If you’re dealing with a DUI charge, the stakes are high. A conviction can bring serious penalties, and losing your license is a real possibility. On top of that, driving with a suspended license can lead to even more trouble. You need to know exactly what you’re up against and what steps can help protect your future.
A New Jersey DUI lawyer from The Kugel Law Firm can walk you through your options and give you clear guidance on what to expect. Our team can explain the specific penalties you are facing, from first-offense consequences to the severe penalties for a fourth DWI, and work hard to reduce the impact on your life.
You don’t have to handle this on your own. Call The Kugel Law Firm at (973) 854-0098 today to set up a consultation. Let’s talk about your case, your goals, and how to protect your rights and driving privileges.
What Happens to Your Driving Privileges If You Get a DUI in New Jersey?
Getting a DUI in New Jersey can shake up your life fast. The first thing on your mind is probably your license. Losing it can make work, school runs, and basic errands feel impossible. How will you get around? Will you get a conditional license? It’s a lot to worry about.
What happens to your driving privileges depends on if this is your first, second, or third offense. Penalties get tougher each time. You could face a suspension or a revocation.
A suspension pauses your driving privileges for a set time. After the suspension ends, you usually pay a fee to get your license back.
A revocation is more serious. Your driving privileges are voided. After the revocation period, you have to apply for a new license with the DMV.
Going through this on your own is stressful. A skilled New Jersey DUI lawyer can review your situation, build the strongest defense possible, and help you aim for the best outcome. If you’re facing a DUI right now, talk to an attorney as soon as you can.
What Happens to Your New Jersey License With a DUI?
In some cases of DUI, New Jersey has the right to suspend or revoke your driver’s license.
New Jersey changed its DWI law effective December 1, 2019. For a first alcohol-related offense with a BAC under 0.15%, the court no longer imposes a fixed-term license suspension. Instead, your driving privilege is forfeited until you install an ignition interlock device (IID), and you must drive with the IID for a court-ordered period.
This is far less disruptive than a traditional suspension for many first offenders. But it does not apply to drug-based DWIs. For a first offense involving drugs (not alcohol), New Jersey still imposes a time-based license suspension, which is commonly 7–12 months for a first offense.
Suspension still applies if your BAC is 0.15% or higher on a first offense, typically 4–6 months of suspension plus an IID period afterward, and for all repeat offenses.
If you’re facing a second DWI, your New Jersey driver’s license can be suspended for 1–2 years. For a third DWI, the suspension is 8 years.
This is why it’s important to fight back against a DUI conviction whenever possible, even if it’s your first. You may feel tempted to simply take the penalty and move on, but if you ever find yourself facing another DUI, the stakes will be much higher.
New Jersey DUI Lawyer
Rachel Kugel
If you or a loved one has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated in New Jersey, you need an attorney who combines skill, dedication, and compassion. Rachel Kugel and her team at The Kugel Law Firm have devoted their careers to DWI defense, standing by good people during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Rachel stays at the forefront of DUI defense strategies, ensuring her clients benefit from the latest legal developments and trial techniques. She is a proud member of the National College of DWI Defense and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, and has been recognized as a Rising Star SuperLawyer for three consecutive years. Her professional reputation is further reinforced by invitations to speak for AVVO’s “Lawyernomics,” the NJ Bar Association, and Garden State CLE. With an AVVO rating that underscores her commitment to excellence, Rachel provides the experience and trust you need in your corner.
If You Are Convicted of a DUI, Your License Will Be Revoked or Suspended
In New Jersey, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction carries severe consequences, including the likely suspension or revocation of your driving license. The specifics of the penalty depend on factors such as your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest and any previous DUI convictions.
For a first-time offender with a BAC under 0.15%, there is no term suspension. You must install an IID, and you can drive with it for the court-ordered period once it’s installed. If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, you are convicted for a drug-related DWI, or you refuse a chemical test, expect a court-ordered suspension that begins at sentencing. For repeat offenders, a lengthy suspension is mandatory.
These measures reflect the state’s commitment to maintaining road safety by deterring impaired driving. Losing your license not only disrupts your daily routine but also marks a significant challenge in your personal and professional life. It limits your ability to commute, fulfill family obligations, and access services.
It’s important for drivers in New Jersey to understand the gravity of a DUI conviction and its impacts on their driving privileges. If you are facing DUI charges, it is recommended to consult with a New Jersey DUI lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your legal options. Contact The Kugel Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
Is Your License Suspended Immediately After a DUI?
Among the various consequences stemming from a DUI conviction, the forfeiture of your driver’s license potentially has the longest-lasting impact. After sentencing, the court’s order takes effect immediately. For first-offense alcohol DWIs under 0.15%, you’re only barred from driving until you install the IID. For convictions involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher, refusal, drugs, or for any repeat offense, the suspension starts right away.
Navigating DUI cases and the immediate license suspension that follows can be daunting. At The Kugel Law Firm, our skilled New Jersey DUI lawyers can skillfully navigate the legal process on your behalf, striving to safeguard your driving privileges. We work diligently to challenge evidence, explore alternatives, and advocate for the best possible outcome, providing the guidance and representation you need during this challenging time. Contact us to learn more about how we can be of assistance.
