In addition to legal ramifications, a conviction for DUI may cause significant changes to one’s auto insurance premiums. Driving privileges, fines, and even jail time may all follow an arrest for drunk driving. A conviction for driving under alcohol will affect your driving record. Still, it will increase vehicle insurance rates for three to five years, depending on the state.
Obtaining auto insurance after a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be difficult. Still, it is not impossible, and you may be able to locate policies with (relatively) favorable premiums. Also, you can come up with DUI defense strategies with your lawyer to help with your case. Here is the information that you need.
What exactly is a DUI?
Driving under the influence, abbreviated as DUI or DWI, refers to operating a motor vehicle while drinking alcohol or drugs. The drugs might be legitimate, illegal, or over-the-counter varieties. However, repeated driving offenses while intoxicated may result in felony penalties in certain jurisdictions.
Blood alcohol content testing is the gold standard for establishing whether or not a driver is impaired (BAC). What constitutes going above the limit is something that will vary from state to state. For instance, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level in most states is now set at 0.08%, while Utah recently dropped its BAC limit for drivers over the age of 21 to 0.05%.
In California, for instance, having a BAC of 0.01% or above is illegal for drivers under 21 and those on DUI probation.
Will a DUI offense stay forever?
If you are issued a DUI, you were driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Because engaging in this behavior is against the law, you will be held responsible for the outcomes of your choices.
Some individuals are curious whether a conviction for driving under the influence remains on their record. There is no question that a DUI will ultimately be removed from your driving record in most states in the United Jurisdictions; nevertheless, several states in the country mandate that DUI convictions remain on your driving record indefinitely.
How long will a conviction for DUI stay on your record?
Depending on the state in which you were convicted, a DUI conviction will remain on your driving record for at least five years. If you haven’t been arrested for any new offenses or been engaged in any other incidents during this time, the DUI will be expunged from your record.
However, several states let a DUI charge stay on your record indefinitely. For instance, a conviction for DUI will remain on your record for five years in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, and Kentucky. Your driving under the influence conviction will stay on your record for ten years if you reside in California, Florida, or Colorado.
A conviction for DUI has far-reaching consequences for the offender. You might lose your driving privileges, get a hefty fine, and even face jail time if caught.
Once you have your driver’s license, you must locate appropriate insurance. It isn’t easy to acquire reasonably priced insurance if you are a high-risk driver. The easiest way to get affordable protection is to shop around online. A conviction for drunk driving may stay on your record for a long time. It’s possible that your car insurance rates could go up significantly this year.