A DUI/DWI Victim Impact Panel is a small group of 2-4 persons who speak briefly about a vehicle crash caused by an impaired or intoxicated driver in which they were injured or in which a friend or family member was injured or killed. Persons who have been charged with DUI/DWI criminal offenses are often required to attend a Victim Impact Panel to better understand and remember the devastating consequences of driving while impaired or intoxicated.

Victims who speak at Victim Impact Panels do not blame or judge the people listening and only seek to share their own tragic stories in a way that may help others understand the lasting effects of impaired driving—while giving the speakers the opportunity to heal and find some small amount of meaning in their tragedies.

Victim Impact Panels are available both live and online and are sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

In California, DUI/DWI Victim Impact Panels are part of the educational programs aimed at preventing repeat offenses by individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). These panels are typically sponsored by organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and may be required by the court as a condition of probation or as part of a DUI educational program. The purpose of these panels is to humanize the consequences of impaired driving by having victims or their family members share personal stories of how a DUI/DWI incident has impacted their lives. The intent is not to assign blame to the attendees but to promote awareness and empathy, potentially reducing the likelihood of future offenses. While participation in a Victim Impact Panel may be mandated by law or court order, the specific requirements, including whether attendance at a live or online panel is acceptable, can vary by jurisdiction within the state. It is important for individuals ordered to attend such a panel to comply with the specific terms set forth by the court.