What Are the Consequences of a Conviction for a Refusal Charge Prior to the Dec. 1, 2019 Change of Law?

Every state has slightly different penalties for a Refusal conviction.

Here is a list of penalties that you will face if you receive a refusal conviction in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a or 39:4-50.2:

Possible DWI Penalties in New Jersey – 39:4-50:

No jail time, unlike with a DWI charge
Fines between $300 and $2,000
30 days of community service overseen by a probation officer for some cases
Requirements to attend Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) classes for up to 48 consecutive hours
Suspension of your driver’s license from 7 months to 20 years
Suspension of your commercial driver’s license for 1 year to a lifetime suspension
Suspension of your commercial driver’s license with hazmat provision for 3 years to a lifetime suspension
Jail time (and increased driver’s license suspension) if you are caught for driving when your driver’s license is suspended for a refusal
No option for an occupational limited driver’s license or work driver’s license – which means you absolutely cannot drive if convinced of a DWI charge and receive a suspension of your driver’s license as a result
Required installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) between 13 months and 23 years
Surcharge of $1000 annually for 3 years (unless you live out of state)
A Refusal conviction will remain on your New Jersey driving record forever
You will also face penalties from your car insurance company, which can include raising your rates or even dropping your coverage after you are convicted of a refusal

For more information about DWI And Refusal Penalty Chart, please click here.