This bill amends R.S.39:3-40 to increase penalties for individuals convicted of operating a motor vehicle while their driver's license is suspended due to a third or subsequent DUI offense or refusal to take a chemical test. Specifically, it introduces new penalties for third or subsequent offenses, including a fine of $1,000 and imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not less than 30 days and not more than 180 days. Additionally, if the offense occurs within five years of a prior conviction for the same offense, the violator's motor vehicle registration privilege will also be revoked.

Under current law, the imprisonment term for a third or subsequent offense is limited to 10 days. This bill significantly increases that term, reflecting a stricter approach to repeat offenders. Other penalties, such as fines and revocation of motor vehicle registration privileges, remain largely unchanged, ensuring that the consequences for driving with a suspended license are severe, particularly for those with a history of DUI-related offenses. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.