The New Jersey Assembly voted unanimously approved a bill this week that levies harsh penalties on individuals who are caught loaning their cars to anyone whose whose license is suspended or revoked from a drunk driving (DWI/DUI) or refusal conviction.
The new law, S-2940/A-4302, is contained in a package of legislation sponsored by Richard Codey aimed at cracking down on repeat DWI offenders. If passed, the new law would levy on first or second-time offenders a fine of $1,000 and up to 15 days jail time for anyone who knowingly lends their vehicle to someone with a suspended license resulting from a DWI-DUI conviction or refusal to take a breath test. A third-time offender would receive a $1,000 fine, up to 15 days jail time, and a 90-day driver's license suspension.
As the law currently stands, the only penalties that exist for this offense are a fine of $200-$500 and up to 15 days in jail. The proposed law will now proceed to the Senate floor for final approval.
