NJSA 39:4-50.5 through NJSA 39:4-50.23
NJSA 39:4-50.5
39:4-50.5. Severability
If any provision of this act, or any particular application thereof, be found invalid, the same shall be deemed severable to the end that such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications hereof.
L.1966, c. 142, s. 5.
NJSA 39:4-50.8
39:4-50.8. Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund
1. Upon a conviction of a violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a), the court shall collect from the defendant a surcharge of $100.00 in addition to and independently of any fine imposed on that defendant. The court shall forward the surcharge to the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles who shall deposit $95.00 of the surcharge into a "Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund" (hereinafter referred to as the "fund"). This fund shall be used to establish a Statewide drunk driving enforcement program to be supervised by the director. The remaining $5.00 of each surcharge shall be deposited by the director into a separate fund for administrative expenses.
A municipality shall be entitled to periodic grants from the "Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund" in amounts representing its proportionate contribution to the fund. A municipality shall be deemed to have contributed to the fund the portion of the surcharge allocated to the fund, collected pursuant to this section if the violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) occurred within the municipality and the arrest resulting in conviction was made by the member of a municipal police force. The grants from the fund shall be used by the municipality to increase enforcement of R.S.39:4-50 by subsidizing additional law enforcement patrols and through other measures approved by the director. The Division of State Police, interstate law enforcement agencies and county law enforcement agencies shall be entitled to periodic grants from the fund in amounts representing their proportionate contribution to the fund. The Division of State Police or county or interstate law enforcement agency shall be in deemed to have contributed to the fund the portion of the surcharge allocated to the fund collected pursuant to this section if the arrest resulting in a conviction was made by a member of the Division of State Police or county or interstate law enforcement agency. The grants from the fund shall be used by the Division of State Police or county or interstate law enforcement agency to increase enforcement of R.S.39:4-50 by subsidizing additional law enforcement patrols and through other measures approved by the director.
The surcharge described herein shall not be considered a fine, penalty or forfeiture to be distributed pursuant to R.S.39:5-41.
The director shall promulgate rules and regulations in order to effectuate the purposes of this section.
L.1984,c.4,s.1; amended 1994,c.184,s.3.
NJSA 39:4-50.9
39:4-50.9. Short title
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Drunk Driving Victim's Bill of Rights."
L. 1985, c. 442, s. 1.
NJSA 39:4-50.10
39:4-50.10. "Victim" defined
As used in this act, "victim" means, unless otherwise indicated, a person who suffers personal physical or psychological injury or death or incurs loss of or injury to personal or real property as a result of a motor vehicle accident involving another person's driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohoL. In the event of a death, "victim" means the surviving spouse, a child or the next of kin.
L. 1985, c. 442, s. 2.
NJSA 39:4-50.11
39:4-50.11. Victims' rights
Victims shall have the right to:
a. Make statements to law enforcement officers regarding the facts of the motor vehicle accident and to reasonable use of a telephone;
b. Receive medical assistance for injuries resulting from the accident;
c. Contact the investigating officer and see copies of the accident reports and, in the case of a surviving spouse, child or next of kin, the autopsy reports;
d. Be provided by the court adjudicating the offense, upon the request of the victim in writing, with:
(1) Information about their role in the court process;
(2) Timely advance notice of the date, time and place of the defendant's initial appearance before a judicial officer, submission to the court of any plea agreement, the trial and sentencing;
(3) Timely notification of the case disposition, including the trial and sentencing;
(4) Prompt notification of any decision or action in the case which results in the defendant's provisional or final release from custody; and
(5) Information about the status of the case at any time from the commission of the offense to final disposition or release of the defendant;
e. Receive, when requested from any law enforcement agency involved with the offense, assistance in obtaining employer cooperation in minimizing loss of pay and other benefits resulting from their participation in the court process;
f. A secure waiting area, after the motor vehicle accident, during investigations, and prior to a court appearance;
g. Submit to the court adjudicating the offense a written or oral statement to be considered in deciding upon sentencing and probation terms. This statement may include the nature and extent of any physical harm or psychological or emotional harm or trauma suffered by the victim, the extent of any loss of earnings or ability to work suffered by the victim and the effect of the offense upon the victim's family.