How Long Do You Lose Your License for a DUI in New Jersey
If you’re facing a DWI charge in New Jersey, understanding the potential impact on your driving privileges is crucial. The duration of a license suspension after a DWI conviction varies based on your BAC and the offense count.
- First DUI Offense: The penalty depends on your BAC and the substance involved.
- BAC under 0.15%: No license suspension, but you must install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle for a period of 3 to 12 months.
- BAC of 0.15% or higher: A license suspension of 4 to 6 months, followed by a mandatory IID installation for 9 to 15 months after your license is restored.
- Drug-related DUI: A license suspension of 7 to 12 months.
- Second DUI Offense: A second conviction for DUI results in a mandatory license suspension for 1 to 2 years. You will also be required to use an IID for 2 to 4 years after your license is restored.
- Third or Subsequent DUI Offenses: A third or subsequent DUI offense leads to a mandatory 8-year suspension of your driver’s license. After the suspension period, you will be required to use an IID for 2 to 4 years
It’s important to note that the suspension is effective immediately upon conviction. Once the suspension period has concluded, to get back on the road, you must formally apply for license reinstatement and settle a reinstatement fee.
Driving is a privilege that can be seriously affected by DUI convictions in New Jersey. Being aware of the suspension timelines is essential for legal preparation and personal planning. If you’re dealing with a DWI, consider consulting with a legal professional who can guide you through the process and help minimize the impact on your life.
| BAC Level / Offense Type | Immediate Suspension? | Suspension Duration / IID Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| BAC < 0.15% | Yes, until IID installation | IID installed in lieu of suspension for the duration required |
| BAC ≥ 0.15% | Yes | License suspended for 4–6 months, then IID required for 6–12 months post-restoration |
| Refusal to Submit to Test | Same as BAC ≥ 0.15% | IID required; license suspension similar to high-BAC cases |
Steps to Restore Your Driving Privileges
First, figure out every reason your license is suspended. Request your driver history, confirm court orders, and list unpaid tickets, surcharges, and program requirements. New Jersey does not grant work or hardship driving during suspension, so plan rides now.
Next, satisfy the cause of the suspension and gather proof. Pay court fines and tickets, then send proof to the MVC. When the underlying issue and any suspension period are complete, you will receive a Notice of Restoration. Do not drive until MVC lists your license status as ‘restored’ and you’ve received confirmation.
Pay the MVC fees. You must pay the $100 MVC restoration fee and resolve any surcharges, either in full or through a payment plan with the NJ Surcharge Violation System. If your license expired during suspension, be ready to renew in person.
Complete all alcohol education and treatment tasks. If you were ordered to the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, attend, complete the screening, and follow any treatment plan. Noncompliance triggers additional suspension.
If the court required an ignition interlock, schedule installation with a licensed installer, keep it for the required period, and bring proof. Not installing can delay or deny restoration.
Avoid mistakes such as missing deadlines or sending incomplete documents. Keep copies of receipts and proof of compliance. New Jersey law makes driving on a suspended license a crime punishable by fines, additional suspension, and jail. It can even be prosecuted as a fourth‑degree crime requiring a minimum one‑year suspension and six months in jail for repeat DWI‑related suspensions.
A New Jersey DUI lawyer can help you gather paperwork, track deadlines, and advocate for quick restoration on your behalf. With guidance, you can avoid pitfalls and return to lawful driving sooner.
What Happens If You Get Caught Driving With a Suspended License?
Driving with a suspended license can lead to severe consequences, especially if the suspension is for a prior DUI conviction. For example, a second DUI conviction results in a license suspension of 1 to 2 years, and a third DUI conviction leads to an 8-year suspension.
New Jersey is a member of the Driver’s License Compact (DLC), a pact between 45 states aimed at sharing information about driving-related offenses, including DUI and DWI convictions. Therefore, even if the DUI conviction occurred in another state, your home state is likely to learn about it and enforce appropriate penalties, such as license suspension or revocation, fines, and completion of DUI education programs.
What Happens if You Get a DUI in a Different State?
As mentioned, New Jersey is a part of the Driver’s License Compact (DLC). DUI convictions across state lines for states part of the DLC are shared information across the state governments. If the DUI happened in a state that is also a member of the DLC, your state would be informed about the details of your DUI charges.
The only states that do not belong to the DLC are Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. But even some of these states have their own laws to alert a driver’s “home” state about their DUI conviction.
So even if you get convicted of a DUI in another state, that could still threaten your New Jersey driver’s license. In fact, you could face penalties from both states, the state where you got your DUI conviction and the state that issued your driver’s license.
A DUI conviction can carry consequences even across state lines, for years to come. New Jersey also has even greater penalties for DUI charges that involve drugs, whether they’re over-the-counter, prescription, or illegal drugs. This is becoming a greater issue as cannabis has been legalized in the state.
At The Kugel Law Firm, we’re not here to judge. We’re here to help. Schedule a no-risk case consultation with our leading DUI/DWI attorneys now. Contact us today at (973) 854-0098 to schedule a consultation.
