Drinking, Drugs, and Health +4New Jersey · Driving · English

In New Jersey, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating substances. The legal BAC limit is determined by the driver's age. For drivers 21 years of age or older, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. For individuals younger than 21, New Jersey has a zero-tolerance policy, making it illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher.

• ✓For a person 21 years or older, it is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
• ✓For a person under 21 years old, it is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher.

Driving with any amount of alcohol in your system increases the risk of a crash. The risk grows exponentially as your BAC increases. A driver's risk of causing a motor vehicle crash doubles with a BAC of 0.05%, becomes six times as great at 0.10%, and is 25 times as great at 0.15%.

• ✓If a motorist has a BAC of 0.05%, the risk for causing a motor vehicle crash doubles.
• ✓The risk of causing a crash is six times as great when driving with a BAC of 0.10%.
• ✓The risk of causing a crash is 25 times as great when driving with a BAC of 0.15%.

Under New Jersey's Implied Consent Law, by operating a motor vehicle on NJ roadways, you have automatically agreed to submit to a breath test if suspected of drinking and driving. Refusing to take a breath test is illegal and has severe penalties, which are equivalent to a conviction for driving with a high BAC. These penalties include loss of driving privileges, fines, and installation of an ignition interlock device.

• ✓Under state law, refusal to take a breath test is illegal and carries severe penalties.
• ✓Penalties for refusing a breath test include loss of driving privileges, fines, referral to an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), and an ignition interlock device.

It is important to understand that different types of alcoholic beverages can contain the same amount of alcohol. A standard drink is considered to be 1.5 ounces of 86-proof liquor, a 12-ounce bottle or can of beer, or a 5-ounce glass of wine. All of these drinks contain approximately a half-ounce of pure alcohol. Studies show that most people arrested for drinking and driving had been drinking beer.

• ✓One 12-ounce can of beer has the same amount of alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of 86-proof whiskey.
• ✓A 5-ounce glass of wine contains the same amount of alcohol as a 12-ounce bottle of beer.

The only thing that can make a person sober is time. The body needs time to metabolize and eliminate alcohol. The majority (90%) of alcohol is oxidized by the liver, while the other 10% is eliminated through breath, urine, and sweat. So-called 'sober-up-quick' methods like drinking coffee or taking a cold shower do not work.

• ✓The only thing that can make a person sober is time.
• ✓The majority (90%) of alcohol is detoxified and oxidized by the liver.

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in New Jersey while under the influence of any illegal drug. For prescription drugs, labels that warn of drowsiness or dizziness indicate you should not drive after taking them. After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often found with drivers involved in crashes. Marijuana use can affect a driver's tracking ability, distance judgment, and vigilance.

• ✓It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on New Jersey roadways under the influence of any illegal drugs.
• ✓After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often found with drivers involved in crashes.

A person's BAC is determined by four primary factors. These are the quantity of alcohol consumed, the person's body weight, how quickly the drinks were consumed (the time frame), and the amount of food eaten prior to or while drinking. While food can slow the absorption of alcohol, it will not prevent a high BAC or make a person sober.

• ✓BAC is determined by four factors: quantity of alcohol consumed, body weight, how quickly drinks are consumed, and food eaten.
• ✓The only thing that can make a person sober is time.

In New Jersey, if you serve alcohol at a party, you have a responsibility to ensure your guests' safety. Hosts may become involved in a lawsuit if a guest is involved in a drinking and driving crash after leaving the party. Good hosts should provide non-alcoholic options, serve food, and stop serving alcohol well before the party ends, and never let an intoxicated guest drive.

• ✓Hosts may become involved in a lawsuit if a guest is involved in a drinking and driving crash after leaving their party.
• ✓A good host should never insist that a guest drink an alcoholic beverage and should arrange safe transportation for intoxicated guests.

New Jersey has a strict zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. For drivers under the age of 21, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher. For drivers 21 years of age or older, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

• ✓For drivers 21 or older, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
• ✓For drivers under 21, it is illegal to drive with any detectable BAC, defined as 0.01% or higher.

Drivers under 21 face specific penalties for alcohol-related offenses. If an underage person is found with a BAC between 0.01% and 0.08%, they face a 30 to 90-day license suspension, 15 to 30 days of community service, and must participate in an alcohol education program. If an underage person buys or drinks alcohol in a licensed establishment, they may be fined $500 and lose their license for a period of time.

• ✓An underage driver with a BAC of 0.01% to 0.08% faces a 30 to 90-day license suspension.
• ✓If a person under 21 buys or drinks alcohol in a place with an alcoholic beverage license, they may be fined $500 and lose their license.