When a need is demonstrated, the information in this section shall be provided in the Spanish as well as the English language.
L. 1985, c. 442, s. 3.
NJSA 39:4-50.12
39:4-50.12. Consultation with prosecutor
A victim shall be provided with an opportunity to consult with the prosecutor prior to dismissal of the case or the filing of a proposed plea negotiation with the court, if the victim sustained bodily injury or serious bodily injury as defined in N.J.S. 2C:11-1.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to alter or limit the authority or discretion of the prosecutor to enter into any plea agreement which the prosecutor deems appropriate.
L. 1985, c. 442, s. 4.
NJSA 39:4-50.13
39:4-50.13. Tort Claims Act rights
Nothing contained in the act shall mitigate any right which the victim may have pursuant to the "New Jersey Tort Claims Act" (N.J.S. 59:1-1 et seq.).
L. 1985, c. 442, s. 5.
NJSA 39:4-50.14
39:4-50.14 Penalties for underage person operating motor vehicle after consuming alcohol.
1. Any person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01% or more, but less than 0.08%, by weight of alcohol in his blood, shall forfeit his right to operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this State or shall be prohibited from obtaining a license to operate a motor vehicle in this State for a period of not less than 30 or more than 90 days beginning on the date he becomes eligible to obtain a license or on the day of conviction, whichever is later, and shall perform community service for a period of not less than 15 or more than 30 days.
In addition, the person shall satisfy the program and fee requirements of an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center or participate in a program of alcohol education and highway safety as prescribed by the chief administrator.
The penalties provided under the provisions of this section shall be in addition to the penalties which the court may impose under N.J.S.2C:33-15, R.S.33:1-81, R.S.39:4-50 or any other law.
L.1992,c.189,s.1; amended 2003, c.314, s.3.
NJSA 39:4-50.15
39:4-50.15 Additional penalty for driving under the influence with a minor as a passenger.
1. a. As used in this act:
"Minor" means a person who is 17 years of age or younger.
"Parent or guardian" means any natural parent, adoptive parent, resource family parent, stepparent, or any person temporarily responsible for the care, custody or control of a minor or upon whom there is a legal duty for such care, custody or control.
b. A parent or guardian who is convicted of a violation of R.S.39:4-50 and who, at the time of the violation, has a minor as a passenger in the motor vehicle is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
c. In addition to the penalties otherwise prescribed by law, a person who is convicted under subsection b. of this section shall forfeit the right to operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this State for a period of not more than six months and shall be ordered to perform community service for a period of not more than five days.
L.1999, c.410; amended 2004, c.130, s.112.
NJSA 39:4-50.16
39:4-50.16 Findings, declarations relative to ignition interlock devices.
1. The Legislature finds and declares:
a. This State's penalties for drunk driving, including the mandatory suspension of driver's licenses and counseling for offenders, are among the strongest in the nation. However, despite the severity of existing penalties, far too many persons who have been convicted under the drunk driving law continue to imperil the lives of their fellow citizens by driving while intoxicated.
b. Ignition interlock devices, which permit a motor vehicle to be started only when the driver is sober, offer a technically feasible and effective means of further reducing the incidence of drunk driving. The use of these devices was initiated in California in 1986 and, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they are presently being used or tested in at least 37 states.
c. The judicious deployment of ignition interlock devices, as provided under this act, will enhance and strengthen this State's existing efforts to keep drunk drivers off the highways.
L.1999,c.417,s.1.
NJSA 39:4-50.17
39:4-50.17 Sentencing drunk driving offenders; device defined.
