NJ DWI Laws-Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits in NJ

If you are suspected of Driving While Intoxicated in New Jersey, the concerned officer will stop you and take you through a series of field sobriety tests. Your blood alcohol concentration or BAC will be determined by using a breathalyzer or blood test. It is important to be aware of the BAC limits under New Jersey law.

BAC Limitations and Penalties:

Drivers who are 21 and above

If you are of 21 years of age or older, and are caught driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher in New Jersey, you may be convicted of DWI. This standard is applicable to drivers who are legally allowed to consume alcohol.

DWI with a BAC of 0.08%-0.09% may carry a fine of $250-$400 with up to 30 days in jail, IDRC classes and a 3 month drivers license suspension. DWI with a BAC of 0.10% or higher may carry a fine of $300-$500, with a drivers license suspension ranging from 7 months to 1 year.

Drivers under the age of 21

If a driver under the age of 21 is caught with a BAC of 0.01% or 0.07%, he/she may be convicted of underage DWI. DWI with a BAC of 0.01%-0.07% may include penalties of 30-90 days license suspension and 15-30 days of mandatory community service.

Commercial (CDL) Licensed Drivers

Commercial drivers (holders of CDL licenses) who are driving commercial vehicles and whose BAC is 0.04% or higher may be charged with DWI. A DWI conviction may result in a suspension of their CDL license in addition to their driving license.

BAC Under the Limit Can Still Result In DWI

A BAC of less than 0.08% does not mean you can avoid a DWI charge. Police can decide you are intoxicated based on your performance in the field sobriety tests, your speech, other behavior and your driving conduct. If you have any amount of alcohol in your body that  affects your driving, you may still be charged with DWI.

Contact DWI Defense Attorney in NJ

If you have been accused of DWI and are in need of legal help, contact our New Jersey DWI defense attorney at The Law Offices of Joel Silberman, LLC. We focus exclusively on DWI defense.  Call us today at 201-420-1913 or email us at joel@joelsilbermanlaw.com.