A first-time DUI conviction for a driver 21 or older carries significant mandatory penalties that vary by BAC level. For a BAC of 0.08% to less than 0.10%, the fine is $250-$400. For a BAC of 0.10% or more, the fine increases to $300-$500. All first-time offenders must participate in the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) program, pay a $1,000 annual surcharge for three years, and may face up to 30 days in jail.

• ✓A first-offense DUI with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.10% carries a fine of $250 to $400.
• ✓All first-time DUI offenders must participate in an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) program and pay a $1,000 annual surcharge for three years.

By operating a motor vehicle on New Jersey roadways, you have automatically agreed to submit to a breath test given by law enforcement following an arrest for a DUI offense. This is known as the Implied Consent Law. Refusing to take the breath test is a serious offense with penalties equivalent to a high-BAC DUI conviction, including a violation surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years and license suspension until an ignition interlock device is installed.

• ✓Motorists on NJ roadways have agreed to submit to a breath test if arrested for a DUI; this is the Implied Consent Law.
• ✓Refusing a breath test results in a violation surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years.
• ✓The penalties for refusing a breath test are equivalent to being convicted of a DUI with a high BAC.

Driving with a suspended license carries severe and escalating penalties. A first offense results in a $500 fine and up to six months of additional license suspension. A second offense includes a $750 fine and a jail sentence of up to five days. A third offense results in a $1,000 fine and a mandatory 10-day jail sentence.

• ✓The penalty for a first offense of driving while suspended is a $500 fine and up to six months of additional license suspension.
• ✓A third offense for driving while suspended includes a $1,000 fine and a mandatory 10-day jail sentence.

In New Jersey, driving is considered a privilege, not a fundamental right. This means the state can suspend or revoke your driving privileges for various motor vehicle violations. A motorist who has their driver license suspended three times within a three-year period is classified as a habitual offender and faces more severe penalties.

• ✓Driving in New Jersey is a privilege, not a right.
• ✓A habitual offender is a motorist whose driver license has been suspended three times in three years.

An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in a vehicle that prevents it from starting if the driver's BAC exceeds 0.05%. A motorist convicted of a DUI offense must have this device installed. For a first offense with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, or for refusing a breath test, the device must be installed during the suspension period and for 12 to 15 months after the license is restored.

• ✓An ignition interlock device prevents a vehicle from starting if the motorist's BAC is 0.05% or higher.
• ✓A first-time DUI offender with a BAC of 0.15% or higher must have an ignition interlock device installed during their suspension and for 12-15 months after their license is restored.

Penalties for driving while suspended are significantly increased if the original suspension was for a DUI or if the driver causes an injury. Driving while suspended for a DUI results in a $500 fine, an additional 1-2 year suspension, and 10 to 90 days in jail. If a suspended driver is in a crash that causes injury to another person, they face a fine, continued suspension, and a potential minimum 45-day jail sentence.

• ✓Driving while suspended for a DUI offense results in a $500 fine, an additional license suspension of one to two years, and a jail sentence of 10 to 90 days.
• ✓If a driver with a suspended license is involved in a crash that causes injury, they face a potential minimum 45-day jail sentence.

To enhance safety, New Jersey doubles fines for certain moving violations in specific areas. Fines are doubled for violations like speeding, tailgating, or improper passing in designated highway construction zones. Fines are also doubled for speeding 10 mph or more over the posted limit in a 65 mph zone.

• ✓Fines are doubled for moving violations committed in a highway construction zone.
• ✓Fines are doubled for speeding 10 mph or more over the speed limit in a 65 mph zone.

Leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run) that involves bodily injury or death is a very serious crime. A first offense results in a fine of $2,500 to $5,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a one-year license suspension. A subsequent conviction for a similar offense results in the permanent loss of driving privileges.

• ✓A first-offense hit-and-run involving bodily injury or death results in a one-year license suspension.
• ✓A second conviction for a hit-and-run involving injury or death results in the permanent loss of your driver's license.

Providing false information when applying for a driver's license or vehicle registration is illegal. The penalties include a fine of not less than $200 or more than $500, possible imprisonment for up to six months, and a mandatory suspension of driving privileges for six months to two years.

• ✓Lying on a license or registration application can result in a fine of $200 to $500.
• ✓A conviction for application fraud leads to a license suspension of six months to two years.

It is illegal for motorists to carry open or unsealed alcoholic beverage containers in the passenger areas of a motor vehicle. A first offense for this violation results in a $200 fine. A second or subsequent offense results in a $250 fine or 10 days of community service.

• ✓Carrying an open or unsealed alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle is illegal.
• ✓The fine for a first offense of carrying an open container of alcohol is $200.

