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 Dakota, individuals convicted of DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated) face various civil penalties in addition to criminal charges. These civil penalties can include substantial fines, which may amount to thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the offense and the number of prior convictions. The state also imposes a suspension of the driver's license, which varies in length based on the offense and prior history. North Dakota law may require drivers convicted of DUI/DWI to obtain additional insurance, such as an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. Offenders are often required to complete alcohol rehabilitation or treatment programs, as well as DUI/DWI intervention courses. Furthermore, 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 concentration levels at the time of arrest. These civil penalties are designed to deter impaired driving and enhance public safety. The specific regulations and requirements for these penalties are detailed in North Dakota's Century Code, which includes the state's traffic laws and regulations pertaining to DUI/DWI offenses.