When Do I Get My Car Back After A DWI In Bergen County?

A DWI in Bergen County may lead to various consequences, including jail time and fines. However, one of the most inconvenient consequences is the loss of your driving privileges. Aside from having your license suspended, you might also lose physical possession of your vehicle after the authorities impound it. How long do you have to wait before getting your vehicle back? Can a DWI defense attorney help in this situation?

Vehicle Impounded After Alleged DWI in Bergen County 

In December of 2025, Patch reported that local authorities had charged a man with driving while intoxicated in Bergen County. The 51-year-old refused to submit to a breath test, and he was also charged with various traffic offenses in addition to DWI. Patch also noted that according to John’s Law, the authorities impounded the man’s vehicle following his arrest.

What Is John’s Law in New Jersey? 

John’s Law dictates how long your vehicle will remain impounded after your DWI arrest. This law states that even if it is your first offense and there were no aggravating circumstances, the authorities must impound your vehicle for at least 12 hours. This is a long-established law in New Jersey that is named after a victim of a fatal DWI in 2001. Its purpose is to prevent drunk drivers from committing numerous offenses within a short timespan.

When Do I Get My Vehicle Back? 

Note that the 12-hour timespan is the minimum amount of time your vehicle will remain impounded, and you might have to wait even longer. Assuming that the necessary amount of time has passed, you can pay the necessary fees to have your vehicle released. However, you must be legally able to drive your vehicle in order to take it away. This could be challenging, as license suspensions often accompany DWI charges.

The obvious solution is to have someone else drive the vehicle on your behalf. This could be particularly important if your family, partner, or spouse depends on the vehicle. As long as your family member or friend is legally allowed to drive your car, the authorities will allow them to take it away (assuming you pay the impound fees).

It makes sense to get your vehicle back as soon as possible. The longer it remains impounded, the higher your fees will become. While a DWI does not automatically result in a suspended license in New Jersey, refusing a breath test does. Speak with a lawyer to determine when you might get your license back, and how long your vehicle will remain impounded.

Can a Bergen County DWI Defense Attorney Help Me? 

A Bergen County DWI defense attorney may be able to help with various legal consequences, including the loss of your vehicle. If you’re wondering how long the authorities will keep your vehicle impounded, consider speaking with an experienced lawyer for more personalized guidance. Online research may only provide surface-level information. Continue this conversation with Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law today.

Source:

patch.com/new-jersey/ridgewood/ramsey-man-gets-dwi-charge-glen-rock-police