CDL and DWI Penalties - N.J.S.A. 39:10-13

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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. If a person with a CDL is driving a passenger vehicle when stopped under the suspicion of a DWI, the 0.08% BAC level applies. 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 CDL DWI Penalties

  • 3 month basic driver's license suspension
  • 1 year CDL license suspension
  • $250-$400 in fines
  • 12-48 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC)
  • Up to 30 days in jail

1st Offense CDL DWI Penalties (BAC of .10% or higher)

  • 7 months-1 year basic driver's license suspension
  • 1 year CDL license suspension
  • $300-$500 in fines
  • 12-48 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC)
  • Up to 30 days in jail

2nd Offense CDL DWI Penalties

  • 2 years basic driver's license suspension
  • Lifetime CDL 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 are a CDL licensed driver and you are arrested for a DWI while on a New Jersey road, you should consider hiring an experienced NJ DWI lawyer to defend your rights, protect your career and your commercial driver's license. Call 732-372-0820 today for your FREE consultation on CDL DWI's in New Jersey!

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