First Offender Fines and Penalties
DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) laws defined by each state usually contain the following components:

Illegal per se BAC (blood alcohol concentration) level for adults Per se is Latin for "in itself," meaning a BAC level at or over the legal limit is by definition, illegal.

Illegal per se BAC for drivers under 21 years old
Limits are now lower than the legal limit for adults in all 50 states. These are commonly known as "zero tolerance" laws. Many states are legislating fines, penalties and restrictions that are especially harsh for underage offenders.

Administrative license suspension period
This is the period during which your license may be suspended that is separate from a criminal suspension. In states that have this requirement, a driver's license is a privilege granted and administered by the Secretary of State's office, rather than the court system. This type of suspension typically begins immediately upon arrest, rather than upon conviction.

Restore driving privileges during suspension?
Some states allow for the possibility of reinstating your driving privileges (or a reduced version) during the suspension period. If the law allows restoration, it is generally left to a judge's discretion.

Fines for first offenders
All 50 states impose fines for DUI convictions. The amount varies widely, based on the circumstances. Fines listed here are for adult first offenders. Subsequent offenses typically carry much higher fines and penalties.

Roll your mouse over each state to view DUI laws for that state. DO NOT CLICK on the state.

This information is accurate as of December 31, 2002, courtesy of the MADD Rating the States 2002 Report Card