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 Maine, civil penalties for DUI/DWI (referred to as OUI - Operating Under the Influence in Maine) are in addition to any criminal charges and are outlined in the state's statutes. Upon conviction for OUI, the state may impose fines that can amount to thousands of dollars. The driver's license can be suspended for a period that varies depending on the number of prior offenses and the severity of the incident. Maine law also requires individuals convicted of OUI to maintain an SR-22 insurance filing, which is a form of high-risk auto insurance, for a period of time. Offenders may be mandated to complete alcohol education programs or substance abuse treatment. Furthermore, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the offender's vehicle is a common requirement, 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 impaired driving and to promote public safety on the roads.