IDRC in Hudson County

Navigating the Hudson County Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)

A conviction for DWI in New Jersey carries many mandatory penalties that range from license suspension to even incarceration. One of the lesser known penalties is the mandatory requirement to attend and complete the Driver Resource Center, commonly referred to as “IDRC”. Each county in New Jersey has an IDRC center for residents to attend. Completing this program is a strict requirement under Chapter 162 of the Intoxicated Driving Program Regulations. Failure to comply can result in severe consequences, including extended driver’s license revocation and potential jail time. First time DWI offenders are normally sentenced to a 12 hour IDRC program that is held over two consecutive days for 6 hours each day, normally over a weekend. During the course you will educated about alcohol abuse and screened to see if you require any additional treatment. For a second DWI offense, you can be sentenced to a 48 hour IDRC program in lieu of two days incarceration. During this program the 48 hours are served conservative and you are required to sleep at the facility. If you are sentenced as a third time DWI offender, the court may sentence you to jail or to an inpatient addictions treatment program or both. IDRC will schedule you to appear at the 12-hour IDRC for follow up. For second and third time DWI offenders, it is common that IDRC requires you participate in additional treatment or self help. It is important to note that even Drug DUI conviction will require attendance at the IDRC program.

Our Jersey City DUI defense attorneys have seen firsthand the confusion related to the IDRC program and what happens if you fail to comply. Below is everything you need to know about completing your mandatory IDRC program in Hudson County.

What Happens At The Hudson County IDRC Program?

Depending on your specific conviction, you will be ordered to complete either a 12-hour or a 48-hour IDRC program:

  • The 12-Hour Program: Handled locally in Hudson County, this educational program spans two consecutive days (Saturday and Sunday). Classes run for six hours each day, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You must attend both consecutive days to satisfy the educational requirement.

  • The 48-Hour Program: Individuals convicted of a second DUI are typically mandated to attend a regional 48-hour program, though the Hudson County IDRC will still monitor your progress and compliance.

Mandatory Screenings and Treatment Referrals

The IDRC is not just an educational class; it serves as a clinical evaluation. During your attendance, you will be screened by a Certified or Licensed Clinical Alcohol/Drug Counselor. If the counselor determines it is warranted, you may be referred for a more comprehensive substance abuse assessment and mandated to complete further treatment.

The local IDRC monitors all clients referred to treatment under the oversight of the New Jersey Intoxicated Drivers Program and the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Being fully prepared for your class is essential to avoid being turned away and marked non-compliant.

  • Identification: You must bring a valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, or work/school ID).

  • Class Fees: The fee for the Hudson County 12-hour class is $264. This must be paid on or before your first day. Acceptable forms of payment include money orders or online credit card payments via the county’s portal.

  • Meals: The program allows for a 30-minute lunch break. Because you cannot leave the premises for long, it is highly recommended that you bring your own lunch. The facility provides access to a microwave and vending machines.

  • Language & Accommodations: If you require special accommodations for a disability, you must notify the IDRC two weeks prior to your class. If English is not your primary language, you are permitted to bring an interpreter, or you may request to be scheduled for a Spanish-speaking class.

Class Location and Parking

The Hudson County IDRC administrative office is located on Bergen Avenue, but classes are held at the courthouse:

Hudson County Superior Court Jury Management Room (4th Floor) 595 Newark Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07306

Transportation and Parking: There is no on-site parking available at the courthouse. You will need to utilize local paid lots or metered street parking. Alternatively, the courthouse is easily accessible via public transportation, including NJ Transit buses and the PATH train (Journal Square Station).

Rescheduling a Class

Missing a scheduled IDRC class without approval will trigger a non-compliance report. The Hudson County IDRC only allows rescheduling for documented emergencies, such as:

  • A medical emergency (requires a doctor’s note)

  • A death in the family (requires an obituary or death certificate)

  • A documented work emergency (requires a letter from your employer)

Important Contact Information

  • Hudson County IDRC Questions: (201) 209-2810 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM)

  • State Intoxicated Driving Program (Trenton): (609) 815-3100

  • NJ Addictions Hotline: 2-1-1

New Jersey Law for IDRC 39:4-50(f)

The law and regulations for IDRC are contained in a subsection of the New Jersey DWI statute under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 which provides, in pertinent part:

(f) These centers shall have the capability of serving as community treatment referral centers and as court monitors of a person’s compliance with the ordered treatment, service alternative or community service…All centers shall be required to develop individualized treatment plans for all persons attending the centers; provided that the duration of any ordered treatment or referral shall not exceed one year. It shall be the center’s responsibility to establish networks with the community alcohol and drug education, treatment and rehabilitation resources and to receive monthly reports from the referral agencies regarding a person’s participation and compliance with the program…Upon a person’s failure to report to the initial screening or any subsequent ordered referral, the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center shall promptly notify the sentencing court of the person’s failure to comply. Required detention periods at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers shall be determined according to the individual treatment classification assigned by the Intoxicated Driving Program Unit.

If you have any further questions at your IDRC requirement or need help scheduling your IDRC appointment, it is recommended that you contact the IDRC program directly by their number above or visiting the Hudson County IDRC website for more information.