Under Age DWI

In New Jersey you must be 21 to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Underage drinking is illegal, and It can have severe consequences for young people who drink, and for adults who provide alcoholic beverages to those under 21.

If a driver buys and drinks alcohol in a place with an alcohol beverage license, then you may be fined $500, and lose your license for 6 months. If a driver does not have a driver’s license, then the suspension starts when the driver is first eligible to receive a license. Moreover, the underage driver may be required to participate in an alcohol treatment program.

If you are under 21 and drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system (.01 % BAC or above), you will be subjected to the following penalties:

• Loss or postponement of driving privileges for 30 to 90 days.
• Participation in a program of alcohol education and highway safety.
• 15 to 30 days of community service.