1/20/04-Gov. James McGreevey signed legislation Jan. 20 lowering the drunken-driving threshold in New Jersey, helping the state preserve millions in federal highway dollars.
The new law lowers the state’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for motorists from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent. A682 also establishes a sliding-scale penalty system tied to BAC levels with fines up to $600 and license suspensions ranging from three months to a year.
A 2000 federal law required each state’s legislature to adopt the 0.08 limit by Oct. 1, 2003, or lose 2 percent of its highway money. Until this week, New Jersey had yet to conform to the federal mandate.
The Garden State’s previous refusal to adhere to the standard cost the state more than $7 million in highway dollars when lawmakers ignored the Oct. 1 deadline. That money will now be returned.

1/14/03-A lower drunken-driving threshold is a pen stroke away from becoming law in New Jersey, and a bundle of federal highway dollars will likely follow.
The state Assembly voted in favor of legislation Jan. 12 that would reduce the state’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for motorists and put the state one step closer to preserving $72 million in federal highway dollars. The measure, which passed the Senate earlier the same day, now heads to Gov. James McGreevey, who is expected to sign it.
A682 would lower the threshold from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent. It would also establish a sliding-scale penalty system tied to BAC levels with fines up to $600 and license suspensions ranging from three months to a year.
A 2000 federal law required each state’s legislature to adopt the 0.08 limit by Oct. 1, 2003, or lose 2 percent of its highway money. New Jersey is one of only five states (Colorado, Delaware, Minnesota and West Virginia being the others) to defy the federal mandate.
The Garden State’s previous refusal to adhere to the standard cost the state more than $7 million in highway dollars when lawmakers ignored the Oct. 1 deadline, local media reported. This year, the loss would jump to $14 million, $21.5 million in 2005 and $28.7 million in 2006.
States that adopt the new limit by Oct. 1, 2006, can recover the withheld funds.

12/16/03-The Assembly voted 58-9 on Dec. 15 to pass legislation that would reduce the state’s drunken-driving threshold for motorists.
The bill would lower the state’s blood alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent. A682 would also establish a sliding-scale penalty system tied to BAC levels with fines up to $600 and license suspensions ranging from three months to a year.
It has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.
For bill status, call (609) 282-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.

12/12/03-An Assembly panel has endorsed legislation that would reduce the state’s drunken-driving threshold for motorists and put the state one step closer to preserving $72 million in federal highway dollars.
The bill would lower the state’s blood alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent. A682 would also establish a sliding-scale penalty system tied to BAC levels with fines up to $600 and license suspensions ranging from three months to a year.
The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee approved the measure by a 4-0 vote Dec. 11. It now heads to the full Assembly for consideration.
A 2000 federal law required each state’s legislature to adopt the 0.08 limit by Oct. 1, 2003, or lose 2 percent of its highway money. New Jersey is one of only five states (Colorado, Delaware, Minnesota and West Virginia being the others) to defy the federal mandate.
The Garden State’s previous refusal to adhere to the standard cost the state more than $7 million in highway dollars when lawmakers ignored the Oct. 1 deadline. Next year, the loss would jump to $14 million, $21.5 million in 2005 and $28.7 million in 2006.
States that adopt the new limit by Oct. 1, 2006, can recover the withheld funds.

4/22/03-With the threat of losing millions in federal transportation funds, New Jersey is pursuing legislation to lower the state’s blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08.
Since 2000, New Jersey is one of only about a dozen states yet to adopt legislation signed by then-President Clinton that requires each state to define legally drunk as 0.08 percent blood alcohol content or lose federal highway dollars.
The Garden State stands to lose $72 million in highway aid over the next four years if it doesn’t enact the standard.
A682, sponsored by Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck, is in the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee. For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.