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 Delaware, 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 fines that may range into the thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the offense and the number of prior offenses. Additionally, Delaware law mandates the suspension of the driver's license for varying periods, which can be from a few months to several years, again based on the specifics of the case and prior history. The state may also require the convicted individual to obtain additional insurance, such as an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. Furthermore, completion of alcohol rehabilitation or treatment programs and DUI/DWI intervention courses is often a part of the civil penalties. Lastly, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the offender's vehicle is a common requirement, especially for repeat offenders or high blood alcohol concentration levels. These civil penalties are designed to work in conjunction with criminal penalties to deter impaired driving and enhance public safety.