New Jersey Commercial Driver DUI/DWI Penalties
New Jersey has always been tough on DUI/DWI offenders. Whether you are a repeat offender, or it is your first DWI charge, if convicted, there are severe mandatory, minimum sentences that the court is forced to pass down. The severity of DUI/DWI penalties increase with each conviction. This is true for both those licensed with a basic driver’s license and those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). However, it is important to note that that penalties are different for each type of driver. These penalties are outlined below.
Commercial DWI Violations in New Jersey
If you have been arrested for DWI and have a commercial driver’s license, you are subject to the same penalties as a DWI for an individual with only a basic driver’s license. The primary difference with CDL licensed drivers is that they also face the penalty of a separate suspension for their commercial driver’s license if convicted. This could affect one’s ability to work if their job is contingent on the use of a commercial vehicle.
According to New Jersey statute, a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .04% constitutes grounds for a DWI charge for CDL licensed drivers if suspected of drunk driving while operating a commercial vehicle. The unlawful BAC percentage for drivers of passenger vehicles is .08%. This is a significant difference. A CDL licensed driver with a first offense DWI conviction will automatically receive a one year CDL revocation in addition to his or her 3-12 month basic driver’s license suspension. A second offense will result in a lifetime revocation of his or her CDL license. The CDL license suspension penalty will be enforced regardless of whether or not the defendant was operating a commercial vehicle at the time of the DWI arrest.
1st Offense C.D.L. DWI Penalties
3 month basic driver’s license suspension
1 year C.D.L. license suspension
$250-$400 in fines
12-48 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC)
Up to 30 days in jail
1st Offense C.D.L. DWI Penalties (BAC of .10% or higher)
7 months-1 year basic driver’s license suspension
1 year C.D.L. license suspension
$300-$500 in fines
12-48 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC)
Up to 30 days in jail
2nd Offense C.D.L. DWI Penalties
2 years basic driver’s license suspension
Lifetime C.D.L. license revocation
$500-$1,000 in fines
12-48 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC)
48 hours-90 days in jail
30 days community service
If you or a family member have been charged with a D.U.I., call my office for a free consultation. Its worth saving your license and employment.
All the best!
Randy C. Redden
(856) 448-6200
(888) 641-3434
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