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 Virginia, civil penalties for DUI/DWI convictions are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. Upon conviction, the state can impose hefty fines, often amounting to thousands of dollars. Additionally, the driver's license may be suspended, which can significantly impact one's ability to commute for work or personal needs. Virginia law also requires that individuals convicted of DUI/DWI may have to carry additional insurance, such as an SR-22, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. Furthermore, the state may mandate the completion of alcohol education, rehabilitation programs, or DUI/DWI intervention courses. Lastly, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the offender's vehicle is a common civil penalty in Virginia. This device requires the driver to perform a breathalyzer test before the vehicle can be started, ensuring that the driver is not under the influence of alcohol. These civil penalties are designed to serve as a deterrent to driving under the influence and to promote public safety.