New Jersey is one of the states in the U.S. with relatively strict penalties for driving under the influence (DUI/DWI, Driving Under the Influence / Driving While Intoxicated). Palisades Park, located in Bergen County, is also subject to this legal framework. According to New Jersey law, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher can result in a DWI charge, and drivers under 21 can be charged with a BAC of 0.01 percent or higher. Commercial drivers (CDL) face penalties at a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher.

For a first offense, the severity of the penalties varies based on the BAC level. For a BAC of 0.08 percent to less than 0.10 percent, penalties include a fine of $250 to $400, a 3-month license suspension, up to 30 days of incarceration, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and participation in an alcohol education and traffic safety program (IDRC program). For a BAC of 0.10 percent to less than 0.15 percent, fines range from $300 to $500, with a license suspension of 7 months to 1 year and up to 30 days of incarceration. For a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher, penalties are even more severe, and the mandatory installation period for the ignition interlock device is extended.

From the second offense onward, penalties are significantly increased. For a second violation, fines range from $500 to $1,000, with a 2-year license suspension, 2 to 90 days of incarceration, 30 days of community service, and installation of an ignition interlock device. For three or more violations (third and subsequent offenses), penalties can include a 10-year license suspension, fines exceeding $1,000, and up to 180 days of incarceration, with offenders potentially charged with a fourth-degree crime. Having a criminal record can impact employment, visa renewals, and green card applications, making this a particularly important issue for Korean immigrants.

In New Jersey, if you are caught driving under the influence, your license is immediately confiscated on-site, and you will receive a court summons. The court will make a final ruling based on the prosecution's charges. New Jersey has restrictions on plea bargaining in DUI cases, making it difficult to reduce charges to lesser offenses. Therefore, it is important to seek the help of a DWI attorney if you are facing DUI charges.

In areas with a high concentration of Koreans, such as Palisades Park, incidents of driving after drinking occur intermittently at restaurants and karaoke bars. Particularly, Korean restaurants near Broad Avenue serve soju, makgeolli, and beer, which can tempt patrons to drive after social gatherings. The New Jersey State Police and local police are proactive in enforcing DUI laws, often conducting sobriety checkpoints on major roads and residential entrances.

Safe ways to get home after drinking include designating a driver in advance, using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, taking a taxi, or using NJ Transit buses. Both Uber and Lyft operate in the Palisades Park area, and rideshare services are often the quickest alternative during times when public transportation is less accessible. It is important to develop the habit of planning your transportation home before drinking to prevent accidents and penalties related to DUI.

Drinking in licensed premises (restaurants, bars, clubs with liquor licenses) is legal in New Jersey, but drinking in public places (streets, parks, parking lots) is illegal. If caught drinking in parks or streets in Palisades Park, you may face fines. Additionally, the legal drinking age is 21, and providing or selling alcohol to minors can result in legal liability for the establishment. Alcohol-related laws may vary by state and locality, so it is advisable to refer to the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for any inquiries.