Ignition Interlock Devices in New Jersey

What is an Ignition Interlock Device in New Jersey?

Ignition interlock devices have become an important part of New Jersey DWI law, and many people feel it is among the worst aspect of the NJ DWI penalty structure.

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a handheld breath testing device that attaches to the ignition system of a car. The device requires a sober breath sample in order to start the vehicle's ignition. The IID is required to be installed in every motor vehicle owned, leased or regularly operated by the offender following the expiration of the period of a court ordered license suspension.  The device must remain installed for 6 months - 1 year upon a first offense DWI conviction, and 1 - 3 years upon a second or subsequent offense DWI conviction. The DWI offender will also be prohibited from operating any car that is not equipped with an IID.

What happens if you don't get an Interlock device installed after being ordered by a New Jersey DWI court?

Under New Jersey DWI law, a person who fails to install an interlock device ordered by the court in a motor vehicle owned, leased or regularly operated by him will have his/her driver's license suspended for one year, in addition to any other suspension or revocation imposed, unless the court determines a valid reason exists for the failure to comply.  A person in whose vehicle an interlock device is installed pursuant to a court order who drives that vehicle after it has been started by any means other than his own blowing into the device or who drives a vehicle that is not equipped with such a device shall have his driver's license suspended for one year, in addition to any other penalty applicable by law.

Under New Jersey DWI law, a person is a disorderly in regards to the ignition interlock who:

(1) Blows into an interlock device or otherwise starts a motor vehicle equipped with such a device for the purpose of providing an operable motor vehicle to a person who has been ordered by the court to install the device in the vehicle.

(2) Tampers or in any way circumvents the operation of an interlock device.

(3) Knowingly rents, leases or lends a motor vehicle not equipped with an interlock device to a person who has been ordered by the court to install an interlock device in a vehicle he owns, leases or regularly operates.