New Jersey Hardship License After DUI
New Jersey requires 35/70/25 liability coverage and is a no-fault state.
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteNew Jersey at a Glance
35/70/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
No-fault
Each driver's own policy pays their injuries first, whoever caused the crash
Required
PIP and Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey is a no-fault state that does not permit restricted driving privileges during a DUI suspension. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission enforces mandatory full suspension periods with no hardship, occupational, or work license exceptions for alcohol-related offenses. After completing the suspension, drivers must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility for three years, install an ignition interlock device during the SR-22 filing period, and pay reinstatement fees before legal driving resumes.
SR-22 Insurance Filing
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Ignition Interlock Device Requirement
High-Risk Auto Insurance
What Drivers Pay in New Jersey
$409–$448/mo
Typical monthly rate in New Jersey, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Refusal to submit to breath testing in New Jersey triggers a separate seven-month suspension plus identical SR-22 and ignition interlock requirements, with premiums matching or exceeding standard DUI rates.
Drive Legally on Your Restricted License
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteIf your license is suspended
No hardship license
This state does not issue a restricted license during a suspension.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a hardship license in New Jersey after a DUI?
No — New Jersey does not offer hardship, occupational, work, or restricted driving privileges during a DUI suspension. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission enforces mandatory full suspension periods of 90 to 180 days for first-offense DUI, with no exceptions for employment, school, or medical needs. You must complete the entire suspension before applying for reinstatement.
How long is SR-22 required after DUI in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires SR-22 filing for three years beginning the day you reinstate your license after completing your DUI suspension. The SR-22 filing period runs concurrently with the mandatory ignition interlock device requirement — both end three years from your reinstatement date. Any coverage lapse during those three years extends your SR-22 requirement by the length of the lapse.
Does New Jersey require FR-44 filing for DUI?
No — New Jersey requires SR-22 filing for DUI convictions, not FR-44. FR-44 filing applies only in Florida and Virginia for DUI-related suspensions and requires higher liability limits than SR-22. New Jersey SR-22 filing confirms you carry the state's minimum 15/30/5 liability limits for three years after reinstatement, with annual refiling by your insurance carrier to the Motor Vehicle Commission.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance Filing
Court-ordered proof of financial responsibility filed by your insurance carrier with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Required for three years beginning the day you reinstate your license after DUI suspension, with annual refiling confirming continuous coverage.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Liability-only insurance policy for drivers who do not own a vehicle but still need SR-22 filing to satisfy New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission reinstatement requirements. Covers you when driving borrowed or rental vehicles.
Ignition Interlock Device Insurance
New Jersey mandates ignition interlock device installation on all vehicles you own or operate during the entire three-year SR-22 filing period. Devices prevent engine start if breath alcohol exceeds .05 BAC, with all test results transmitted to the Motor Vehicle Commission.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Non-standard insurance market serving drivers with DUI convictions, suspensions, and SR-22 filing requirements. Carriers like The General, Progressive, and Dairyland file SR-22 certificates directly and maintain coverage during the three-year filing period.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Optional coverage in New Jersey that pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. Must be rejected in writing at policy inception or it is added automatically.