In New Jersey, if a court convicts you of driving while intoxicated (DWI), one of the penalties imposed on you is a suspension of your driver’s license. This suspension can last for between three months and one year, depending on several factors such as the level of your blood alcohol during the offense.
During this suspension period, you shouldn’t drive any vehicle. If an officer catches your driving with a suspended license, you face additional fines, jail time and even a possible suspension extension.
State law on driving with a license suspended for DWI
Per New Jersey rules, it’s against the law for a person whose driver’s license was suspended or revoked to operate a motor vehicle during their suspension/revocation period. This can lead to significant penalties, such as a license suspension being upgraded into license revocation instead.
What’s the difference between a suspended and revoked license?
A suspended license allows its owner to apply for reinstatement after the suspension period. But a revoked license is invalid for good; the owner must apply for a completely new license. However, the owner can’t reapply for a new license until after the revocation period.
Penalties for driving with a suspended license
The penalties for driving with a suspended license are as follows:
- First offense: A $500 fine and the revocation of the driver’s license for six months.
- Second offense: A $750 fine and up to five days of jail time. Officials will also revoke the driver’s license for six months if the offense occurred within five years of a previous conviction.
- Third or subsequent offense: A $1,000 fine and up to 10 days of jail time. Officials will also revoke the driver’s license for six months if the offense occurred within five years of a previous conviction.
Driving with a suspended license after a DWI conviction can lead to more trouble than it’s worth. Understanding the severity of this offense is crucial. If you are facing charges and have concerns about your case, consider consulting with a legal professional who specializes in DWI cases.