Springsteen dodges DWI, fined $500

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bruce Springsteen can still drive all night.

New Jersey federal prosecutors dropped a drunken driving charge Wednesday against the “Born to Run” rocker, who was instead ordered to pay a $500 fine and $40 in court fees after pleading to a single charge of downing two shots of tequila near a shuttered shore beach three months ago.

“I think I can pay that immediately,” the multimillionaire rocker replied quickly when asked by Newark Federal Court Anthony Mautone how long it would take to cover the costs. “I’m sure you can,” replied Mautone, with Springsteen offering a “Thank you, judge” before the 20-minute hearing ended — with Springsteen free to take the wheel for the ride home. Springsteen, 71, in a sports jacket and shirt with the top button open, was cleared at a remotely aired hearing that drew more than 125 media members.

The singer-songwriter, renowned for his songs about cars and open highways, pleaded to a single count of consuming alcoholic beverages in the Nov. 14 incident at the Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook, N.J., just 12 miles from his Jersey home.

“I’m convinced a fine is the appropriate sentence,” said Mautone after prosecutors dismissed charges of drunken driving and reckless driving.

Prosecutors acknowledged Springsteen’s Breathalyzer reading was 0.02, well below the state’s 0.08 level for intoxication. And Mautone noted Springsteen’s driving record showed just three tickets since 1973.

“Mr. Springsteen is pleased with the outcome of today’s court appearance,” said defense attorney Mitchell Ansell in a statement afterward.

“The prosecutor was unable to provide the necessary evidence and facts as it related to the charge of driving under the influence and reckless driving and therefore, dismissed both of those charges.”

The park ranger who busted the Boss recounted watching him pour the last drink from a bottle of Patron tequila before taking off on his Triumph motorcycle.

Before the hearing started, Mautone offered his take on the attention surrounding the case.

“This poor defendant can’t go anywhere in public,” he observed.