In New Jersey, motorists must take special precautions for pedestrians, who have the right-of-way at all intersections, including unmarked crosswalks. It is illegal to block a crosswalk when stopped. When stopping for a pedestrian on a multi-lane road, you must stop approximately 30 feet before the crosswalk to avoid blocking the visibility of other motorists. Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian. Violating these laws carries significant penalties, including fines, points, and potential jail time, especially if a pedestrian suffers serious bodily injury.

• ✓A motorist must stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk.
• ✓A motorist must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
• ✓Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk can result in a fine of up to $200, 2 points on your license, and possible community service.
• ✓If a pedestrian suffers serious bodily injury from a motorist's violation, the penalties increase to a $100-$500 fine, up to 25 days in jail, and a license suspension of up to 6 months.

The Safe Passing Law requires motorists to exercise 'due caution' when approaching or passing vulnerable road users like pedestrians, bicyclists, and skateboarders. This means slowing down and giving them plenty of space. On a multi-lane road, you should move over a lane if possible. On a single-lane road, you must provide at least a 4-foot safety zone. If providing 4 feet of space is not possible, you must slow down to 25 mph and be prepared to stop until you can pass safely. Violating this law results in fines and points, especially if bodily injury occurs.

• ✓When passing a vulnerable road user on a single-lane road, you must allow at least a 4-foot safety zone.
• ✓If a 4-foot passing distance is not possible, the motorist must slow their speed to 25 mph and be prepared to stop.
• ✓Violating the Safe Passing Law results in a $100 fine if no injury occurs.
• ✓If bodily injury occurs due to a violation of the Safe Passing Law, the penalty is a $500 fine and 2 motor vehicle penalty points.

When sharing the road with large vehicles like trucks, tractor-trailers, and buses, it is crucial to be aware of their 'no-zones' or blind spots. These are areas around the vehicle where the driver cannot see you in their mirrors. The four main no-zones are directly in front, directly behind, and on both sides of the vehicle. During bad weather, a truck can take as much as 25 percent longer to stop. Always leave extra space when stopping behind a truck, especially on an incline, as it may roll backward slightly when starting.

• ✓If you cannot see the truck driver's face in their side-view mirror, you are in their no-zone (blind spot).
• ✓During bad weather, a truck or bus can take as much as 25% longer to stop.
• ✓Never tailgate or remain sandwiched between large trucks.
• ✓When passing a truck, do not pull in front of it until the entire front of the truck is visible in your rearview mirror.

Trains always have the right-of-way and cannot stop quickly; a freight train at 55 mph can take a mile or more to stop. Never try to race a train to a crossing. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, exit immediately, move quickly away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle in the direction the train is coming from, and call for help. Do not pass other vehicles within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.

• ✓You must not pass other vehicles within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
• ✓A freight train traveling at 55 mph can take a mile or more to stop.
• ✓If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks, get out immediately and move at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from.
• ✓Never stop on railroad tracks; only proceed through a crossing if there is enough room on the other side for your vehicle.

New Jersey state law mandates that all non-emergency vehicles must yield the right-of-way to buses that are signaling to re-enter the flow of traffic after picking up or dropping off passengers. This law is intended to improve roadway safety. However, once the bus is already back in the normal flow of traffic, motorists are not required to yield to it when it is changing lanes.

• ✓Motorists must yield the right-of-way to buses re-entering traffic after a stop.
• ✓Violations of the bus yield law carry a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200, up to 15 days in jail, or both.
• ✓This law does not apply to buses that are already in the flow of traffic and are simply changing lanes.

New Jersey law is very specific about the right-of-way for visually challenged individuals. A motorist must stop and yield the right-of-way when a person using a white or metallic cane, or a person accompanied by a guide dog, is crossing any highway or intersection. All motorists must comply with this law to ensure the safety of these pedestrians.

• ✓A motorist must stop for a blind person using a white or metallic cane.
• ✓A motorist must stop for a blind person accompanied by a guide dog or a guide dog instructor.
• ✓This rule applies when the person is crossing any highway or intersection.

Horse-drawn vehicles and horseback riders have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on public roads. Motorists must exercise caution when approaching or passing them. The law requires specific actions to avoid startling the horse and causing an accident.

• ✓When approaching or passing a horse-drawn vehicle or horseback rider, a motorist must reduce their speed to 25 mph or less.
• ✓If the person riding or driving the horse signals by hand, the motorist must stop their vehicle and remain stationary until the horse has passed.
• ✓Horse-drawn vehicles must display a light on the front 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

Under New Jersey law, bicyclists, skateboarders, and inline skaters have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. Motorists must be vigilant, especially when turning. When making a right turn, check for and yield to these road users. When turning left, yield to oncoming cyclists and wait for any cyclist in front of you to complete their turn before you proceed.

