Can I Drive to Work with an Ignition Interlock Device in NJ?

Facing a DUI or DWI charge in New Jersey can be overwhelming. One of the first questions many people ask is, “If I’m ordered to install an ignition interlock device (IID), can I still drive to work?”

We want you to have clear, honest answers. At Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza, as New Jersey DUI defense lawyers, we believe you should not be left guessing about your rights or daily life. Losing your license can disrupt everything, from getting to your job, running errands or caring for your family. As NJ license suspension lawyers, we focus on protecting your driving privileges when the law allows.

In this article, we explain how ignition interlock requirements work in New Jersey, what the law allows and what it limits, and what steps you can take right now to see whether your situation may allow you to drive to work legally under IID arrangements.

What an Ignition Interlock Device Means in New Jersey

Let us begin with what the law actually requires and what using an IID can mean for you:

An IID, also called a BAIID, is a breath testing device installed in a vehicle. It measures breath alcohol before the vehicle starts. If your blood alcohol content is above the permitted threshold, the vehicle will not start. Under New Jersey law and Motor Vehicle Commission rules, any required IID must be approved by the MVC, meet NHTSA model specifications, and be installed by a certified service provider. The MVC also imposes service or calibration intervals that must be followed, usually no more than every 60 days. The MVC specifies a 0.05 percent BAC set point for these devices.

When an IID Is Mandatory and What Recent Law Amendments Allow

Here is what the law says now about when IIDs are required and what changes may help reduce the impact on your driving privileges:

• A court must order IID installation after conviction for many DUI or DWI offenses, and driving privileges will not be fully restored until the device is installed in a vehicle you own, lease, or principally operate.
• Refusing a breath test generally triggers IID requirements when restoring driving privileges under the current statute and court practice.

Recent Amendments Effective April 3, 2025

A 2025 amendment to New Jersey’s DWI law permits some individuals who would otherwise forfeit their right to drive to install an IID and receive one day of credit toward that forfeiture for every two days the IID is properly installed. This is often called a two-for-one interlock credit. Eligibility is limited. It generally requires an alcohol only offense, no serious bodily injury, a valid New Jersey license in good standing at the time of the offense that remains in good standing through conviction, and full compliance with court and MVC rules.

The amendment also allows voluntary installation of an IID before conviction in certain qualifying cases. If done correctly and if you meet eligibility requirements, early installation may support restricted driving with an IID notation on your license and may help reduce the period of forfeiture.

Under the legislation that implements these changes, the current credit provisions are scheduled to expire on January 1, 2029, unless renewed or modified by the Legislature.

What the Law Requires to Drive to Work Under IID Conditions

If you think your case may allow driving to work under an IID, you must make sure the following legal requirements are met:

• Approved device and proper installation. Use an MVC-approved provider and device that meets all specifications.
• Vehicles you drive must be equipped. Any vehicle you own, lease, or principally operate must have the IID installed if you plan to drive it while under an IID order.
• Valid license and standing. You must have had a valid New Jersey license in good standing at the time of the offense and maintain that status through the required period if you seek credit or restricted driving. 
• Compliance and proof. Keep installation certificates and service or calibration records and submit them as required by the MVC or court. Service intervals may not exceed 60 days.
• Eligibility conditions. Any interlock credit or early installation relief depends on meeting the statute’s eligibility rules summarized above.

What to Confirm in Your Case

Because every case is different, you should check:

• Whether your case meets the eligibility criteria listed above.
• Whether your court or MVC orders allow driving with an IID for work or essential use.
• Whether the vehicle you plan to use is eligible and properly equipped.
• Whether you have all of the required documentation for installation and service.
• Whether you understand costs, fees, and penalties for non-compliance.

What Happens If You Do Not Meet Eligibility

If you are missing one or more eligibility requirements then you may still be required to install an IID even if you cannot qualify for credit or reduced suspension. You may not be permitted to drive under a restricted or conditional license if your order or statute does not allow that use. Driving without the IID when required, using a non-IID vehicle, missing calibration or service, or violating court or MVC conditions can lead to additional suspension, fines, or other penalties.

How a Lawyer Can Help

At Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza, we bring experience, legal knowledge, and advocacy to your case. We’re here to help you review your case details and determine whether you qualify for the two-for-one IID credit, early installation, or a restricted license for work. Our team can gather and submit documents required by court or MVC and challenge procedural or legal errors where appropriate.

Next Steps If You Are in This Situation

If you face a DUI, a DWI, or a related offense, consider doing the following now:

• Contact Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza for a free, confidential case evaluation.
• Gather your case documents, including license status, court or MVC notices, and vehicle and installer documentation.
• Ask whether voluntary IID installation is allowed in your case and whether a restricted license for work use might be granted. 
• Confirm whether your case meets the eligibility requirements described above.
• Comply precisely with any existing orders, including IID installation and documentation.

Take the Next Step Toward Protecting Your Driving Privileges

It may be possible under New Jersey law to drive to work with an ignition interlock device if your case qualifies under the current statute, your offense meets eligibility, and you comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Recent changes offer new opportunities for relief through interlock credit and voluntary installation where the law permits.

If you want to understand exactly how this applies in your situation, Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza are ready to help. As trusted New Jersey DUI defense lawyers and NJ license suspension lawyers we will review your case in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, or elsewhere in New Jersey, explain your rights clearly, and help you determine whether you can legally drive to work under IID arrangements.

Contact us today by filling out this contact form for a free case evaluation so we can protect your driving future together.

Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.