DUI Offenders in New Jersey May Soon Receive Restricted Driving Permits
The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to soon consider a bill that will authorize state motor vehicle agencies to grant restricted permits to persons who have been convicted of driving under the influence. The permits will be granted by the Motor Vehicle Commission's chief administrator.
Under the new law, individuals who have been convicted of DUI offenses in New Jersey will be given restricted permits that would allow them to drive only during certain times of the day and only to certain destinations such as to and from their job or to and from a job interview. While the driver is using a restricted permit, he will be required to display a sign on the vehicle that reads Restricted Use Vehicle.
The bill also proposes other restrictions on permit holders such as the installation of an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. As any New Jersey DUI attorney can explain, an ignition interlock device acts as an alcohol detection device in order to detect the amount of alcohol in the driver’s system when he attempts to start his vehicle. If the amount of alcohol is above a certain set limit, the device will shut the ignition down, preventing the person from driving the vehicle. The device acts as a breathalyzer, and the driver is required to take a breath test not just before starting the vehicle, but also at random times while he is operating the vehicle.
If the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee approves of this proposal, the Motor Vehicle Commission may begin issuing permits as soon as six months after the enactment of the legislation.
The New Jersey DUI lawyers at Helmer Paul Conley and Kasselman represent persons who have been charged with DUI and facing license suspension across New Jersey. If you have been arrested or charged with DUI, speak with an experienced New Jersey DUI attorney at our firm.
