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 New Jersey, civil penalties for DUI/DWI convictions are indeed separate from criminal charges and can be quite severe. These penalties are outlined in the state's statutes, particularly under Title 39 of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, which deals with motor vehicles and traffic regulation. Upon conviction for DUI/DWI, the offender can face substantial fines that vary depending on the offense number and the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. License suspension is mandatory, with the duration depending on the number of prior offenses and the BAC level at the time of arrest. New Jersey law also requires DUI/DWI offenders to obtain special insurance, referred to as SR-22 insurance, which is typically more expensive than standard policies. Additionally, offenders may be required to complete alcohol education programs or treatment. For repeat offenders or high BAC levels, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in the offender's vehicle is mandatory. These civil penalties are designed to deter impaired driving and to promote public safety on the roads.