New Jersey ignition interlock & DWI (DUI) requirements
New Jersey requires an ignition interlock after a first DUI for 3 months.
In New Jersey the offense is called DWI, driving while intoxicated; this page uses the statute's term. Ignition interlock device rules, approved vendors, SR-22 insurance filing, and license reinstatement in New Jersey, cited to the statute and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
- IID on first offense
- Required
- Minimum IID period (first)
- 3 months
- SR-22 filing
- Not required
The short answers
Do I need an interlock?
- First offense
- Required
- Minimum period
- 3 months
What the source says (2)
- First offense
“in sentencing a first offender under subparagraph (i) of paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of R.S.39:4-50, ... the court shall order, in addition to any other penalty imposed by that section, the installation of an ignition interlock device”
- Minimum period
“which shall remain installed for three months. (b) In sentencing a first offender ... whose blood alcohol concentration was 0.10% or higher, but less than 0.15%, the court shall order ... which shall remain installed for not less than seven months or more than one year.”
What it costs here
- State reinstatement fee
- $100
- Restricted-license fee
- $0
- Reduced-cost rule
- Reduced ignition interlock fee for low-income offenders
- Interlock lease, national range
- $50–$150 per month
What the source says (3)
- State reinstatement fee
“they will not be restored until the above-mentioned requirements are met and a $100 restoration fee for each privilege affected is submitted (Registration and License.)”
- Restricted-license fee
“request from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission a driver's license with a notation stating that the person shall not operate a motor vehicle unless it is equipped with an ignition interlock device”
- Reduced-cost rule
“If a person is required to install an ignition interlock device and that person’s family income does not exceed 100% of the federal poverty level, the monthly leasing fee shall be 50% of the fee established by regulation for persons who do not qualify for the reduced fee.”
How to drive legally now
- Restricted license
- Not available during the suspension
- Driving after a DWI in New Jersey: the restricted license
- How to get a license back in New Jersey
- Date the hearing deadline with the timeline calculator
What the source says (1)
- Restricted license
“Does New Jersey have a work license? No. New Jersey does not provide conditional or work licenses.”
Approved interlock providers
Vendors listed here appear on the New Jersey licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.
Where to get it installed — the official approved-installer list: Agency approved-vendor list
| Vendor | Website | Location finder |
|---|---|---|
| A&A Product Companylisted by the agency as “A & A Interlock” | A&A Product Company website | Find a location |
| Alcohol Detection Systems | Alcohol Detection Systems website | Find a location |
| B.E.S.T. Labs, Inclisted by the agency as “Best Labs” | B.E.S.T. Labs, Inc website | Find a location |
| Guardian Interlock | Guardian Interlock website | Find a location |
| Intoxalock | Intoxalock website | Find a location |
| LifeSafer | LifeSafer website | Find a location |
| Low Cost Interlocklisted by the agency as “Low Cost Interlock, Inc.” | Low Cost Interlock website | Find a location |
| RoadGuard Interlocklisted by the agency as “Roadguard, Inc.” | RoadGuard Interlock website | Find a location |
| Shark Unlock | Shark Unlock website | Find a location |
| Simple Interlock | Simple Interlock website | Find a location |
| Smart Start | Smart Start website | Find a location |
What New Jersey law requires
New Jersey's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.
Primary source: N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.17 (P.L.1999, c.417, s.2, as amended by P.L.2023, c.191)
Ignition interlock requirement
| Item | New Jersey rule |
|---|---|
| IID on first offense | Required |
| Minimum IID period, first offense | 3 months (BAC 0.08-<0.10%); 7 months to 1 year (BAC 0.10-<0.15%); license forfeiture period plus 12-15 months (BAC 0.15%+) |
| Minimum IID period, repeat offense | During license forfeiture plus not less than 2 years nor more than 4 years after license return |
Under C.39:4-50.17 as amended by P.L.2023, c.191, the court shall order an ignition interlock device for every first offender: 3 months for BAC 0.08% to under 0.10% (or otherwise under the influence); not less than 7 months nor more than 1 year for BAC 0.10% to under 0.15%; and, for BAC 0.15% or higher, installation during the license forfeiture period plus 12 to 15 months after license return.
