Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP)
Through a partnership between the Division of Addiction Services (DAS), Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), and the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), the Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP) coordinates all services for driving under the influence (DUI) clients statewide. The IDP office also manages the county and regional Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers (IDRC). IDP coordinates the client’s participation in county level education, screening and referrals completed at the county Intoxicated Drivers Resource Centers. Treatment is made available through the use of the Driving Under the Influence Initiative (DUII) fund for financially indigent New Jersey residents meeting certain requirements. The overall mission of the New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP) is to make our highways and waterways safe for the Garden State by preventing DUI recidivism.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 or while driving in another State while holding a New Jersey driver’s license, you must satisfy the requirements of the Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP) and 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 to a 12 hour IDRC program, you will be detained, educated, and screened for at least six hours each day on two consecutive days - a total of 12 hours - in your county IDRC. If you are sentenced to a 48 hour IDRC program, you will be detained, educated and screened during a period of 48 consecutive hours in a regional facility approved by your county. If you are sentenced as a third offender, the court may sentence you to jail or to an inpatient addictions treatment program or both. IDP will schedule you to appear at the 12-hour IDRC for follow up. You may be required to participate in additional treatment or self help. In all cases you must satisfy the program, fee, and treatment requirements of the IDP/IDRC. Failure to satisfy the program requirements may jeopardize the reinstatement of your driving privileges or extend the suspension period.
IF I DON’T LIVE IN NEW JERSEY, MUST I STILL COMPLY?
Yes. If you live within an hours driving distance of an IDRC in New Jersey, you will be scheduled to appear at the nearest New Jersey IDRC. If not, you will be given an opportunity to satisfy the requirements in your home state. The driving privilege restoration and related program fees must still be paid to Motor Vehicle Commission.
WHAT IF I DON’T PARTICIPATE?
If you fail to appear at the IDRC or do not satisfactorily complete a prescribed treatment or self-help program or pay the fees on time, your license will be suspended indefinitely until IDP/IDRC requirements are satisfied. You may also be jailed two days due to program noncompliance.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE IDRC?
You will pay the IDRC program fee and complete a questionnaire. You will attend a series of educational sessions and discussions. You will meet with a counselor for a personal screening interview.
WHAT DOES THE EDUCATION PROGRAM DO?
The education program, which is part of the 12- and 48- hour IDRC, contains information on social and problem drinking, stages of alcoholism, family and other relationships, alcohol and drugs and their effects on driving ability, and the New Jersey Intoxicated Driving Law.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I HAVE BEEN DETAINED AND SCREENED?
You may be referred to a treatment program or self help group for alcohol or drug problems. If you are clinically determined to have a need for substance abuse treatment, you will need to complete a minimum of 16 weeks of treatment. The IDRC may require monitored treatment or self-help group attendance for a maximum of one year. You must complete this treatment as part of your sentence.
WHAT ABOUT MY DRIVER’S LICENSE?
Your driving privilege will be restored when you have satisfied all court and MVC-imposed suspensions and if you are in compliance with all IDRC requirements.
Information For Out-of-State Clients
If you are not a resident of New Jersey and have been convicted of a DUI or DUI-related offense within the State of New Jersey, please read the Requirements for Out-of-State Residents Regarding a DUI Conviction.
Note: You will also receive a copy of this document with your initial program contact notice.
Research Reports
For IDP reports and other research, click here.
Contact Information
Note: If you have already received a scheduling notice, you must contact the IDRC listed on your letter with any program questions or concerns.
For all other inquires, you may contact us through the following resources...
Client Call Center Hotline:
1-609-588-7354
9am – 5pm EST Monday thru Friday
General questions may also be submitted via e-mail:
http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/das/staff/email/index.html
Mailing Address:
Division of Addiction Services
Intoxicated Driving Program
PO BOX 365 Trenton, NJ 08625-0365
