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 Georgia, civil penalties for DUI/DWI convictions are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. Upon conviction, the state can impose hefty fines that may amount to thousands of dollars. Additionally, the driver's license can be suspended for a period that varies depending on the number of prior offenses and the specific circumstances of the case. Georgia law also requires that individuals convicted of DUI/DWI may have to obtain additional insurance, such as an SR-22, which is a vehicle liability insurance document required by the state for high-risk insurance policies. Convicted individuals may be mandated to complete alcohol or drug rehabilitation programs as well as DUI/DWI intervention courses. Lastly, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the offender's vehicle is a common civil penalty, particularly for repeat offenders or cases with aggravating factors. These civil penalties are designed to deter DUI/DWI offenses and to promote public safety on the roads. The specifics of these penalties can be found in Georgia's statutes, particularly within the sections dealing with motor vehicles and traffic laws.