Drink-driving limits in New Jersey (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: New Jersey sets its own drink-driving rules. Fields not shown are not yet verified.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Under 21: any detectable alcohol in the system (0.01% BAC or above) is an offence under New Jersey's zero tolerance law. [1] |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | Yes [2] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | First offence: fine of $250 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail (depending on alcohol level). Second: fine of $500 to $1,000, 48 hours to 90 days in jail. Third and later: fine of $1,000 and 180 days in jail. Licence suspension and ignition interlock also apply (figures from a January 2020 state brochure). [1] |
Sources
- New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety: New Jersey Laws and Penalties: DWI brochure (January 2020) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- New Jersey Office of the Attorney General: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Year-End Holiday Crackdown (news release) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
New Jersey and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 0.08% | Any alcohol, under 21 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Yes, checkpoints used | Fine $1,000, 180 days (3rd) |
| Delaware | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1st: up to 12 months; $500-$1,500 fine |
| New York | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% in a commercial vehicle | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 1 year jail, $500-1,000 fine |
| Pennsylvania | 0.08% | 0.02% (minors) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | First: misdemeanour, $300 fine |
More rules in New Jersey
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Not allowed
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (35 mph low-density districts) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (special learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Licensed and registered · Minimum age: 15 years
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (ground sparkling devices only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not listed; "manifestly appropriate" test · Locking or one-handed knives: Banned without explainable lawful purpose
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.92 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (primary offence) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes (adults in the back: secondary law)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.