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Interlock, MVC, IDRC, points, surcharges. The answers our clients ask us most, in one place. Save this to your home screen so it's here when you need it.
We want to be your first call for any legal problem: a car accident, a new ticket, a friend with a case. You'll get the same high level of support you expect from us. If it's not something we handle, we'll connect you with someone great in our network who does.
My interlock
Call us before you pay it.
In New Jersey, paying a traffic ticket is a guilty plea. The points and insurance hit come with it. A quick call first is free.
Living with your interlock
From install day to the day it comes out.
Our recommended providers
We suggest these two because they respond quickly when we need to step in for you. We have no financial stake in either, and you're free to use any MVC-approved provider.
Interlock Device of New Jersey (IDNJ)
- Family-owned, installing in NJ since 2004
- Free installation and removal, simple day-rate pricing
- Staff help you through the MVC steps to get your license back
Intoxalock
- Use this number or the link below to get the firm-referral perks: same-day install or a $100 install rebate (call by 1pm, Mon–Fri), and the first lockout fee waived
- Removal paperwork: paperwork@intoxalock.com
Other MVC-approved providers
Only use an installer licensed by the NJ MVC. Check the installer is on the MVC list before you book. MVC approved manufacturers
After court: the MVC step people skip
- Get your paperwork from the providerAsk for the post-conviction certificate showing the device is installed.
- Bring it to a regional MVC officeBring the provider paperwork and your court documents. Find a Regional Service Center
- Leave with an interlock-restricted licenseThis is how MVC starts counting your interlock time.
Have an out-of-state license?
If you can't get to an NJ MVC office in person, mail the install paperwork, your court documents and a $200 check to:
NJ MVC
P.O. Box 134
Trenton, NJ 08666
Send it certified mail so you have proof it arrived. Your home state may also take action on your license. Call us and we'll walk you through it.
Everyday tips
Before you blow
- Wait about 15 minutes after eating, drinking anything but water, smoking, or using mouthwash.
- Rinse your mouth with water first. Alcohol-based mouthwash, some medicines, energy drinks and kombucha can register for a few minutes.
- Hand sanitizer on your hands can affect a test. Let it dry fully.
Rolling retests while driving
- The device will ask for retests while you drive. You have a few minutes to respond.
- Pull over safely if you need to. A missed retest is logged as a violation.
If you get a fail or a lockout
- Don't panic. Rinse with water, wait 15 minutes, and test again.
- Write down the time and what you'd just eaten, drunk or used.
- Call your provider and ask what was recorded.
- If you get any letter from MVC or the court about it, call us right away.
Things that cause problems
- Missing a monitoring or calibration appointment your provider schedules
- Letting anyone else blow into the device, or any tampering
- Disconnecting the battery or car repairs without telling your provider first (it's logged)
My interlock countdown
Saved on this phone only.
Enter the date your interlock time started counting (usually your MVC restricted-license date). Your exact end date is on your MVC paperwork.
Getting it removed
Your last 30 days decide whether it comes off on time.
- Final monitoring checkScheduled at least one day after the last day of your sentence. IDNJ downloads your last 30 days of data. Any unpaid removal certification fee is collected here.
- Schedule the removalSet the removal date with your technician at that appointment. Leave time to get your certificate and visit MVC.
- Watch your email for the Removal CertificateIt arrives within 1–2 business days. Print it. If it doesn't come, call IDNJ.
- Go to an MVC Regional Service CenterBring the printed certificate. MVC issues a new license without the interlock restriction.
- Final removal appointmentShow the technician your new unrestricted license and they take the device out.
- At install: get your Certificate of InstallationThe installing technician signs it.
- Take it to MVC and pay your finesMVC gives you a pink sheet showing your fines are paid and your tentative removal date.
- Send a copy of the pink sheet to IntoxalockEmail paperwork@intoxalock.com. Compliance can't do your report without it.
- When your time is up, ask NJ Compliance for your reportIntoxalock sends the 30-day compliance report to MVC.
- Schedule the removal through IntoxalockRemovals are booked through your Intoxalock account at MyAccount.Intoxalock.com. Service-center fees vary, and the last month's lease isn't prorated. You'll get a certificate of removal.
How long alcohol takes to clear
Your body clears alcohol at a fixed pace. Coffee, food, a shower or sleep don't speed it up. This gives a rough time to wait. It is not a breath test, and it can't tell you you're safe to drive.
Getting your license back
Check these off as you go. Your progress is saved on this phone.
What it costs
State fees on a DWI conviction, on top of court fines.
| Intoxicated Driving Program fee (to MVC) | $100 |
| IDRC first curriculum fee (to the IDRC) | $264 |
| IDRC second curriculum fee, if required | $321 |
| License restoration fee (to MVC) | $100 |
| DWI insurance surcharge, 1st or 2nd offense | $1,000 / yr × 3 |
| Refusal surcharge (separate) | $1,000 / yr × 3 |
| DWI surcharge, 3rd offense | $1,500 / yr × 3 |
Pay the $100 restoration fee online at MVC, in person at a Regional Service Center, or by mail (check to NJMVC, P.O. Box 165, Trenton, NJ 08666-0165, with your license number).
Surcharges: don't fall behind
Surcharges are billed separately by the NJ Surcharge Violation System (NJSVS), not by the court. You can enroll in an installment plan by paying the amount on your notice by its due date.
24 hours a day. Spanish 8am–5pm, Mon–Fri. Pay online through NJSVS Pay By Web. Don't send surcharge payments to MVC; they'll be sent back.
The Intoxicated Driver Resource Center class
The IDRC is the state-required program after a NJ DWI: 12 hours over two days for a first offense, 48 hours for a second. Finishing it is one of the steps to getting your license back.
- Got a scheduling letter? Call the IDRC listed on it with any questions.
- Everything else: the state Intoxicated Driving Program hotline.
Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm. Live out of state? There's an out-of-state process. Call us or the IDP.
If the IDRC refers you to treatment
The state's DUII program can pay for treatment for eligible NJ residents with a DUI conviction who meet income guidelines. To find a participating provider, call ReachNJ:
NJ license points
Search a ticket. Tap + to add it up.
| 6+ points in 3 years | Surcharge: $150 + $25 per point over 6, yearly for 3 yrs |
| 12+ points | License suspension |
| A year with no violations | −3 points |
| Defensive driving course (once every 5 yrs) | −2 points |
A DWI or refusal carries no points. It has its own suspension, interlock and surcharge penalties instead.
Got one of these tickets?
Paying it is a guilty plea. Call us first. We can often keep points off your record.
Source: NJ MVC point schedule. Request your driver history from MVC to see your current points.
Whatever comes up, call us first.
Car accident. Injury. A new ticket. A family member arrested. A question you're not sure is even legal. If it's not something we handle, we'll connect you with a lawyer we trust. There's no charge to ask.
Tell us what's going on
A short form: your name, what you need help with, and the best number to reach you. It goes straight to our team, and we'll call you back.
Need help now? Call instead.
Contact us
One Gateway Center, Suite 2600, Newark, NJ 07102
Meetings by appointment only
Know someone who needs help?
Send them our info. We don't judge, we don't lecture, we defend.