Changes may be in store for New Jersey DWI law

April 08, 2014 (Press-News.org) Lawmakers in New Jersey are considering a proposal that could have a substantial impact on people convicted of driving while intoxicated. The bill would expand the New Jersey's ignition interlock program and limit the use of mandatory driver's license suspension for many DWI offenders.

Expanding the ignition interlock program

If passed into law, the DWI bill would require mandatory interlock use for anyone convicted of DWI in New Jersey -- including first-time offenders. An ignition interlock is an electronic alcohol testing device that attaches to a vehicle's ignition system and requires the driver to provide a breath sample before starting the vehicle.

Currently, New Jersey law requires interlock use only for certain DWI offenders, including those convicted of driving with extremely high blood alcohol content (BAC) levels or those with multiple DWI convictions. The recent proposal would require all DWI offenders in New Jersey to install an ignition interlock device in every vehicle they own or operate.

Elsewhere in the nation, 20 states have already enacted similar measures requiring interlock use for everyone convicted of an intoxicated driving offense.

Limiting driver's license suspensions

Another component of the proposed law would eliminate the lengthy driver's license suspension periods that are currently required for first- and second-time DWI offenders in New Jersey. Instead, the proposed law would create a mandatory 10-day license suspension for those drivers, during which they would be required to install an interlock device and apply for a conditional use driver's license. Drivers who fail to comply fully with the interlock law would face additional penalties.

Although the legislation has drawn support from some groups, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, others have criticized the proposal as ineffective, unnecessary or poorly thought out.

One factor cited by some who have come out against the measure is that it does not account for drivers convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or other non-alcoholic substances, who would nevertheless be required to comply with the interlock law. In addition, critics say, the proposed law fails to distinguish between habitual drunk drivers and those who may have made a single error in judgment and pose no continuing threat to public safety.

Call a lawyer if arrested for DWI

People who are arrested for suspected DWI in New Jersey can face a wide range of potentially negative consequences, both in and out of the courtroom. In order to minimize the negative impact of a DWI arrest in New Jersey, it is a good idea to get help from an attorney who is experienced in DWI defense.

Article provided by Law Offices of John J. Zarych
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