Will a DWI in New Jersey Cost You Your Job? Here’s What You Need to Know

• Dan T. Matrafajlo
• Mon May 2025
• DWI,
• 0

A conviction for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New Jersey can lead to fines, license suspension, and even jail—but the consequences don’t end there. One of the most overlooked (and damaging) outcomes of a DWI is the impact it can have on your employment.

Whether you’re a licensed professional, a transportation worker, or someone applying for a job, a DWI conviction can trigger mandatory disqualifications or raise serious concerns with current or potential employers.

1. Professional and Occupational Disqualifications

New Jersey law imposes specific restrictions on employment in certain regulated fields following a DWI conviction:

• Livery Transportation Services: Under N.J.A.C. 10:50-1.10(d)(1), a DWI conviction disqualifies you from working as a driver for any livery transportation service (e.g., taxis, limos, rideshare platforms under state contracts).

• Defensive Driving Instructors & Online Course Providers: If you are a defensive driving course instructor or operate an online defensive driving program, a DWI conviction will bar you from certification under N.J.A.C. 13:21-24.4(a) and (b).

• Motorcycle Rider Coaches: Per N.J.A.C. 13:85-6.1(a), individuals convicted of DWI are prohibited from serving as motorcycle safety education rider coaches, regardless of past credentials or teaching history.

2. CDL and Driving-Related Jobs

If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a DWI is devastating:

• Mandatory one-year disqualification (even for a first offense)
• Zero tolerance BAC threshold (0.04%)
• Possible job loss if driving is essential to your position

This includes truck drivers, bus operators, and delivery personnel.

3. Employers’ Right to Terminate or Deny Employment

Many employers conduct background checks that include both criminal and motor vehicle records. A DWI conviction may:

• Violate your company’s morality or safety policy
• Disqualify you from insurance coverage for a driving-related role
• Result in suspension or revocation of professional licenses
• Reduce chances of future employment in law enforcement, healthcare, education, or government

What Can You Do?

If you’re facing a DWI charge, it’s not just your license that’s at stake—it’s your livelihood. The good news? There are legal strategies to:

• Challenge the validity of the stop or breath test
• Fight for reduced charges (e.g., reckless driving or downgrade to municipal ordinance)
• Mitigate penalties to avoid professional fallout

Don’t Risk Your Career. Call a DWI Defense Attorney Today

At Beninato & Matrafajlo, we understand that a DWI conviction doesn’t just affect your driving record—it can jeopardize your entire career. We work aggressively to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and fight for outcomes that keep you working and moving forward.

Call us today at (908) 355-7100 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Your job is worth defending—let us help you do it.