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 Iowa, civil penalties for DUI/DWI (referred to as OWI - Operating While Intoxicated in Iowa) are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. Upon conviction of an OWI, the state can impose various civil penalties. These may include hefty fines, which can amount to thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the offense and the number of prior offenses. The driver's license can be suspended for a period ranging from 180 days to several years, and to regain driving privileges, the offender may be required to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. Additionally, the state may mandate the completion of a substance abuse evaluation and treatment program, as well as a course on drunk driving education or a DUI/DWI intervention program. For certain offenses, Iowa law requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on all vehicles owned or operated by the offender. These civil penalties are designed to deter drunk driving and to promote public safety on the roads.