Frequently Asked Questions About the New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Program

What Are the New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Program and the Intoxicated Driver Center?

The Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP) and the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) are state programs intended to make New Jersey highways safer by educating drivers about alcohol and drugs and how they affect motor vehicle safety. They also help identify and provide treatment for individuals who have an alcohol or drug problem.

Who needs to attend the Intoxicated Driving Program?

If you are convicted of or plead guilty to a first drug- or alcohol-related traffic offense, you will be detained, educated, and evaluated for at least 12 hours over two consecutive days in your county’s Intoxicated Driver Resource Center.

If you are convicted of or plead guilty to a second offense, you will be detained, educated, and evaluated in a regional facility for 48 consecutive hours.

If you are sentenced as a third-time offender, you may be sentenced to jail or to an inpatient alcoholism treatment program or both. You will need to appear at the 12-hour Intoxicated Driving Resource Center for a follow-up visit, and may be required to participate in additional treatment.

What happens at a New Jersey Intoxicated Driver Resource Center?

First, you will pay the program fee (see below) and complete a questionnaire. You will then meet with a counselor for a personal interview and attend a series of educational sessions and discussions. These will present information about social and problem drinking, stages of alcoholism, effects of drinking on family and other relationships, and the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving ability.

What are the fees for the Intoxicated Driving Program?

You will be charged a total of $150—$50 for the Motor Vehicle Services restoration fee, and a $100 administrative fee for the Intoxicated Driving Program. The total amount is payable to Motor Vehicle Services upon receipt of the notice confirming your license suspension.

You must also pay an additional $150 for the 12-hour IDRC or $200 for the 48-hour IDRC, and any costs associated with any other treatment program you are referred to.

What happens after I complete the program?

You may be referred to a treatment program or a self-help group (for a minimum of 16 weeks and a maximum of one year). This additional treatment is part of your sentence, and you must complete it. It is not optional.

When will I get my driver’s license back?

After you have served all court- and DMV-imposed suspensions and complied with all requirements of the Intoxicated Driving Program and the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, your driving privilege will be restored.

I was sentenced for drunk driving in New Jersey, but I live in another state. Do I still need to pay these fees or participate in the Intoxicated Driving Program?

Yes. You must pay $150 to Motor Vehicle Services, and if you live within driving distance of a New Jersey Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, you will be required to attend. If not, you will be able to satisfy the requirements in your home state.