A DUI conviction is costly, disruptive and embarrassing for most working professionals. According to New Jersey law, you will be cited for a DUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is greater than 0.08. If you’ve climbed behind the wheel when you were not legally sober to operate a vehicle, then you’re facing a difficult and costly road ahead to regain your driving privileges.
A DUI conviction in New Jersey is significant, but you may not be aware how expensive it is. The New Jersey legal system, like other states, considers driving under the influence to be a serious offense. You will pay a wide range of fees and penalties.
Beyond these charges below, law enforcement imposes a minimum jail time of 12 hours and maximum of 30 days for a first offense. Law enforcement also suspends your driver’s license for a minimum of seven months and a maximum of one year.
Legal costs of DUI
With a DUI conviction, you will face with a variety of fines and fees, including the following:
- $3,000: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
- $75: Safe neighborhood fund
- $50: Victim compensation fund
- $30: Law enforcement fund
- $200: License reinstatement
- $100-$250: Car towing
- $50-$200: Ignition Interlock device
DUI in a school zone
A DUI conviction in a school zone is an even more serious offense. The police will impose a $500 to $800 fine, and you may spend up to 60 days in jail. In addition, the state will suspend your driver’s license for an additional two years.
Insurance and other costs
All the court and legal system fines and fees are only part of the picture. Your insurance carrier may impose higher insurance premiums and surcharges. According to Bankrate.com, the total cost of a DUI conviction can exceed $20,000. With a DUI conviction on your record, the insurance company is aware that you’re a higher risk to insure, and in some cases, your insurance company may cancel coverage.
A DUI conviction impacts a driver’s life on so many levels. Drivers should be very careful and take all measures to prevent impaired driving. With so many transportation options these days, drivers should not take risks and drive under the influence.