Anyone who is convicted of drunk driving in the state of New Jersey may face certain consequences that will significantly impact their life and the lives of their loved ones. These consequences may include heavy fines, penalties, and the suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
Another requirement convicted drunk drivers face in New Jersey is mandatory participation in the State’s Intoxicated Driver Program (IDP) at an Intoxicated Driving Resource Center (IDRC). This article discusses the basic requirements of the New Jersey IDP.
Intoxicated Driver Program: What Is It?
The Intoxicated Driver Program is a program designed and mandated by the State of New Jersey for individuals who are convicted on a drunk driving charge. The program consists of education classes on alcohol addiction, drug addiction, highway safety rules and other related topics. If you have been convicted of a DWI, you are required to participate in an Intoxicated Driver Program at one of New Jersey’s Intoxicated Driving Resource Centers. There is an IDRC located in each county for first and third-time offenders and three regional centers for second-time offenders.
Despite what many may think, the goal of this program is not to punish the convicted offenders. Rather, the basic goal of the Intoxicated Driver Program is to educated motorists who have been convicted of drunk driving. During the course, the IDRC will evaluate each participant for an alcohol or drug problem. If it is determined that the participant requires treatment for such a drug or alcohol problem, he or she will be required to complete a minimum of 16 weeks of specialized treatment.
The center monitors whether participants have complied with the court requirements for the IDP. The recommendations are then forwarded to the MVC as to whether to suspend or restore the individual’s driving privileges.
The Costs of the Intoxicated Driver Program
One of the many downsides of a drunk driving conviction is paying the hefty fees of the Intoxicated Driver Program. The specific fee you are required to pay for the program varies depending on whether it is the participant’s first, second or third drunk driving offense. If it is your first drunk driving conviction, you will have to pay a $230 fee to the IDRC. As a second drunk driving offender, you will owe a $280 fee. Additional fines may also apply.
If you are not able to afford the fees and expenses related to this mandatory program, New Jersey has the Driving Under the Influence Initiative (DUII). This program provides $7.5 million in financial support for individuals in such situations who are unable to participate in the IDP for financial reasons.
Locations and Contact Information for New Jersey IDRCs
Below is a list of the different Intoxicated Driving Resource Centers in the State of New Jersey. Depending on where you are located or on various other factors, you may choose to complete your Intoxicated Driver Program at one of these centers listed below:
- Atlantic County IDRC
201 Shore Rd
Northfield, NJ 08225
(609) 645-5945
- Bergen County IDRC
149 Hudson St
Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 655-7490
- Burlington County IDRC
795 Woodlane Rd
Westampton, NJ 08060
(609) 265-5855
- Camden County IDRC
215 Highland Ave
Haddon Township, NJ 08108
(856) 669-0820
- Cape May County IDRC
128 Crest Haven Rd
Middle Township, NJ 08210
(609) 465-4100
- Cumberland County IDRC
1405 North Delsea Drive
Vineland, NJ 08360
(856) 794-1011
- Essex County IDRC
50 S Clinton St
East Orange, NJ 07018
(973) 395-8425
- Gloucester County IDRC
129 Johnson Road
Washington Township, NJ 08012
(856) 232-4840 ext. 101
- Hudson County IDRC
634 Summit Ave
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 533-2441
- Hunterdon County IDRC
8 Main St #7
Flemington, NJ 08822
(908) 788-1900
- Mercer County IDRC
2000 Pennington Rd
Ewing Township, NJ 08618
(609) 771-2410
- Middlesex County IDRC
711 Jersey Ave
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 745-4500
- Monmouth County IDRC
3000 Kozloski Rd
Freehold, NJ 07728
(732) 308-3713
- Morris County IDRC
62 Elm St
Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 538-5327
- Ocean County IDRC
175 Sunset Ave
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 341-9700 ext. 7513
- Passaic County IDRC
182 1st St
Passaic, NJ 07055
(973) 777-2408
- Salem County IDRC
1405 North Delsea Drive
Vineland, NJ 08360
(856) 794-1011
- Somerset County IDRC
27 Warren St
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 704-6304
- Sussex County IDRC
135 Morris Turnpike
Newton, NJ 07860
(973) 948-6000 ext. 1370
- Union County IDRC
Union County Admin. Building
10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
(908) 527-4791
- Warren County IDRC
62 Elm St
Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 538-5327
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If you or someone you know has been issued DWI citation or arrested for drunk driving in New Jersey, an experienced attorney can help. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with New Jersey DWI attorney Dan T. Matrafajlo, please call the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404.
