In addition to any criminal charges for DUI/DWI, a state may assess civil (non-criminal) penalties against a person convicted of DUI/DWI. Civil penalties may include (1) thousands of dollars of fines; (2) suspension of the driver’s license; (3) requirements for additional insurance; (4) completion of alcohol rehabilitation/treatment and DUI/DWI intervention courses; and (5) installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the driver’s motor vehicle.

The laws regarding civil penalties for DUI/DWI convictions are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal code or criminal code.

In Alabama, civil penalties for DUI/DWI convictions are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. These penalties are outlined in the Alabama Code, particularly in Title 32, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, which addresses matters related to DUI offenses. Upon conviction for a DUI/DWI, an individual may face substantial fines that can reach into the thousands of dollars. The state also imposes a mandatory suspension of the driver's license, which can vary in duration depending on whether it is a first or subsequent offense. Alabama law requires those convicted of DUI to obtain SR-22 insurance, a type of high-risk auto insurance, before their driving privileges can be reinstated. Additionally, offenders may be required to complete a substance abuse or DUI education program. For those with multiple DUI convictions, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicles is mandatory. These civil penalties are designed to deter DUI/DWI offenses and to promote public safety on the roads.