What the source says (4)
- IID on first offense
“in sentencing a first offender under subparagraph (i) of paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of R.S.39:4-50, ... the court shall order, in addition to any other penalty imposed by that section, the installation of an ignition interlock device”
- Minimum IID period, first offense
“which shall remain installed for three months. (b) In sentencing a first offender ... whose blood alcohol concentration was 0.10% or higher, but less than 0.15%, the court shall order ... which shall remain installed for not less than seven months or more than one year.”
- Minimum IID period, repeat offense
“In addition to installation during the period of license forfeiture, the device shall remain installed for not less than two years or more than four years, commencing immediately upon installation of the device and the return of the offender's driver's license”
- Ignition interlock statute
“3. Section 2 of P.L.1999, c.417 (C.39:4-50.17) is amended to read as follows:”
Removal: Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.18(c), as amended by P.L.2023, c.191 (section 4), an ignition interlock device is removed on the date the person completes the installation period only if the person submits to the MVC chief… Full rule and source
SR-22 requirement
An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where New Jersey does, the sources below say so.
| SR-22 filing required after a DUI | No |
|---|---|
| Filing period | Not applicable |
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission's Suspensions and Restorations page enumerates the DUI penalties and restoration requirements (fines; $230/day IDRC fee and 12-hour minimum IDRC program; $100 drunk driving fund and $100 AERF assessments; $75 Neighborhood Services Fund; $1,000/year surcharge for 3 years; ignition interlock device; license suspension; and the $100 restoration fee per privilege); an SR-22 or other insurance/financial-responsibility filing is not among the listed requirements. The MVC Insurance Requirements page lists only when the insurance ID card must be produced (inspection, accident, traffic stop, police spot check) and does not mention SR-22. A search of the NJ Legislature's official statute database (N.J. Legislative Statutes, updated through P.L.2025, c.405) for 'SR-22' returned no documents, and its Title 39 hits for 'proof of financial responsibility' (39:6-48, 39:6-55, 39:8-16, 39:8-45, 39:4-14.10) concern policy form, forgery, and business licensing rather than a post-DUI filing. New Jersey's restoration requirement on the MVC page is the $100 restoration fee plus surcharge/IDRC compliance.
What the source says (5)
- SR-22 filing required after a DUI
“Offense License loss Fines, fees & surcharges Program requirement 1st 7 months – 1 year 1-2 years; school zone $300-$500 fine $600-$1,000 fine; school zone $230/day IDRC* fee $100 to drunk driving fund $100 to AERF* $1,000/year (for 3 years) surcharge $75 to Neighborhood Services Fund”
- sr22Note_penaltiesList
“Being convicted of a DUI is a serious offense, carrying heavy penalties including: Fines, fees and surcharges; License suspension; Ignition interlock device; Jail time; Community service; and Completion of Intoxicated Driver Program.”
- sr22Note_insurancePage
“When involved in an accident. When stopped for a traffic violation. When you are stopped in a spot check by a police officer.”
- sr22Note_lisSearchSR22
“No Documents Found Your search did not match any available documents.”
- sr22Note_lisSearchPFR
“1 - 6 of 6 results ... 48:13A-6. Qualifications ... 39:8-16. Application, renewal of license ... 39:6-48. Form of liability policy ... 39:4-14.10. Electric personal assistive mobility device defined ... 39:6-55. Prohibited acts ... 39:8-45 Licensing of private inspection facility”
Program costs
Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.
| Item | Amount | As of |
|---|---|---|
| License reinstatement fee | $100 (per privilege affected) | 2026-08-29 |
| DUI insurance surcharge (first and second offense), per MVC penalties table | $1,000/year for 3 years | 2026-08 |
| Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) fee, per MVC penalties table | $230/day | 2026-08 |
| Statutory DUI assessments per MVC penalties table | $100 to drunk driving fund; $100 to AERF; $75 to Neighborhood Services Fund | 2026-08 |
What the source says (1)
- License reinstatement fee
“they will not be restored until the above-mentioned requirements are met and a $100 restoration fee for each privilege affected is submitted (Registration and License.)”