• ✓Bicyclists, skateboarders, and inline skaters have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.
• ✓When turning right, a motorist must yield to bicyclists, skateboarders, or inline skaters moving through an intersection.
• ✓Always check blind spots before turning, parking, or opening a door to avoid endangering a cyclist or skater.

The most common cause of motorcycle crashes is a motorist's failure to see them. Always be alert, check blind spots twice before changing lanes or turning, and never follow a motorcycle too closely, as they can brake in shorter distances than cars. When a motorcycle passes you, maintain your speed and position to allow them to complete the pass safely.

• ✓Never follow a motorcycle too closely.
• ✓Check blind spots twice before changing lanes or making turns, as motorcycles are small and can be easily hidden.
• ✓The most common cause of motorcycle crashes is a motorist's failure to detect and recognize them in traffic.

New Jersey requires passenger vehicles to have two license plates, one on the front and one on the rear, mounted between 12 and 48 inches from the ground. The rear plate must be lit so it is visible from 50 feet at night. Using plate holders that obscure any lettering is a violation. Misusing plates carries severe penalties.

• ✓Passenger vehicles must display two matching license plates, one on the front and one on the rear.
• ✓The rear license plate must be illuminated so it is visible from 50 feet at night.
• ✓Using license plate covers or holders that obscure or conceal any lettering is a violation with a fine of up to $100.
• ✓Forged or counterfeit license plates may result in a fine up to $500, up to 60 days imprisonment, or a license suspension of up to six months.

Most gasoline-fueled passenger vehicles in New Jersey must be inspected every two years, starting after they are five model years old. New vehicles receive a sticker valid for five years. When moving to NJ, you must get your vehicle inspected within 14 days of registration if it is more than five model years old. You must present a valid driver license, registration, and insurance card at the inspection.

• ✓Gasoline-fueled passenger vehicles, model year 1996 and newer, that are more than five model years old must pass state inspections every two years.
• ✓New passenger vehicles are issued a new car dealer sticker and are exempt from inspection for five years.
• ✓When moving to New Jersey from another state, a motorist must have their vehicle inspected within 14 days after registering it (if it is five model years or older).
• ✓A valid driver license, New Jersey registration, and insurance documents must be presented for a vehicle inspection.

Motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory for every vehicle registered in New Jersey. A New Jersey Insurance Identification Card, which can be in paper or electronic format, must be kept in the vehicle and shown during inspections, after a crash, or when stopped by law enforcement. Driving an uninsured vehicle can lead to significant penalties, including fines, community service, and suspension of your license and registration.

• ✓Motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory in the State of New Jersey for every registered vehicle.
• ✓An Insurance Identification Card, in either paper or electronic form, must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
• ✓Failure to maintain liability insurance can result in fines, community service, license and registration suspension, and violation surcharges.

In New Jersey, all new or used vehicles must be titled, registered, and insured before being driven on public roads. If you move to New Jersey, you have 60 days to title and register your vehicle, or sooner if your out-of-state registration expires. The initial registration for a brand-new vehicle is valid for four years, while most subsequent registrations are valid for one year.

• ✓A motorist moving into New Jersey must title and register their vehicle within 60 days.
• ✓An initial registration for a brand-new vehicle is valid for four years.
• ✓Most vehicle registrations, after the initial one for a new car, are valid for one year.

A motorist must surrender their old license plates to the MVC in specific situations, such as when selling a vehicle without transferring the plates or when terminating insurance coverage. This prevents fraudulent use and ensures compliance with state law.

• ✓If a motorist sells their vehicle and does not transfer the plates to another vehicle, they must surrender the old plates to an MVC agency.
• ✓If a motorist terminates vehicle insurance, the plates must be returned to the MVC.

The law in New Jersey requires all individuals operating or riding on a motorcycle to wear a helmet. The helmet must be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and be securely fastened. This rule applies to all riders, regardless of age or experience, to prevent head injuries.

• ✓Helmets are required by law for motorcycle operators and passengers in New Jersey.
• ✓Helmets must meet U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Providing false information to an insurance company during a claim or on an application is a criminal offense in New Jersey. The Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) can file criminal charges that may lead to incarceration, impose heavy civil fines, and cause the loss of your driver license.

• ✓Committing insurance fraud by providing false information can lead to criminal charges and incarceration.
• ✓Civil fines for insurance fraud can be up to $15,000 for each violation.
• ✓A person convicted of insurance fraud could lose his/her driver license.

