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Important Things You Need To Know About Driving Under The Influence

One of the most important things every driver should be aware of is the damaging and long-lasting consequences of driving under the influence (DUI). A DUI conviction often results in the loss of your license, fines, a jail sentence, community service orders, and of course significant attorney and court fees. Furthermore, a DUI can have a big impact on your chances of getting auto insurance, financial security, and personal life.

In addition to the effect, it can have on the offending driver’s life, driving whilst intoxicated on alcohol or drugs causes dangerous situations for other road users, pedestrians, and property. For this reason, all drivers should be aware of the consequences of a DUI as detailed below.

The Costs of a DUI Conviction

A conviction for driving under the influence is usually much more costly than most people expect. As pointed out by the legal team at a Wichita DUI law firm the fines for a DUI can range between a minimum of $2,200 and a maximum of $20,000 depending on the state and circumstances of the case. In addition to receiving a substantial fine, there are also other costs associated with a DUI which can soon add up, these include legal fees, higher insurance premiums, and restitution due to victims if an accident was caused with injuries or property damage involved.

As well as financial costs directly linked to a DUI, offending drivers may also receive jail time, put under house arrest if they are below the age of 21, or be ordered to attend community service programs and alcohol education classes. All of these are likely to cost extra money and take time away from earning income.

The Limits For a DUI

In the US, the legal limit for driving under the influence is a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or above, meaning many drivers think that it’s ok to have just one drink before driving, however that is not always the case. This is because the level of alcohol in the bloodstream that can cause impairment and intoxication varies from person to person due to a variety of factors including the number of drinks consumed, the kind of alcoholic drinks, the amount of time since it was consumed, and a person’s weight. Therefore, it is still possible for a driver to be charged for a DUI with a blood alcohol concentration at or below.08% if the law enforcement officer believes you are intoxicated.

All Vehicles Are Covered By DUI Laws

Even though most people associate DUI charges with driving motorized transport such as cars, trucks, and vans whilst intoxicated on alcohol or other drugs, you should also be aware that all kinds of vehicles are covered under DUI laws including bicycles.

It Takes Time To Sober Up

There is a common misconception that eating greasy food or drinking a strong coffee can help a person to sober up quicker, however unfortunately this can have dangerous consequences as it leads people to believe they are safe to drive when they are not. Typically, alcohol can be detected in the blood for up to 6 hours after consumption and for between 12 – 24 hours on the breath, so it is best to play it safe and decide not to drive immediately even after having only one drink.

Higher Insurance Premiums

One long-term effect of getting a DUI is the almost guaranteed higher car insurance rates which often lead to car owners paying up to twice as much for their coverage. Increased premiums generally last for years after a DUI citation and usually, a driver will need to get an SR-22 form from their insurance company before being allowed to legally drive again.

There are a number of factors that can also affect your insurance premiums after getting a DUI citation, these include:

  • The date of the DUI conviction. Most insurance companies judge the risk of insuring a driver by looking at their driving record over the past three to five years so offenses from further back may be less of a concern.
  • Your age. Usually, younger drivers have to pay higher insurance premiums compared to more experienced motorists as they are deemed to be a higher risk by insurers, so an 18-year-old driver with a recent DUI charge is likely to pay significantly larger premiums.
  • Number of DUI Offenses

Police Car

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have life-changing consequences including causing an accident, injuring other road-users, or crashing into property. As well as the increased risk to people and property, driving under the influence can also lead to a citation and conviction if caught by law enforcement which often results in significant financial costs and disruption to general life.


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Important Things You Need To Know About Driving Under The Influence

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