2. a. In sentencing a first offender under R.S.39:4-50, the court may order, in addition to any other penalty imposed by that section, the installation of an interlock device in every motor vehicle owned, leased or regularly operated by the offender following the expiration of the period of license suspension imposed under that section. The device shall remain installed for not less than six months or more than one year, commencing immediately upon the return of the offender's driver's license after the required period of suspension has been served.
b. In sentencing a second or subsequent offender under R.S.39:4-50, the court may order, in addition to any other penalty imposed by that section, the installation of an interlock device in every motor vehicle owned, leased or regularly operated by the offender. The device shall remain installed for not less than one year or more than three years, commencing immediately upon the return of the offender's driver's license after the required period of suspension has been served.
c. The court shall require that, for the duration of its order, an offender shall drive no vehicle other than one in which an interlock device has been installed pursuant to the order.
d. As used in this act, "ignition interlock device" or "device" means a blood alcohol equivalence measuring device which will prevent a motor vehicle from starting if the operator's blood alcohol content exceeds a predetermined level when the operator blows into the device.
L.1999,c.417,s.2.
NJSA 39:4-50.18
39:4-50.18 DMV notation of interlock device installation.
3. The court shall notify the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles when a person has been ordered to install an interlock device in a vehicle owned, leased or regularly operated by the person. The division shall require that the device be installed before reinstatement of the person's driver's license that has been suspended pursuant to R.S.39:4-50. The division shall imprint a notation on the driver's license stating that the person shall not operate a motor vehicle unless it is equipped with an interlock device and shall enter this requirement in the person's driving record.
L.1999,c.417,s.3.
NJSA 39:4-50.19
39:4-50.19 Violation of law; penalties.
4. a. A person who fails to install an interlock device ordered by the court in a motor vehicle owned, leased or regularly operated by him shall have his driver's license suspended for one year, in addition to any other suspension or revocation imposed under R.S.39:4-50, 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.
b. A person is a disorderly person 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.
L.1999,c.417,s.4.
NJSA 39:4-50.20
39:4-50.20 Certification of devices.
5. The director shall certify or cause to be certified ignition interlock devices required by this act and shall publish a list of approved devices. A device shall not be certified unless the manufacturer enters into an agreement with the division for the provision of devices to indigent offenders, as determined by the director, at a reduced cost. The director shall provide a copy of this list along with information on the purpose and proper use of interlock devices to persons who have been ordered by the court to install such a device in their vehicles.
L.1999,c.417,s.5.
NJSA 39:4-50.21
39:4-50.21 Rules, regulations.
6. Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the division shall promulgate rules and regulations for the installation and use of ignition interlock devices. These regulations shall be consistent with the federal model specifications for ignition interlock devices issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. requiring that the ignition interlock system selected shall:
(1) not impede the safe operation of the vehicle;
(2) incorporate features that make circumvention difficult and that do not interfere with the normal use of the vehicle;
(3) correlate closely with established measures of alcohol impairment;
(4) operate accurately and reliably in an unsupervised environment;
(5) resist tampering and give evidence when tampering is attempted;
(6) be difficult to circumvent and require premeditation to do so;
(7) require a deep lung breath sample as a measure of blood alcohol concentration equivalence;
(8) operate reliably over the range of automobile environments; and
(9) be manufactured by a party who will provide liability insurance.
b. designating the facilities where ignition interlock devices may be installed;
c. establishing guidelines for the proper use of ignition interlock devices; and
d. establishing guidelines for the provision of ignition interlock devices at reduced rates to persons who, according to standards specified by the division, qualify as indigent.
The director may adopt at his discretion, in whole or in part, the guidelines, rules, regulations, studies, or independent laboratory tests performed on and relied upon in the certification of ignition interlock devices by other states, their agencies or commissions.
L.1999,c.417,s.6.
NJSA 39:4-50.22
39:4-50.22. Written statement of potential civil, criminal liability for permitting an intoxicated arrestee's operation of motor vehicle
1. Whenever a person is summoned by or on behalf of a person who has been arrested for a violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) in order to transport or accompany the arrestee from the premises of a law enforcement agency, the law enforcement agency shall provide that person with a written statement advising him of his potential criminal and civil liability for permitting or facilitating the arrestee's operation of a motor vehicle while the arrestee remains intoxicated. The person to whom the statement is issued shall acknowledge, in writing, receipt of the statement, or the law enforcement agency shall record the fact that the written statement was provided, but the person refused to sign an acknowledgment.