Exemptions and special cases
Four questions readers ask once an interlock is ordered — motorcycles, employer vehicles, medical inability to give a breath sample, and reduced-cost programs — answered as New Jersey's interlock program page or statute states them.
| Question | New Jersey rule |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | A device may be installed on a motorcycle The MVC's Frequently Asked Interlock Questions states that any motor vehicle the person operates, including motorcycles and autocycles, must have an ignition interlock device; the MVC Suspensions and Restorations page says to contact the listed manufacturers directly for installation availability on motorcycles and autocycles. No statute or MVC page exempts motorcycles or bars a person under an interlock order from operating one. What the source says“Any motor vehicle you operate, including motorcycles and autocycles, must have an ignition interlock device.” |
| Employer-owned vehicle | No exemption No employer-vehicle exception is stated. C.39:4-50.17 (as amended by P.L.2023, c.191) orders the device in one motor vehicle owned, leased, or principally operated by the offender, whichever the offender most often operates, and the MVC FAQ states that the device must be installed on every vehicle the person intends to operate and that the person may not legally operate any vehicle without a device for the entire term of the court order. What the source says“You may not legally operate any vehicle without an interlock device installed for the entire term of the court order.” |
| Unable to provide a breath sample | Available The MVC FAQ describes a process rather than a statutory waiver: a person who cannot operate the device because of a medical condition obtains a detailed physician's note explaining the condition and why the person is unable to operate the device, and presents it to the interlock manufacturer, which forwards it to the MVC for consideration. C.39:4-50.17 and C.39:4-50.17a contain no medical-exemption language. What the source says“You must contact your physician and get a detailed note explaining your condition and why you are unable to operate the interlock device. Then present the note to your interlock manufacturer who will contact the note the MVC for consideration.” |
| Reduced-cost / indigent program | Available — Reduced ignition interlock fee for low-income offenders, N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.17a (P.L.2009, c.201, s.6, 'Ricci's Law') If the person's family income does not exceed 100% of the federal poverty level, the monthly leasing fee is 50% of the regulation-established fee; if it does not exceed 149%, the monthly leasing fee is 75% of that fee. Persons who qualify are not required to pay the installation fee, the cost of monitoring, or any calibration or removal fees; the reduced monthly leasing fee is what the person pays. The statute does not name an administering office or an application procedure, and neither the MVC FAQ nor the MVC Suspensions and Restorations page describes one; P.L.2019, c.248, s.6 requires the MVC chief administrator to report semiannually on how many offenders qualify for the reduced fee and on the percentage who remove the device because they cannot afford it. What the source says“If a person is required to install an ignition interlock device and that person’s family income does not exceed 100% of the federal poverty level, the monthly leasing fee shall be 50% of the fee established by regulation for persons who do not qualify for the reduced fee.” |
| 75% monthly leasing fee tier (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.17a b.) | Family income not exceeding 149% of the federal poverty level. What the source says“If a person is required to install an ignition interlock device and that person’s family income does not exceed 149% of the federal poverty level, the monthly leasing fee shall be 75% of the fee established by regulation for persons who do not qualify for the reduced fee.” |
| Fees not charged to persons who qualify for the reduced fee (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.17a c.) | Installation, monitoring, calibration and removal fees are not charged to qualifying persons. What the source says“Persons who qualify for a reduced fee pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not be required to pay the installation fee, the cost for monitoring of the device, or any fees for calibration or removal of the device.” |
