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NJ DWI & Traffic Law Glossary Terms

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NJ DWI & Traffic Law Glossary Definitions


Arrest – the act of seizing someone to take into custody

BAC (blood alcohol content) – the amount of alcohol in an individual's bloodstream, as determined through a blood test or by breath test using a breathalyzer (see our page on our Alcotest Trained Attorney)

Breathalyzer – a device used to measure the amount of alcohol in a driver's breath

Careless Driving – to drive in a manner without due caution so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property (see N.J.S. 39:4-97)

DUI – driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (see N.J.S. 39:4-50)

DWI – driving while intoxicated (see our page on DWI Defense or N.J.S. 39:4-50)

Ignition Interlock Device – a blood alcohol equivalence measuring device which prevents a vehicle from starting if the operator's blood alcohol content exceeds a predetermined level when the operator blows into the device

Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) – the facilities approved by the Intoxicated Driving Program that detain and determine the extent, if any, of a client's alcohol or drug-related problem and monitor and report on referrals to approved treatment programs

Intoxication – the physiological state produced by a poison or other toxic substance in a person's body

Field Sobriety Tests – tests given by law enforcement in the field to determine whether there is probable cause to arrest the individual for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Reckless Driving – to drive a motor vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property (see N.J.S. 39:4-96)

Refusal – refusing to take a breathalyzer or other test for blood alcohol content (see N.J.S. 39:4-50.4(a) or our page on Breath Test Refusal)

Tailgating – following another motor vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent (see N.J.S. 39:4-89)
Under the Influence – a substantial deterioration or diminution of the mental faculties or physical capabilities of a person due to intoxicating alcohol or drugs

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