Explains the required actions for each standard traffic light color. A solid red light requires a complete stop before the crosswalk or intersection. A yellow light is a warning that the signal is about to turn red, and you must stop if it is safe to do so. A green light means you may proceed, but only after yielding to any pedestrians or vehicles already in the intersection.

• ✓At a solid red light, a motorist must stop before the intersection or crosswalk and remain stopped until the light changes to green.
• ✓For a solid green light, you must yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection before proceeding, and yield to approaching vehicles when making a left turn.

Covers driver responsibilities for non-standard traffic signals. A flashing red light is treated the same as a stop sign. A flashing yellow light means to slow down and proceed with caution. A green arrow allows you to proceed in the direction of the arrow after yielding to pedestrians. An unlit traffic signal must be treated as a four-way stop.

• ✓A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign: stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when safe.
• ✓An unlit traffic signal, where no bulbs are working, should be treated as a four-way stop sign.

In New Jersey, the shape and color of a traffic sign communicate its meaning. An octagon is exclusively for stop signs. A triangle is for yield signs. A pentagon warns of a school zone, and a round yellow sign provides an advance warning of a railroad crossing. Diamond-shaped signs are used for warnings, with yellow for general hazards and orange for construction zones.

• ✓An eight-sided, red sign is a STOP sign.
• ✓A five-sided, yellow sign indicates a school zone.
• ✓A round, yellow sign is a railroad crossing advance warning sign.

Road work zones are indicated by orange, diamond-shaped signs. These zones may have lane shifts, flaggers, and reduced speed limits. Motorists must stay alert and be prepared to slow down or stop. Flaggers have the same authority as a regulatory sign. In New Jersey, all traffic fines are doubled in designated work zones.

• ✓In New Jersey, all traffic fines are doubled in work zones.
• ✓Motorists must obey the directions of flaggers in a work zone, as they have the same authority as a regulatory sign.

Pavement markings regulate traffic flow and passing. Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions, while white lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. A solid line on your side of the road means you may not pass. A dashed line on your side means passing is permitted when safe.

• ✓A solid yellow line on the motorist's side of the center line means 'do not pass'.
• ✓A dashed line on a motorist's side of the center line means that passing is permitted when safe.
• ✓Double yellow and white solid lines prohibit passing.

Regulatory signs control the movement of traffic. The most common are the STOP sign (red octagon), the YIELD sign (red and white inverted triangle), and the DO NOT ENTER sign (white square with a red circle). The railroad crossing sign (white X-shaped crossbuck) is also a regulatory sign and has the same meaning as a Yield sign.

• ✓A YIELD sign is an inverted triangle and requires you to slow down or stop to give the right-of-way to other traffic.
• ✓A railroad crossing crossbuck sign (white X) has the same meaning as a Yield sign; you must yield to trains.

Special markings on the pavement provide additional warnings and information. White stop lines show where to stop at an intersection. White crosswalks indicate pedestrian crossing areas. White diamonds painted on the pavement indicate a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, reserved for vehicles with multiple riders.

• ✓White diamonds painted on the pavement indicate a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane.
• ✓At an intersection where a stop line is missing, you must stop before the crosswalk when required to stop by a sign or signal.

Certain vehicles, like farm and construction equipment, travel at much lower speeds than other traffic. These vehicles are required to display a fluorescent and reflective orange triangular sign on their rear. Motorists should be prepared to slow down when approaching a vehicle with this sign.

• ✓A fluorescent and reflective orange triangular sign on the back of a vehicle indicates it is a slow-moving vehicle.
• ✓When you see a slow-moving vehicle sign, you must slow down and be prepared to adjust your speed accordingly.

A roundabout is a one-way circular intersection where traffic flows around a center island. Traffic entering the roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating. All turns into and out of the roundabout are right turns, which helps to reduce severe crashes. Motorists should slow down upon approach and follow signs and pavement markings to navigate to their exit.

• ✓Traffic flows in one direction (counter-clockwise) around a center island in a roundabout.
• ✓Motorists entering a roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating within it.

Pedestrian signals direct when it is safe to cross. A white, steady pedestrian silhouette or a countdown timer means pedestrians may cross. An orange, steady raised-palm symbol means they should not start crossing. New Jersey law requires turning motorists to yield to pedestrians crossing on a 'walk' signal and to any pedestrian in a crosswalk.

• ✓An orange, steady raised-palm symbol means pedestrians must not leave the sidewalk to enter the roadway.
• ✓New Jersey law requires turning motorists to yield to pedestrians who are crossing on the 'white, steady pedestrian silhouette' signal.