Obviously a DUI can hurt your driving privileges significantly, but it could cost you more than that plastic card with the bad-hair-day picture in your wallet. You could even lose your car.
DUI
A DUI stays on your record forever (with no chance of expunging or sealing it from your record), although it may only remain on your DMV record temporarily (usually 10 years). This can prevent you from getting certain jobs or being associated with certain organizations.
A DUI can leave you with many legal restrictions — including inability to enter other countries, or at least leaving you having to obtain a permit to travel. Obviously a several-month driver license suspension (with reinstatement fees, plus other hefty fees), probation, and jail time are possible consequences of driving under the influence.
When Another DUI Costs You A Car
In Yakima, Washington, your second DUI within 7 years means the city can seize and sell your vehicle. The city can only legally seize and forfeit the interest the drunk driver has in the vehicle, however, which protects banks or other “innocent owners” of the vehicle. Therefore, if your friend drives your car while drunk, you’re not in danger of having your car auctioned off as a result. Washington is also enforcing 12-hour holds at towing companies before a car being impounded (in association with DUI) can be released.
New York, Minnesota, and other states also enforce car seizure and possible forfeiture for DUI, just like they could confiscate other property used in committing a crime. While it seems interesting that a DUI could result in a $1,000 fine OR the loss of your $50,000+ car, it’s perfectly legal in some states.
Common Interventions For Repeated DUI
Four laws have seemed to be proven effective in deterring repeat DUI offenders: impoundment, ignition interlock, house arrest (with an ankle bracelet), or intensive probation. Impoundment can carry heavy fees to get your car back ($500-$2000), and when you’re able to get it back can vary be state and whether this is your first offense or not.
Driving under the influence is never a good idea — and neither is letting a drinking friend take your car for the night. Always be prepared with a designated driver or local transportation options to get yourself home after a night out.
