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 North Carolina, civil penalties for DUI/DWI (driving under the influence/driving while impaired) convictions are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. These penalties are outlined in the state's General Statutes, particularly in chapters dealing with motor vehicles and criminal law. Upon conviction, the offender can face substantial fines that may amount to thousands of dollars. The state also imposes a mandatory suspension of the driver's license, which can vary in duration depending on the number of prior offenses and the severity of the incident. North Carolina requires that individuals convicted of DUI/DWI obtain a special form of liability insurance known as SR-22 insurance before they can have their driving privileges reinstated. Additionally, offenders may be required to complete alcohol rehabilitation or treatment programs and DUI/DWI intervention courses. For certain offenses, particularly repeat offenses or cases with high blood alcohol concentration levels, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the offender's vehicle is mandatory. This device prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver's breath alcohol concentration is above a preset limit.