Nothing in this section shall impose any obligation on a physician or other health care provider involved in the treatment or evaluation of the arrestee.
The Attorney General shall establish the content and form of the written statement and acknowledgment to be used by law enforcement agencies throughout the State and may issue directives to ensure the uniform implementation of this act.
L.2001,c.69,s.1.
NJSA 39:4-50.23
39:4-50.23. Impoundment of vehicle operated by arrestee; conditions of release; fee for towing, storage
2. a. Whenever a person has been arrested for a violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a), the arresting law enforcement agency shall impound the vehicle that the person was operating at the time of arrest.
b. A vehicle impounded pursuant to this section shall be impounded for a period of 12 hours after the time of arrest or until such later time as the arrestee claiming the vehicle meets the conditions for release in subsection d. of this section.
c. A vehicle impounded pursuant to this section may be released to a person other than the arrestee prior to the end of the impoundment period only if:
(1) The vehicle is not owned or leased by the person under arrest and the person who owns or leases the vehicle claims the vehicle and meets the conditions for release in subsection d. of this section; or
(2) The vehicle is owned or leased by the arrestee, the arrestee gives permission to another person, who has acknowledged in writing receipt of the statement required in section 1 of P.L. 2001, c.69 (C.39:4-50.22) to operate the vehicle and the conditions for release in subsection d. of this section are met.
d. A vehicle impounded pursuant to this section shall not be released unless the person claiming the vehicle:
(1) presents a valid operator's license, proof of ownership or lawful authority to operate the motor vehicle, and proof of valid motor vehicle insurance for that vehicle;
(2) is able to operate the vehicle in a safe manner and would not be in violation of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes; and
(3) meets any other conditions for release established by the law enforcement agency.
e. A law enforcement agency impounding a vehicle pursuant to this section is authorized to charge a reasonable fee for towing and storage of the vehicle. The law enforcement agency is further authorized to retain custody of the vehicle until that fee is paid.
L.2001,c.69,s.2.
39:4-50.5. Severability
If any provision of this act, or any particular application thereof, be found invalid, the same shall be deemed severable to the end that such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications hereof.
L.1966, c. 142, s. 5.
NJSA 39:4-50.8
39:4-50.8. Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund
1. Upon a conviction of a violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a), the court shall collect from the defendant a surcharge of $100.00 in addition to and independently of any fine imposed on that defendant. The court shall forward the surcharge to the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles who shall deposit $95.00 of the surcharge into a "Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund" (hereinafter referred to as the "fund"). This fund shall be used to establish a Statewide drunk driving enforcement program to be supervised by the director. The remaining $5.00 of each surcharge shall be deposited by the director into a separate fund for administrative expenses.
A municipality shall be entitled to periodic grants from the "Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund" in amounts representing its proportionate contribution to the fund. A municipality shall be deemed to have contributed to the fund the portion of the surcharge allocated to the fund, collected pursuant to this section if the violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) occurred within the municipality and the arrest resulting in conviction was made by the member of a municipal police force. The grants from the fund shall be used by the municipality to increase enforcement of R.S.39:4-50 by subsidizing additional law enforcement patrols and through other measures approved by the director. The Division of State Police, interstate law enforcement agencies and county law enforcement agencies shall be entitled to periodic grants from the fund in amounts representing their proportionate contribution to the fund. The Division of State Police or county or interstate law enforcement agency shall be in deemed to have contributed to the fund the portion of the surcharge allocated to the fund collected pursuant to this section if the arrest resulting in a conviction was made by a member of the Division of State Police or county or interstate law enforcement agency. The grants from the fund shall be used by the Division of State Police or county or interstate law enforcement agency to increase enforcement of R.S.39:4-50 by subsidizing additional law enforcement patrols and through other measures approved by the director.
The surcharge described herein shall not be considered a fine, penalty or forfeiture to be distributed pursuant to R.S.39:5-41.
The director shall promulgate rules and regulations in order to effectuate the purposes of this section.
L.1984,c.4,s.1; amended 1994,c.184,s.3.
