What Are the Costs of a DWI/DUI in New Jersey?

Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey can lead to harsh penalties – including expensive fines, fees, costs and surcharges. The average cost of a first-time DUI in New Jersey is $10,000. Look at the breakdown of DUI-related costs to know what to expect if you get arrested for this crime and make sure to speak with a DUI lawyer in New Jersey for legal guidance.

Base Fine

The charges associated with a DUI or DWI conviction in New Jersey start with the base fine. The amount of the fine varies based on the number of DUIs on the individual’s record:

  • First offense: between $250 and $400
  • Second offense: between $500 and $1,000
  • Third offense: $1,000

The fine is the amount the suspect is ordered to pay as part of a criminal sentence following a DUI conviction.

Additional Fees and Surcharges

The base fine is only the starting point for DUI costs in New Jersey. From there, the courts and the Department of Motor Vehicles will add various fees and surcharges, such as:

  • Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund surcharge
  • Safe Neighborhood Services Fund surcharge
  • Alcohol Education, Rehabilitation & Enforcement Fund surcharge
  • Intoxicated Driver Resource Center surcharge
  • New Jersey Violations System surcharge (annually for three years)
  • Merit Rating Plan surcharge
  • Merit Rating Plan Point assessment
  • Court costs and administrative fees

Together, these charges can amount to several thousand dollars added to your base fine. The exact amounts will depend on your criminal background.

Ongoing Financial Obligations

Fines are not the only expense associated with a DUI/DWI in New Jersey. You will also have to face multiple ongoing financial obligations. Common examples include:

  • Ignition interlock device: the courts often require the installation of this type of device on every car you drive, to be used for at least 3 months (up to 12 months). You must pay for the installation fee and a monthly maintenance fee.
  • Educational programs: you may be required by the courts to pay for and complete various courses, including traffic school, drug and alcohol treatment programs, and the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program.
  • SR22 insurance: upon learning of your DUI conviction, your automobile insurance company will most likely increase your premiums. If you are required to carry high-risk SR22 insurance, expect an annual surcharge of $1,000 to $4,500 for the next three years.

You may also be subject to several hidden DUI costs. These include the price to restore a suspended or revoked license ($100 or more), legal and attorney’s fees, jail or prison costs, and lost wages if your DUI affects your job.

Victim Restitution

If your DUI/DWI case involves a car accident with bodily injury to others, the courts may order you to pay victim restitution. You could also face civil liability through a personal injury claim for losses suffered by anyone involved, including having to pay their medical bills, lost wages, property damage repairs, and pain and suffering.

Drunk driving can be an extremely expensive mistake. Protect your future – financially and otherwise – by consulting with a skilled personal injury attorney in New Jersey as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you minimize the costs and effects of a DUI on your life with an aggressive and tailored defense strategy.