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 Tennessee, 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 various civil penalties. These may include hefty fines that can reach into the thousands of dollars, depending on the offense number and specific circumstances. The driver's license can be suspended for a significant period, which varies based on the number of prior offenses and the severity of the current offense. Tennessee law also requires individuals convicted of DUI/DWI to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is a form of high-risk auto insurance, for a period of time after their conviction. Additionally, offenders may be required to complete alcohol rehabilitation or treatment programs, as well as DUI/DWI intervention courses. Finally, the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on the offender's vehicle is a common requirement, especially for repeat offenders or when the blood alcohol content (BAC) was particularly high at the time of the arrest. These civil penalties are designed to deter drunk driving and to ensure that those who have been convicted of DUI/DWI take steps to avoid future offenses. The specific regulations and requirements for these penalties are detailed in Tennessee's statutes, particularly within the sections related to motor vehicles and traffic regulations.