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 Louisiana (LA), civil penalties for DUI/DWI convictions are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. These penalties are designed to deter impaired driving and to reduce the risk of repeat offenses. Upon conviction for DUI/DWI, the offender can face substantial fines that may amount to thousands of dollars. The state also has the authority to suspend the driver's license, which can vary in duration depending on the number of prior offenses and the severity of the incident. Louisiana law may require drivers convicted of DUI/DWI to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves the driver carries the minimum required insurance; this type of insurance is typically more expensive. Additionally, offenders may be mandated to complete alcohol education programs, rehabilitation or treatment, and DUI/DWI intervention courses. Finally, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the offender's vehicle is a common civil penalty in Louisiana. This device requires the driver to perform a breathalyzer test before the vehicle can be started, ensuring that they are not under the influence of alcohol. The specific statutes detailing these penalties can be found in Louisiana's Revised Statutes, particularly under the provisions related to motor vehicles and traffic regulation.