NJSA 39:4-50.9
39:4-50.9. Short title
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Drunk Driving Victim's Bill of Rights."
L. 1985, c. 442, s. 1.
NJSA 39:4-50.10
39:4-50.10. "Victim" defined
As used in this act, "victim" means, unless otherwise indicated, a person who suffers personal physical or psychological injury or death or incurs loss of or injury to personal or real property as a result of a motor vehicle accident involving another person's driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohoL. In the event of a death, "victim" means the surviving spouse, a child or the next of kin.
L. 1985, c. 442, s. 2.
NJSA 39:4-50.11
39:4-50.11. Victims' rights
Victims shall have the right to:
a. Make statements to law enforcement officers regarding the facts of the motor vehicle accident and to reasonable use of a telephone;
b. Receive medical assistance for injuries resulting from the accident;
c. Contact the investigating officer and see copies of the accident reports and, in the case of a surviving spouse, child or next of kin, the autopsy reports;
d. Be provided by the court adjudicating the offense, upon the request of the victim in writing, with:
(1) Information about their role in the court process;
(2) Timely advance notice of the date, time and place of the defendant's initial appearance before a judicial officer, submission to the court of any plea agreement, the trial and sentencing;
(3) Timely notification of the case disposition, including the trial and sentencing;
(4) Prompt notification of any decision or action in the case which results in the defendant's provisional or final release from custody; and
(5) Information about the status of the case at any time from the commission of the offense to final disposition or release of the defendant;
e. Receive, when requested from any law enforcement agency involved with the offense, assistance in obtaining employer cooperation in minimizing loss of pay and other benefits resulting from their participation in the court process;
f. A secure waiting area, after the motor vehicle accident, during investigations, and prior to a court appearance;
g. Submit to the court adjudicating the offense a written or oral statement to be considered in deciding upon sentencing and probation terms. This statement may include the nature and extent of any physical harm or psychological or emotional harm or trauma suffered by the victim, the extent of any loss of earnings or ability to work suffered by the victim and the effect of the offense upon the victim's family.
When a need is demonstrated, the information in this section shall be provided in the Spanish as well as the English language.
L. 1985, c. 442, s. 3.
NJSA 39:4-50.12
39:4-50.12. Consultation with prosecutor
A victim shall be provided with an opportunity to consult with the prosecutor prior to dismissal of the case or the filing of a proposed plea negotiation with the court, if the victim sustained bodily injury or serious bodily injury as defined in N.J.S. 2C:11-1.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to alter or limit the authority or discretion of the prosecutor to enter into any plea agreement which the prosecutor deems appropriate.
L. 1985, c. 442, s. 4.
NJSA 39:4-50.13
39:4-50.13. Tort Claims Act rights
Nothing contained in the act shall mitigate any right which the victim may have pursuant to the "New Jersey Tort Claims Act" (N.J.S. 59:1-1 et seq.).
L. 1985, c. 442, s. 5.
NJSA 39:4-50.14
39:4-50.14 Penalties for underage person operating motor vehicle after consuming alcohol.
1. Any person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01% or more, but less than 0.08%, by weight of alcohol in his blood, shall forfeit his right to operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this State or shall be prohibited from obtaining a license to operate a motor vehicle in this State for a period of not less than 30 or more than 90 days beginning on the date he becomes eligible to obtain a license or on the day of conviction, whichever is later, and shall perform community service for a period of not less than 15 or more than 30 days.
In addition, the person shall satisfy the program and fee requirements of an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center or participate in a program of alcohol education and highway safety as prescribed by the chief administrator.
The penalties provided under the provisions of this section shall be in addition to the penalties which the court may impose under N.J.S.2C:33-15, R.S.33:1-81, R.S.39:4-50 or any other law.
L.1992,c.189,s.1; amended 2003, c.314, s.3.
NJSA 39:4-50.15
39:4-50.15 Additional penalty for driving under the influence with a minor as a passenger.
1. a. As used in this act:
"Minor" means a person who is 17 years of age or younger.
