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 Connecticut, civil penalties for DUI/DWI convictions are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. Upon conviction for DUI/DWI, the state can impose substantial fines, often amounting to thousands of dollars. Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the authority to suspend the driver's license of individuals convicted of DUI/DWI. This suspension can vary in length depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or subsequent offense. The state may also require drivers to obtain special insurance, such as an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves the driver carries the required insurance coverage. Convicted individuals may be mandated to complete alcohol education and treatment programs. Furthermore, Connecticut law requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the vehicles of those convicted of DUI/DWI. This device prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects a certain level of alcohol on the driver's breath. These civil penalties are designed to deter DUI/DWI offenses and to promote public safety on the roads.