New Jersey DWI Fines

Fines account for a major part in the punishments fora third offense the stipulated fine is $2,000.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenses in NewA copy of the conviction record is sent to the
Jersey. There is a gradation in the amount accordingIntoxicated Driving Program Unit. The offender has to
to the offender's driving history and the gravity of thepay a fee of $100 to the Alcohol Education,
offense.Rehabilitation and Enforcement Fund. Apart from all
If a first-time offender is found to have a Bloodthese, the court may also assess a surcharge of $100.
Alcohol Content (BAC) of more than 0.08% but lessOut of this, $50 goes to the municipality where the
than 0.1% he can be fined anything between $250 andconviction took place and $50 to the General Fund of
$400. But if the alcohol level is 0.1% or more, the finethe Treasurer of the State of New Jersey.
would be in the $300 - $500 range. For a secondOther fines, fees and charges in DWI cases in New
offender the fine will be between $500 and $1,000. AJersey include the New Jersey Motor Vehicles
third offense attracts a fine of $1,000. These areCommission (formerly New Jersey Department of
imposed either on conviction or on the accusedMotor Vehicles) surcharge of $1,000 to $1,500 for three
pleading guilty.years. These may be interest-bearing. The list goes on:
The Administrative Procedure Act may also come intoDWI Enforcement Fund, Violent Crime Compensation
play in DWI cases. For driving through a school zoneFund $75, Safe Neighborhood Fund $200, New Jersey
with a BAC above permissible limits, or for drivingMotor Vehicles Commission Restoration Charge $200,
through a school crossing in such a condition, fines inand IDRC outpatient counseling charges of varying
the range of $500-$800 for the first offense andamounts.
between $1,000 and $2,000 for a second offense. ForCourt fees and legal charges are of course extra.