"Parent or guardian" means any natural parent, adoptive parent, resource family parent, stepparent, or any person temporarily responsible for the care, custody or control of a minor or upon whom there is a legal duty for such care, custody or control.
b. A parent or guardian who is convicted of a violation of R.S.39:4-50 and who, at the time of the violation, has a minor as a passenger in the motor vehicle is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
c. In addition to the penalties otherwise prescribed by law, a person who is convicted under subsection b. of this section shall forfeit the right to operate a motor vehicle over the highways of this State for a period of not more than six months and shall be ordered to perform community service for a period of not more than five days.
L.1999, c.410; amended 2004, c.130, s.112.
NJSA 39:4-50.16
39:4-50.16 Findings, declarations relative to ignition interlock devices.
1. The Legislature finds and declares:
a. This State's penalties for drunk driving, including the mandatory suspension of driver's licenses and counseling for offenders, are among the strongest in the nation. However, despite the severity of existing penalties, far too many persons who have been convicted under the drunk driving law continue to imperil the lives of their fellow citizens by driving while intoxicated.
b. Ignition interlock devices, which permit a motor vehicle to be started only when the driver is sober, offer a technically feasible and effective means of further reducing the incidence of drunk driving. The use of these devices was initiated in California in 1986 and, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they are presently being used or tested in at least 37 states.
c. The judicious deployment of ignition interlock devices, as provided under this act, will enhance and strengthen this State's existing efforts to keep drunk drivers off the highways.
L.1999,c.417,s.1.
NJSA 39:4-50.17
39:4-50.17 Sentencing drunk driving offenders; device defined.
2. a. In sentencing a first offender under R.S.39:4-50, the court may order, in addition to any other penalty imposed by that section, the installation of an interlock device in every motor vehicle owned, leased or regularly operated by the offender following the expiration of the period of license suspension imposed under that section. The device shall remain installed for not less than six months or more than one year, commencing immediately upon the return of the offender's driver's license after the required period of suspension has been served.
b. In sentencing a second or subsequent offender under R.S.39:4-50, the court may order, in addition to any other penalty imposed by that section, the installation of an interlock device in every motor vehicle owned, leased or regularly operated by the offender. The device shall remain installed for not less than one year or more than three years, commencing immediately upon the return of the offender's driver's license after the required period of suspension has been served.
c. The court shall require that, for the duration of its order, an offender shall drive no vehicle other than one in which an interlock device has been installed pursuant to the order.
d. As used in this act, "ignition interlock device" or "device" means a blood alcohol equivalence measuring device which will prevent a motor vehicle from starting if the operator's blood alcohol content exceeds a predetermined level when the operator blows into the device.
L.1999,c.417,s.2.
NJSA 39:4-50.18
39:4-50.18 DMV notation of interlock device installation.
3. The court shall notify the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles when a person has been ordered to install an interlock device in a vehicle owned, leased or regularly operated by the person. The division shall require that the device be installed before reinstatement of the person's driver's license that has been suspended pursuant to R.S.39:4-50. The division shall imprint a notation on the driver's license stating that the person shall not operate a motor vehicle unless it is equipped with an interlock device and shall enter this requirement in the person's driving record.
L.1999,c.417,s.3.
NJSA 39:4-50.19
39:4-50.19 Violation of law; penalties.
4. a. A person who fails to install an interlock device ordered by the court in a motor vehicle owned, leased or regularly operated by him shall have his driver's license suspended for one year, in addition to any other suspension or revocation imposed under R.S.39:4-50, 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.
b. A person is a disorderly person 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.
L.1999,c.417,s.4.
NJSA 39:4-50.20
39:4-50.20 Certification of devices.
5. The director shall certify or cause to be certified ignition interlock devices required by this act and shall publish a list of approved devices. A device shall not be certified unless the manufacturer enters into an agreement with the division for the provision of devices to indigent offenders, as determined by the director, at a reduced cost. The director shall provide a copy of this list along with information on the purpose and proper use of interlock devices to persons who have been ordered by the court to install such a device in their vehicles.
L.1999,c.417,s.5.
