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 Oklahoma, civil penalties for DUI/DWI convictions are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. Upon conviction, an individual may face substantial fines that can amount to thousands of dollars. The state also imposes a driver's license suspension, which can vary in duration depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or subsequent offense. Oklahoma law may require drivers convicted of DUI/DWI to carry additional insurance, such as an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. Furthermore, offenders are often required to complete alcohol rehabilitation or treatment programs, as well as state-approved DUI/DWI intervention courses. Lastly, 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 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. The specific regulations and requirements for these penalties can be found in Oklahoma's statutes, particularly within the sections dealing with motor vehicles and traffic regulation.