New Jersey’s Intoxicated Driver Resources Centers (IDRCs) are part of the state’s Intoxicated Driver’s Program (IDP), a unit of the Division of Addiction Services of the Department of Health and Senior Services. These centers can be found across the state, one in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties. Upon being charged with a driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense, the IDP arranges for offenders to attend an educational program at their nearest IDRC, where the they will be detained, educated, and evaluated for further treatment in accordance with their offenses.
How the Program Applies to 1st-time DWI Offenders
First-time DWI offenders should expect to attend 2 educational sessions of 6 hours (12 hours total) at their local IDRC. During this time, they will view videos to increase their awareness of alcoholism, what it means to drive under the influence, and how this affects personal happiness and public safety. Though additional treatment or self help may be required (a minimum of 16 weeks, paid for by the offender), license suspensions generally last 3 months total, and if the offender’s scheduled IDRC session does not take place before the suspension is up, he/she may regain driving privileges before attending the 12-hour session.
How the Program Applies to 2nd-time Offenders
If offenders are not sentenced to jail time or inpatient treatment right away, they must attend a total of 48 hours at their respective IDRC facility for education and evaluation. After the session, they may also be required to receive additional treatment (a minimum of 16 weeks), for which they are financially responsible.
How the Program Applies to 3rd-time Offenders
Post-conviction, most 3rd-time offenders can expect jail time (180 days), a court order for an inpatient alcoholism treatment program (90 of 180 days in jail), or both. After serving time and receiving treatment, the IDP will schedule for offenders to appear at their nearest IDRC for a 12-hour session and follow-up evaluation. Additional treatment and self help might be required (a minimum of 16 weeks) before the court restores the offender’s license.
What Attendees Can Expect at 12- and 48-hour Programs
IDRC program attendees should expect to to view films promoting awareness of alcoholism and the devastating consequences of alcohol abuse. After viewing the educational videos, attendees will participate in peer discussions and meet with counselors to determine their best clinical routes to recovery. Attendees may also pay their license restoration and IDP administrative fee of $230 for the 12-hour session and $280 at the 48-hour IDRC to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Financially indigent offenders who are residents of New Jersey may have their addiction treatment funded by the Driving Under the Influence Initiative (DUII).
Consequences of Failure to Attend
Failure to attend required IDRC sessions will result in a further suspension of the offender’s license and jail time of 1-2 days for noncompliance. Failing to engage in court ordered self-help groups or addiction therapy will, similarly, result in further license suspension and noncompliance jail time.