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 Utah, civil penalties for DUI/DWI convictions are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. Upon conviction, a person can face substantial fines that may amount to thousands of dollars. The state also imposes a mandatory suspension of the driver's license, which can vary in duration depending on the number of prior offenses and the specific circumstances of the case. Utah law may require individuals 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, offenders are often required to complete alcohol rehabilitation or treatment programs, as well as DUI educational courses. Finally, the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on the offender's vehicle is a common civil penalty in Utah, especially for repeat offenders or cases with aggravating factors. These civil penalties are designed to deter DUI/DWI offenses and to promote public safety on the roads.