License Suspended? You’ve Been Charged With a DWI: What Happens Next in New Jersey?

Getting charged with a DWI in New Jersey is a serious event—and the suspension of your driving privileges is often one of the most immediate and impactful consequences. If your driver’s license is suspended as part of the charge, you may be wondering: What happens now? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process, your rights and what you should do next.

1. License Suspended? The Charge and Suspension Trigger

When you are charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey, the license suspension may not take effect immediately upon arrest—but once you are convicted, or in some cases if you refuse testing, the suspension kicks in. 

The length of suspension depends on:

• whether it’s your first, second or subsequent offense,
• your blood-alcohol concentration (BAC), or whether you refused the breath or blood test.

For example:

• A first offense with BAC 0.08%–0.10% may result in a 3-month suspension.
• A second offense may mean a 2-year suspension.
• A third or more offense may carry a 10-year suspension.

Importantly, New Jersey does not offer a typical “hardship license” in DWI cases—meaning you likely cannot drive for work or errands under a special permit during the suspension period.

2. Immediate Consequences & Additional Requirements

Once your license suspended:

• You must stop driving. Operating a vehicle while suspended can lead to separate criminal charges, extra suspension time, fines and even jail.
• You’ll likely face other mandated programs: completion of an alcohol education or screening program through an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), possibly installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) if required.
• Fines, court costs, statutory surcharges and other penalties accompany the suspension.
  
  

3. What to Do While the Suspension Is in Place

• Don’t drive. The law is clear that you cannot lawfully operate a vehicle until your driving privileges are fully restored.
• Comply with all conditions. Attend any required IDRC programs, submit to any required assessments or treatment, install an IID if ordered. Failure to do so can extend your suspension or add jail time.
• Prepare for alternate transportation. Because hardship licenses are generally not available for DWI suspensions in New Jersey, you’ll need to plan realistic transportation for work, school or home responsibilities.
• Work with an attorney. A seasoned DWI defense lawyer can challenge the underlying case, work toward reducing consequences, and guide you in the restoration process.

4. License Suspended? Restoring Your License

After the suspension period ends, driving privileges do not automatically resume. You must:

• Serve the full suspension period.
• Complete all mandated programs (like IDRC) and any treatment required.
• Pay all fines, surcharges and the restoration fee.
• If required, install the ignition interlock device (IID) and maintain compliance for the required time.
• Submit the application to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and await the official “Notice of Restoration.”

5. Why Legal Representation Matters

Because the stakes are high—license loss, jail, long-term insurance consequences, impact on employment—it is crucial to work with a lawyer who knows New Jersey DWI law. A defense attorney can:

• Examine the traffic stop, testing procedure, officer observations and whether your rights were upheld.
• Analyze whether the MVC suspension was properly imposed and whether any technical or procedural defenses apply.
• Advocate for minimizing your suspension, negotiating alternative outcomes or mitigation.
• Guide you through the complex restoration process so you re-gain your driving privileges as soon as lawfully possible.

6. In Closing

If your license has been suspended following a DWI charge in New Jersey, you face more than just a few months without driving. You’re facing legal consequences, personal and professional disruption, and a process with many moving parts. The sooner you act—by retaining skilled counsel, complying with requirements, and planning for the suspension period—the better your chances to protect your future.

At JSD Legal, we understand how one mistake can ripple through your life and we’re here to help you navigate the complexities, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome.

If you’ve been charged with a DWI in New Jersey or your license has been suspended, contact the JSD Legal team today for a confidential consultation.