Division of Addiction Services
Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP)

Ann Wanamaker
Acting Chief
609.588.3544

This office processes the conviction records of drivers convicted of “driving under the influence”, schedules these drivers for detention/evaluation/education and, if appropriate, refers them to treatment by the county-based Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers (IDRCs).

The office oversees the operations of the IDRCs to ensure they are operating within the relevant laws and regulations. It also approves the establishment of IDRCs and approves the affiliation of all treatment providers with the IDRCs.

What You Should Know About the
Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers (IDRC)

WHAT are the IDP and the IDRC Programs?

The Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP) is a unit of the Division of Addiction Services of the New Jersey/Department of Human Services. The IDP receives reports of conviction from the courts and schedules convicted Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenders for Intoxicated Driving Resource Center (IDRC) participation. The IDP recommends suspension or restoration of driving privileges as appropriate. The IDP also monitors the compliance of out-of-state residents and residents convicted of DUI out-of-state with the requirements of the law. The IDP is also responsible for oversight of the Intoxicated Driving Resource Centers.

The IDRCs operate programs for persons convicted of operating motor vehicles or vessels under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. IDRCs detain, educate, evaluate, and refer participants to treatment agencies for assessment and treatment if necessary. The IDRCs monitor treatment participation of individuals referred for treatment. The IDP schedules individuals for the 12-or 48-Hour detention programs and report non-compliance to the courts of conviction for action. If the courts do not act, the IDRCs contact the IDP to recommend suspension of driving privileges to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

Both the IDP and IDRC comply with standards in the American with Disabilities Act and NJ Laws Against Discrimination.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM APPLY TO ME?

If you have been convicted of an alcohol or drug-related traffic or boating offense in New Jersey, you must satisfy the requirements of the Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP) and of the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC). These programs have two purposes: (1) to make our highways and waterways safer by educating drivers and boat operators about alcohol, drugs and their relation to motor vehicle and boating safety, and (2) to identify and treat those who need treatment for an alcohol or drug problem.

WHAT PROGRAM MUST I ATTEND, AND WHERE IS IT?

If you are sentenced as a first offender, you will be detained, educated, and evaluated for at least six hours each day on two consecutive days -- a total of 12 hours -- in your county IDRC . http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/das/idrc.htm

If you are sentenced as a second offender and not sentenced to jail or inpatient treatment, you will be detained, educated and evaluated during a period of 48 consecutive hours in a regional IDRC facility.

If you are sentenced as a third offender some of the required jail time may be spent in residential substance abuse treatment if clinically warranted. The IDP will schedule you to appear at the 12-hour IDRC for follow up. You may be required to participate in additional treatment and/or self help. In all cases you must satisfy the program, fee and treatment requirements of IDP and IDRC before your license can be restored.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Convicted drunk drivers will be charged the following fees based on the number of convictions:

• Court Imposed Fine
• IDRC fee
• Drunk Driving Fund Fee
• Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Fund (AERF):  
• Insurance Surcharge
• Safe Neighborhood Services Fund

See the Motor Vehicle Commission's website for a breakdown of fees and fines.

IF I DON'T LIVE IN NEW JERSEY, MUST I STILL COMPLY?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I HAVE BEEN DETAINED AND EVALUATED?

You may be referred to a treatment program for assessment or self-help group for alcohol or drug problems. If you are referred to a treatment program and treatment is warranted, the duration of treatment will be for a minimum of 16 weeks. The IDRC may require monitored treatment or self-help group attendance for up to one year. If you are referred to a treatment program, you must complete treatment to satisfy the IDRC requirements. The Division of Addiction Services provides funding for medically indigent convicted intoxicated drivers. If an individual indicated possible eligibility for funding, the IDRC will refer the client to a participating program where the client will be assessed for medical indigence and level and duration of treatment.

WHAT ABOUT MY DRIVER'S LICENSE?

Your driving privilege will be restored when you have served all court- and DMV-imposed suspensions and if you are in compliance with all Intoxicated Driving Program and Intoxicated Driver Resource Center requirements.