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 Idaho, 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 that may reach into the thousands of dollars. Additionally, the driver's license of the convicted individual is typically suspended for a period that varies depending on the number of prior offenses and the severity of the current offense. Idaho law may also require the convicted person to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is a form of high-risk auto insurance, for a period of time after the conviction. Furthermore, the state may mandate the completion of alcohol rehabilitation or treatment 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, especially for repeat offenders or those with high blood alcohol content (BAC) levels at the time of arrest. These civil penalties are designed to deter DUI/DWI offenses and to promote public safety on the roads.