May 22nd, 2025
New DWI Law as of April 2025.

Recently, there’s been a significant change in New Jersey’s Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws and if you’ve been charged with a DWI, you might already be eligible to save your driver’s license! Now, many drivers convicted of DWI can reduce or even avoid a full driver’s license suspension by installing an IID (ignition interlock device).

Here’s the update…

What Has Changed?

Under the updated law, anyone convicted of an alcohol-based DWI may be eligible to receive a “2-for-1” ignition interlock credit toward their license suspension. That means for every two days you have an IID (interlock device) installed on your vehicle, you earn one day of credit toward your required suspension period. In many cases, this could significantly reduce—if not completely eliminate—the amount of time your license is revoked.

When Does the Law Take Effect?

Although the statute was signed into law on April 3, 2025, it clarified an earlier law that took effect on February 19, 2024. Therefore, you can argue that the new law applies to your case if it occurred on or after February 19, 2024.

If you were charged with a DWI or Refusal take submit to breath samples (Refusal) on or after February 19, 2024, you should speak with an attorney right away to determine whether you’re eligible.

Who Qualifies for the 2-for-1 Ignition Interlock Credit?

To qualify, your offense must:

  • Involve alcohol (not drugs or a combination of both);
  • Not result in serious bodily injury to another person;
  • Not involve a commercial vehicle under the influence of controlled substances.

Both pre-conviction and post-conviction installation of the interlock device can earn you credits, provided you meet the criteria.

What About Refusal Cases?

While the Refusal statute (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a) does not explicitly grant interlock device credit, the updated law’s language—specifically the phrase “pursuant to this section”—could mean that Refusal convictions qualify as well.

Lawyers can argue that this might be interpreted broadly enough to include Refusal charges under the main DWI statute. If courts agree, it could expand eligibility to drivers who refused to submit to a breath test but still voluntarily installed an interlock device. Please note that lawyers and judges are still trying to figure out this new law, and there may be some court cases coming to clarify it.

Pre-Conviction and Post-Conviction Credits

There are two opportunities to take advantage of the new law:

Pre-Conviction

  • Install the interlock device before your case is resolved
  • Obtain a restricted use license from the MVC
  • Present proof to the court to start earning credit early.

Post-Conviction

  • Install the interlock device after sentencing
  • If you meet the requirements, the court must honor the credit—no prosecutor or judge can deny it

New Jersey now stands out as one of the few states to allow eligible DWI offenders to completely avoid a license suspension with early action.

Speak to an Experienced DWI/Traffic Court Defense Lawyer NOW!

If you are charged with a DWI or any other traffic violation in New Jersey, I can help. I am committed to protecting your rights and defending you against any charges filed against you. Call or text for an appointment (856) 227-2434.