***Important -
If you fail to install an NJ Ignition Interlock Device when the judge orders you to do so, you may be unable to restore your driving and face an additional 0ne-year suspension.
New Jersey Ignition Interlock Device
Not all surprises are good, especially when connected to arrest warrants against you.
Imagine seeing blue lights behind you. You pull over for a routine traffic violation and find yourself in the back seat of a squad car. Wait! What? Why am I being arrested? Or, imagine sitting on your porch and seeing a police car drive up and then watching an officer come up to you, ask your name, and say, “We have a arrest warrants on you.”
Arrest warrants are no laughing matter. These are serious legal issues with long-lasting ramifications, and these issues need to be resolved immediately.
Arrest warrants can be issued for minor offenses like simple assault or major offenses like murder.
What Is An NJ Ignition Interlock Device?
As of December 1, 2019, all DUI and Refusal convictions now require the installation of an NJ ignition interlock device (IID) in a motor vehicle owned, leased, or principally operated by the driver. You will need proof of an NJ ignition interlock device installation to get your driving privileges restored.
The NJ ignition interlock device is connected to the starter/ignition of any vehicle. With this device, your car’s engine will not start until its driver has exhaled into the machine and registered a breath alcohol content (BAC) below a certain limit.
In New Jersey, that limit is 0.05%.
Will I get a NJ Ignition Interlock Device on a 1st Offense?
On a first offense, the NJ ignition interlock device must be installed by the convicted person at the time of conviction and prior to the restoration of driving privileges.
On a first offense under 0.10%, the NJ ignition interlock device must be installed upon conviction, and proof of installation shown to MVC to obtain a new license with “Interlock” imprinted on it, with the IID remaining installed for the next 3 months.
For a first offense between 0.10% and 0.15%, the interlock must be installed in order to get the license restored, and must remain installed for 7 to 12 months.
For convictions 0.15% and above, proof of interlock installation must be shown for the 4 to 6 month suspension period to begin and must remain installed for 9 to 15 months after the suspension is completed.
What about a 2nd or 3rd DUI Conviction?
For second and third offenses, the NJ ignition interlock device must be installed prior to restoration of the license after suspension and remain installed for 2 to 4 years.
Can I Drive without the NJ Ignition Interlock Device?
The penalty for driving a vehicle without the NJ ignition interlock device, or for starting the car by some way other than blowing into the device, is one year additional suspension of driving privileges.
If someone blows into the NJ ignition interlock device for you, that person is subject to a criminal “disorderly person” complaint, with penalties that can include a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
Tampering with the NJ ignition interlock device is also a criminal disorderly person’s offense.
What if I Own Multiple Cars?
The driver sentenced under this law cannot drive any vehicle, including work vehicles, that do not have the NJ ignition interlock device installed. New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will imprint a notation on your driver’s license making this prohibition clear, and they will enter the requirement on your driving record.
Can I Drive without the NJ Ignition Interlock Device?
The penalty for driving a vehicle without the NJ ignition interlock device, or for starting the car by some way other than blowing into the device, is one year additional suspension of driving privileges.
If someone blows into the device for you, that person is subject to a criminal “disorderly person” complaint, with penalties that can include a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
Tampering with the device is also a criminal disorderly person’s offense.
Who Pays for the Ignition Interlock Device?
Yes, if you are sentenced to install an NJ ignition interlock device, you have to pay for its installation and cover a monthly leasing fee for the product.
While prices vary, expect to pay up between $75 and $100 every month for the leasing fee, a removal fee, and costs along the way for violations from blowing attempts above the 0.05% limit.
New Jersey ignition interlock devices cost under $2.50 a day. The cost will vary depending on the features you are required to have and how long you need to have the device installed for. Along with that, you won’t be actually purchasing the device, but rather leasing it for the time you are required to have it.
Your total price will be comprised of a variety of factors, including:
Installation cost
Removal fee
Monthly lease fee
Calibration fee
Your total NJ ignition interlock device cost will vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive. A newer vehicle may cost you more due to the complexity of the wiring system. The overall cost of your NJ ignition interlock device will also vary depending on the length of time you are required to keep your interlock installed for.
Who do I contact to get a NJ Ignition Interlock Device?
Only an installer licensed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission may be used. It is very important to confirm that the installer you select from the manufacturer’s list is properly licensed.
- The device can only be installed at a service center designated by the MVC.
- The breath alcohol concentration (BAC) set point must be at 0.05%.
- The required service interval shall not exceed 67 days.
- Must include a warning label:
- “Any person tampering with, circumventing or misusing this Ignition Interlock system shall be subject to prosecution and/or civil liability.”
1A Smart Start, Inc. | (866) 387-8366 |
Alcohol Detection Systems | (866) 479-1302 |
Draeger, Inc. | (972) 929-1100 |
Intoxalock | (833) 210-8424 |
Best Labs | (800) 219-9936 |
LifeSafer | (800) 475-7151 |
Simple Interlock | (844) 432-4775 |
Low Cost Interlock,Inc. | (844) 316-7988 |
