The drinking culture and DUI (DWI/DUI) regulations in the United States, including Demarest, New Jersey, differ significantly from those in Korea, making it essential for immigrants and new residents to be informed.

New Jersey defines drunk driving as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and sets the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at 0.08%, which is the standard across the U.S. However, for individuals under 21, the Zero Tolerance Law applies, meaning that a BAC of 0.01% or higher can lead to penalties.

Penalties for drunk driving in New Jersey vary significantly based on the number of offenses and the level of blood alcohol concentration. For a first offense, if the BAC is between 0.08% and 0.10%, penalties include a 3-month license suspension, fines ranging from $250 to $400, mandatory attendance in an alcohol education program (IDRC), and increased insurance rates.

If the BAC is 0.10% or higher, or if the individual is under the influence of drugs (DUI), the penalties become more severe, including a license suspension of 7 months to 1 year and fines of $300 to $500. Additionally, nearly all DWI cases result in a significant increase in auto insurance rates, which can be the most financially damaging consequence.

From the second offense onward, penalties are significantly increased. For a second offense, penalties include a minimum of 48 hours to a maximum of 90 days in jail (or community service), a 2-year license suspension, fines of $500 to $1,000, and mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device.

The Ignition Interlock Device requires the driver to measure their alcohol level before starting the vehicle; if alcohol is detected, the engine will not start. For three or more offenses, penalties can include up to 180 days in jail, a 10-year license suspension, fines exceeding $1,000, and mandatory installation of the interlock device for 3 years.

Demarest and the Bergen County area have relatively strict drunk driving enforcement, and during holiday periods (Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, etc.), there is a tendency to set up checkpoints (DWI Checkpoints) or increase patrols.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) and local police regularly conduct drunk driving prevention campaigns, especially during major sporting events or festival seasons, with increased enforcement. In some cases, a driver's license may be immediately confiscated at the scene of a drunk driving arrest, followed by a court appearance order.

In terms of drinking culture, the U.S., particularly in New Jersey, has different drinking practices compared to Korea. In the U.S., public consumption of alcohol is generally prohibited, and alcohol can only be legally consumed in licensed establishments such as restaurants, bars, and breweries.

New Jersey has an 'Open Container' law, making it illegal to possess opened containers of alcohol in a vehicle. This applies not only to the driver but also to passengers, who cannot have opened alcohol containers in the vehicle.

Responsible drinking plans (using a designated driver or rideshare) are also important. The culture of designated drivers is well-developed in the U.S., where it is common for someone who does not drink at a party or dining event to take on the driving responsibility. Additionally, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and can be easily summoned in the Demarest area through apps. Utilizing these alternative transportation options after drinking is a safe and wise choice.

Regarding alcohol purchases, New Jersey has specific regulations. It is one of the states that does not allow supermarkets to sell beer and wine (with some exceptions), so alcohol must be purchased at separate liquor stores. Age verification (ID checks) is strictly enforced, and selling alcohol to individuals under 21 is a felony. While there are limited liquor stores in Demarest itself, nearby areas such as Cresskill, Closter, and Fort Lee have liquor stores.