| MVC semiannual reporting on reduced-fee qualification (P.L.2019, c.248, s.6; C.39:4-50.17b) | The chief administrator reports on offenders qualifying for the reduced fee by the 100%/149% federal poverty level tiers. What the source says“whether the offender qualifies for a reduced fee for monthly rental of an ignition interlock device pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2009, c.201 (C.39:4-50.17a) categorized by family income exceeding 100 percent or 149 percent of the federal poverty level” |
| Statutory installation vehicle (C.39:4-50.17 a.(1)(a), as amended by P.L.2023, c.191) | The court orders the device in one motor vehicle owned, leased, or principally operated by the offender, whichever the offender most often operates. What the source says“the installation of an ignition interlock device in one motor vehicle owned, leased, or principally operated by the offender, whichever the offender most often operates, which shall remain installed for three months” |
| Device on every vehicle operated; no restoration needed if no vehicle (MVC FAQ) | The MVC says the device must be on every vehicle the person intends to operate and that restoration is unnecessary for a person who will not operate any vehicle. What the source says“The interlock device must be installed on every vehicle you intend to operate. If you do not have access to or plan to operate any vehicle, it is not necessary to restore your New Jersey driving privilege.” |
| Vehicle need not be owned by the person (MVC FAQ) | Proof of installation may be on any vehicle the person will operate. What the source says“The vehicle does not need to belong to you.” |
Compare: motorcycles by state · employer, medical and reduced-cost exemptions by state
Frequently asked questions
- Is an ignition interlock required after a first DWI conviction in New Jersey?
- Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.17 (as amended by P.L.2023, c.191), the court shall order installation of an ignition interlock device for a first offender: 3 months where BAC was 0.08% to under 0.10%, 7 months to 1 year where BAC was 0.10% to under 0.15%, and during the license forfeiture period plus 12 to 15 months where BAC was 0.15% or higher.
- How long must a repeat offender keep the interlock installed?
- Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.17(b), a second or subsequent offender must have the device installed during the license forfeiture period and, after the license is returned, for not less than two years nor more than four years.
- Which interlock providers are approved in New Jersey?
- The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission publishes an approved list of ignition interlock manufacturers and a separate list of licensed installers; per the MVC, only an installer licensed by the MVC may be used. The manufacturer list is at nj.gov/mvc/license/interlock-manufacturers.htm.
- What is the fee to restore a New Jersey license after a DWI suspension?
- The MVC Suspensions and Restorations page states that a $100 restoration fee is required for each privilege affected (registration and license). The MVC penalties table also lists a $1,000-per-year surcharge for three years for a DUI conviction.
- What happens at the end of the interlock period?
- Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.18(c), the device may be removed on the date the installation period ends only if the vendor certifies that during the final 30 days there was not more than one failed or missed test at 0.08% or higher (subject to a five-minute retest) and that all maintenance and monitoring requirements were met.
Sources
- P.L.2023, c.191 (S3011 5R) - enacted chapter law amending C.39:4-50.17 and C.39:4-50.18 (NJ Legislature)
- NJ MVC - Approved list of ignition interlock manufacturers
- NJ MVC - Licensed Ignition Interlock Installers (PDF)
- NJ MVC - Suspensions and Restorations (restoration fee, DUI penalties table)
- NJ MVC - Frequently Asked Interlock Questions (PDF)
- NJ MVC - Surcharges
- NJ MVC - Insurance Requirements
- NJ Legislature - N.J. Legislative Statutes database, full-text search for "SR-22" (no documents found)
- NJ Legislature - N.J. Legislative Statutes database, full-text search for "proof of financial responsibility" (6 hits, none DUI-related)
Record history
- — approvedVendors: Guardian Interlock Systems, Alcohol Detection Systems, Roadguard, Inc., 1A Smart Start, Inc., Intoxalock, Simple Interlock, LifeSafer, Low Cost Interlock,Inc., Best Labs, Guardian Interlock, A & A Interlock, Shark Unlock → Alcohol Detection Systems, Roadguard, Inc., 1A Smart Start, Inc., Intoxalock, Simple Interlock, LifeSafer, Low Cost Interlock,Inc., Best Labs, Guardian Interlock, A & A Interlock, Shark Unlock
- — Record verified against primary sources.