*
• 2 year license suspension*
• 48 consecutive hours detainment in a regional IDRC, at a charge of $100 a day
• an automobile insurance surcharge of $1,000 a year for 3 years

3rd Offense

• a fine of $1,000*
• imprisonment of 180 days
• 10 year license suspension*
• detainment in a in-patient alcoholism treatment program
• requirements set by the IDRC
• a fee to be paid to the IDRC dependent upon court sentence
• an automobile insurance surcharge of $5,000 a year for 3 years

* if occuring within a school zone or school crossing, this penalty is increased under Public Law 99, Chapter 185.

Any Offense Also Carries

• $100 surcharge to be deposited in a drunk driving enforcement fund
• a Division of Motor Vehicle restoration fee of $50 and an Intoxicated Driving Program fee of $100
• a Violent Drimes Compensation Fund fee of $50
• a Safe and Secure Community Program fee of $75

Parents and Guardians - A new provision (Public Law 99, Chapter 410) was added to New Jersey's driving under the influence laws and penalties. 

A parent or guardian who is convicted and who has a minor under age 17 as a passenger in the motor vehicle is also guilty of a disorderly persons offense.  In addition to penalties otherwise prescribed by law, a person shall forfiet the right to operate a motor vehicle for a period of not more than six months and shall be ordered to perform community service for a period of not more than five days.

Underage Drinking and Driving - In New Jersey, you must be 21 to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages. 

• If you are under 21 and buy or drink alcohol in a place with an alcoholic beverage license and you may be fined $500 and lose your license for 6 months.
• If you are under 21 and drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system (0.01 BAC or above), you will be subjected to the following penalties:
               » loss or postponement of driving privileges for 30 to 90 days
               » 15 to 30 days of community service
               » participation in a program of alcohol education and highway safety