Despite the fact that the laws for drunk driving in the United States vary greatly, the penalties for DUI are generally lenient in most states. In fact, the most lenient states are South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. But what exactly are the most stringent penalties for drunk driving? WalletHub looked at 15 factors, including fines and ignition interlock devices, to find out which states impose the toughest penalties.
Depending on the state, you may face a minimum of five days in jail for your first DUI conviction. You can expect to spend up to 10 days in jail for a second offense. A third DUI conviction can get you 60 days in jail. In addition to jail time, you may also face the possibility of fines and increased insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the consequences of a DUI conviction, and even get off the hook with little or no money.
One reason is cost. Adding more severe penalties for drunk driving puts everyone at risk. A DUI conviction can cost upwards of $88 million, not counting the cost of treatment for those who have already been arrested for drunk driving. In addition to the court costs, there are also increased social costs associated with increased police surveillance. The Department of Transportation recommends a variety of traffic safety improvements to reduce the number of DUI accidents, but these programs may not save as many lives as increased enforcement of drunk driving laws.
The laws against drunk driving started in the 1930s, when several states near Oregon and California implemented similar laws. At that time, there were no clear definitions of drunk driving. Each state has different levels of intoxication, with varying criminal and financial repercussions. Ultimately, the consequences of drinking and driving are severe and unconscionable. But what is the reason behind these laws? They do not prevent drunk driving, but they do make it less likely.
Currently, there are ten different states that have different laws for drunk drivers. In fact, Arizona is the most stringent state for drunk driving laws. First-time DUI offenders in Arizona are usually sentenced to 10 days in jail, which is a relatively short time for a first-time offender. While these states may be tough on drunk driving, most states still have a minimum jail sentence for first-time offenders.
DUI is dangerous and puts lives at risk. Statistics show that drivers under twenty-one years of age are 10 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than drivers over 21. Even though underage drinking and driving is down significantly, many communities are pushing new initiatives to help keep teenagers safe. As a result, the penalties for drinking and driving are far more severe in young drivers. However, they have yet to reach the highest number of young drivers.
During the suspension, drunk drivers must undergo a forensic assessment interview to determine what steps are needed to get their license back. A counselor will assess the extent of alcohol dependence in the driver. They may be ordered to attend 90 AA meetings in 90 days, undergo detoxification, or receive other medical treatment. They must also take an Impaired Driver Program in order to regain full driving privileges. The penalties for drunk driving are harsh, but it’s not impossible to get clean and sober in seven weeks.
