What You Need To Know About New Jersey’s 2024 Voluntary Ignition Interlock Installation Law: The Basics

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What Is The New Voluntary Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Law In New Jersey?

This new law, introduced as part of Bill S-3011/A-4800 and signed by Governor Phil Murphy, went into effect on February 19, 2024. It reduces the penalties for certain DWI offenses by introducing a credit option for people who are charged with DWI and choose to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their vehicles before they’re formally convicted.

Under the law, drivers charged with specific DWI offenses can choose to install an IID to earn credits that may reduce their overall penalties. By offering this incentive, the law aims to promote the voluntary use of IIDs as a safety measure, rewarding drivers who take proactive steps to prevent driving under the influence.

Does Voluntary IID Installation Also Apply To Cases Involving Drug DUIs Or Only Alcohol-Related Offenses?

Voluntary IID installation applies only to alcohol-related DWI offenses. The new law does not extend to cases involving drug DUIs, meaning the penalties for drug-related driving offenses remain unchanged as of February 19, 2024.

Are There Any Specific Criteria I Need To Meet In Order To Be Eligible For Voluntary IID Installation After A DWI Charge In New Jersey?

There are certain criteria to meet for voluntary IID installation. They include:

No Conviction

You can install the IID as a precautionary measure before a DWI conviction to mitigate potential driving privilege revocation.

Existing Driving Privileges

Your driving privileges must be in good standing at the time of the offense and remain so until the case is resolved.

No One Was Injured In Your DWI Case

If the DWI offense involved serious bodily injury, you will not be eligible for voluntary IID installation.

If these conditions are met, the IID installation can act as a “hedge” against potential penalties.

How Soon After A New Jersey DWI Arrest Can I Voluntarily Install An IID To Retain My Driving Privileges?

After a DUI arrest, you have the option to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) voluntarily, which can help you retain your driving privileges under certain conditions. Here’s how it works:

You, as the defendant, control when the seven-day window for IID installation begins. Once you decide to install the IID, you must complete the installation within seven days. After the device is installed, you need to take two steps:

Visit The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)

You’ll need to provide proof of installation, obtain additional documentation from the IID installer, and apply for a new driver’s license that includes the interlock restriction.

Adhere To The Seven-Day Timeline

The seven-day period starts only when you choose to install the IID. Be sure to follow up with the MVC promptly to avoid any lapses in your driving privileges.

This process allows you some flexibility in determining when to start the IID requirement, but make sure to complete all steps within seven days after installation to maintain your eligibility.

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Voluntary Ignition Interlock Device (IID) After A DWI Arrest In New Jersey?

Yes, there are fees associated with voluntarily installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), and it is the defendant’s responsibility to cover these costs. Pricing varies significantly between providers, such as Smart Start, LifeSafer, Intoxalock, and Interlock Device of New Jersey. Monthly fees can range from $60–$70 up to $130–$140, depending on the company and service package.

In addition to the monthly rental fee, some companies also charge separately for installation, removal, periodic data downloads, and device-triggered violations. So, while a lower monthly rate may seem appealing, it’s important to consider any added fees that could make the overall cost higher. Comparing fees and understanding each provider’s pricing structure can help you make the most cost-effective choice for your situation.

If I Voluntarily Install An IID And My Charges Are Later Dismissed, Am I Eligible For A Refund Of The IID Costs?

You are not eligible for a refund if your charges are dismissed after voluntarily installing the IID. This is considered a “hedge” against the potential consequences of a conviction.

If convicted, you’ll receive credits toward your driving privilege revocation, but if the case is dismissed, the costs you’ve incurred for installing the IID will not be reimbursed. Essentially, it’s a precautionary step that may or may not pay off, depending on the outcome of your case.

How Does The Voluntary IID Installation Interact With Other Penalties, Such As Fines Or Mandatory Community Service?

Voluntarily installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) can help reduce certain fines, but it primarily affects your license suspension period. Specifically, it offers a credit of one day off the driving suspension for every two days the IID is installed before conviction. For DWI offenses, it also forgives the fines associated with a DWI conviction, which typically range as follows:

• First-time offenders: $250–$500
• Second-time offenders: $500–$1,000
• Third or subsequent offenders: $1,000

That being said, it does not impact other penalties, such as mandatory fees or community service requirements. In addition to fines, courts impose mandatory assessments, including:

• $50 Victims of Crime Compensation assessment
• $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment
• $100 Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund assessment
• $125 general assessment for DWI cases

There are also fees for DWI classes through the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), which individuals must attend if convicted of DWI or a refusal charge, and surcharges paid to the Motor Vehicle Commission.

While voluntary IID installation may provide some relief from license suspension, all other fines, fees, and mandatory programs remain unchanged. Notably, this credit also applies in cases of breath test refusal charges, offering some flexibility for defendants facing either DWI or refusal penalties.

How Will Voluntarily Installing An IID Affect My Insurance Premiums Or Status With My Insurance Company?

Voluntarily installing an IID before a conviction should not impact your insurance premiums or status with your insurance company. The insurance company is primarily concerned with the outcome of your case, such as whether you’re convicted of a DWI or a related charge.

Since IID installation prior to conviction is not typically reported to insurers, it’s unlikely they would even know about it. However, if you’re convicted, your insurance rates will be affected based on the outcome.

How Will Voluntarily Installing An IID Affect My Insurance Premiums Or Status With My Insurance Company?

Installing an IID voluntarily before a conviction should not affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with convictions, such as for a DWI or a breath test refusal, and are unlikely to be notified about a pre-conviction IID installation.

That said, your insurance rates may increase if you are convicted of a DWI or another serious traffic offense, but the IID itself, especially if installed voluntarily before any conviction, typically has no impact on insurance.

How Does The Voluntary IID Law Differ For Commercial Drivers Vs. Standard License Holders?

For commercial drivers, the voluntary IID law presents significant challenges. While standard license holders can install an IID and continue driving, commercial drivers face more severe limitations.

If a commercial driver has an IID restriction, it essentially prevents them from performing their job, as virtually any commercial vehicle company will be unlikely to install the device in their trucks.

This restriction applies both before and after conviction, meaning that voluntarily installing an IID could directly impact a commercial driver’s livelihood.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Bill S-3011/A-4800 In New Jersey, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (732) 218-9090 today.