Authorities say 30-year-old David Richards drove his silver Mercedes westbound in the eastbound lanes and slammed head-on into a Super Shuttle van near Utopia Parkway.
Only the drivers were in each vehicle, and they are both in critical condition.
Police say Richards' blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.
He's been charged with DUI, reckless endangerment and driving with a suspended license.
The driver of the shuttle van has been identified as 65-year-old John Rey.
All eastbound lanes and one westbound lane of the LIE were closed while authorities investigated.