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 Nebraska, civil penalties for DUI/DWI convictions are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. Upon conviction for DUI/DWI, the state can impose fines that may reach into the thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or subsequent conviction. The driver's license can be suspended for varying periods, which also depends on the number of prior offenses and the specific circumstances of the current violation. Nebraska law may require drivers convicted of DUI/DWI to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is a form of high-risk auto insurance, to maintain their driving privileges once their license is reinstated. Additionally, convicted individuals may be required to complete alcohol education programs, treatment, or DUI/DWI intervention courses. Finally, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the offender's vehicle is a common civil penalty, particularly 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.