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 New York State, civil penalties for DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated) are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. Upon conviction, fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the offense number and severity. License suspension is a standard penalty, with the duration varying based on the specific circumstances of the DUI/DWI case and prior offenses. New York may also require drivers convicted of DUI/DWI to obtain additional insurance, such as an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. Convicted individuals are often mandated to complete alcohol education programs or substance abuse treatment. Additionally, New York State law requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle owned or operated by the convicted person for a period determined by the court. These civil penalties are designed to deter DUI/DWI offenses and to promote public safety on the roads. The specific regulations governing these penalties are found in the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, rather than the penal or criminal code.