NJSA 39:4-50.21
39:4-50.21 Rules, regulations.
6. Pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the division shall promulgate rules and regulations for the installation and use of ignition interlock devices. These regulations shall be consistent with the federal model specifications for ignition interlock devices issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. requiring that the ignition interlock system selected shall:
(1) not impede the safe operation of the vehicle;
(2) incorporate features that make circumvention difficult and that do not interfere with the normal use of the vehicle;
(3) correlate closely with established measures of alcohol impairment;
(4) operate accurately and reliably in an unsupervised environment;
(5) resist tampering and give evidence when tampering is attempted;
(6) be difficult to circumvent and require premeditation to do so;
(7) require a deep lung breath sample as a measure of blood alcohol concentration equivalence;
(8) operate reliably over the range of automobile environments; and
(9) be manufactured by a party who will provide liability insurance.
b. designating the facilities where ignition interlock devices may be installed;
c. establishing guidelines for the proper use of ignition interlock devices; and
d. establishing guidelines for the provision of ignition interlock devices at reduced rates to persons who, according to standards specified by the division, qualify as indigent.
The director may adopt at his discretion, in whole or in part, the guidelines, rules, regulations, studies, or independent laboratory tests performed on and relied upon in the certification of ignition interlock devices by other states, their agencies or commissions.
L.1999,c.417,s.6.
NJSA 39:4-50.22
39:4-50.22. Written statement of potential civil, criminal liability for permitting an intoxicated arrestee's operation of motor vehicle
1. Whenever a person is summoned by or on behalf of a person who has been arrested for a violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a) in order to transport or accompany the arrestee from the premises of a law enforcement agency, the law enforcement agency shall provide that person with a written statement advising him of his potential criminal and civil liability for permitting or facilitating the arrestee's operation of a motor vehicle while the arrestee remains intoxicated. The person to whom the statement is issued shall acknowledge, in writing, receipt of the statement, or the law enforcement agency shall record the fact that the written statement was provided, but the person refused to sign an acknowledgment.
Nothing in this section shall impose any obligation on a physician or other health care provider involved in the treatment or evaluation of the arrestee.
The Attorney General shall establish the content and form of the written statement and acknowledgment to be used by law enforcement agencies throughout the State and may issue directives to ensure the uniform implementation of this act.
L.2001,c.69,s.1.
NJSA 39:4-50.23
39:4-50.23. Impoundment of vehicle operated by arrestee; conditions of release; fee for towing, storage
2. a. Whenever a person has been arrested for a violation of R.S.39:4-50 or section 2 of P.L.1981, c.512 (C.39:4-50.4a), the arresting law enforcement agency shall impound the vehicle that the person was operating at the time of arrest.
b. A vehicle impounded pursuant to this section shall be impounded for a period of 12 hours after the time of arrest or until such later time as the arrestee claiming the vehicle meets the conditions for release in subsection d. of this section.
c. A vehicle impounded pursuant to this section may be released to a person other than the arrestee prior to the end of the impoundment period only if:
(1) The vehicle is not owned or leased by the person under arrest and the person who owns or leases the vehicle claims the vehicle and meets the conditions for release in subsection d. of this section; or
(2) The vehicle is owned or leased by the arrestee, the arrestee gives permission to another person, who has acknowledged in writing receipt of the statement required in section 1 of P.L. 2001, c.69 (C.39:4-50.22) to operate the vehicle and the conditions for release in subsection d. of this section are met.
d. A vehicle impounded pursuant to this section shall not be released unless the person claiming the vehicle:
(1) presents a valid operator's license, proof of ownership or lawful authority to operate the motor vehicle, and proof of valid motor vehicle insurance for that vehicle;
(2) is able to operate the vehicle in a safe manner and would not be in violation of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes; and
(3) meets any other conditions for release established by the law enforcement agency.
e. A law enforcement agency impounding a vehicle pursuant to this section is authorized to charge a reasonable fee for towing and storage of the vehicle. The law enforcement agency is further authorized to retain custody of the vehicle until that fee is paid.
L.2001,c.69,s.2.
