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 Indiana, civil penalties for DUI/DWI (referred to as OWI - Operating While Intoxicated in Indiana) are indeed separate from criminal penalties and can be quite severe. Upon conviction, an individual may face substantial fines, which can amount to thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the offense and the number of prior convictions. The state also imposes a mandatory suspension of the driver's license, which can range from 180 days to two years for a first offense, and potentially longer for subsequent offenses. Indiana law may require drivers convicted of OWI to obtain additional insurance, such as an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves the driver carries the state's minimum required insurance. Those convicted may also be required to complete alcohol rehabilitation or treatment programs, as well as DUI/OWI intervention courses. Additionally, the court may order the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the offender's vehicle, which prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver's breath alcohol concentration exceeds a preset limit. These civil penalties are designed to deter impaired driving and to ensure that those who have been convicted of OWI take steps to avoid future offenses. The specific regulations and requirements for these penalties can be found in Indiana's statutes, particularly within the state's criminal code.