The proposed bill amends New Jersey's implied consent law to include blood testing for individuals operating motor vehicles, alongside the existing breath testing. It establishes a per se standard for determining when a person is driving under the influence of marijuana and certain controlled substances. Specifically, the bill states that any person operating a motor vehicle is deemed to have consented to blood or breath tests to determine the presence of alcohol or drugs, provided these tests are conducted at the request of a police officer with reasonable grounds for suspicion. A person is considered under the influence of marijuana if their blood contains three nanograms or more of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per milliliter, and similar standards are outlined for other controlled substances.

Additionally, the bill revises existing penalties for driving under the influence, including fines, detainment periods, and the requirement to install ignition interlock devices for certain blood alcohol concentration levels. It clarifies that individuals can be deemed under the influence based on the presence of specific controlled substances in their blood, including any amount of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance or its metabolites, as well as any amount of Schedule II or III controlled substances that have not been medically prescribed. This legislation aims to enhance road safety by providing law enforcement with clearer guidelines for testing and prosecuting impaired driving offenses, addressing the growing concerns surrounding drug-impaired driving.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:4-50.2