Each year, nearly 10 million Americans report driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driving while impaired will not only put you at risk, it can also lead to accidents that hurt other drivers as well. There are strict laws in the books when it comes to driving under the influence.
Members of law enforcement have made it their mission to catch and arrest drunk drivers. Police officers use roadblocks and a number of other tools in their fight against driving under the influence.
Below are some of the consequences you may face as a result of a DUI arrest.
1. Dealing With the Suspension of Your Driver’s License
Most people take the freedom their driver’s license grants them for granted. The only time a person will realize just how important this little piece of plastic is will be when they are without it. If you are arrested for a DUI, chances are your license will be suspended immediately.
There are some states that allow a person to get a restricted license following a DUI if they have a good enough reason. For instance, if you need your vehicle to get to work or to doctor visits, you may be able to get approved for this type of license.
Oftentimes, people who have restricted licenses will have to get an ignition interlock in Rancho Cucamonga installed. These devices will require you to pass a breathalyzer before your car will start.
2. A Trip to Jail is Never Fun
The first thing a police officer will do when they suspect you have been drinking and driving is issue a field sobriety test. If they feel that you have not passed this test in a convincing manner, they will usually pull out their breathalyzer machine. With this machine, the officer will be able to tell how intoxicated you are.
Generally, you will be arrested, and your vehicle will be impounded if this happens. If you get arrested on a weekend, you will have to wait until Monday to figure out what your bail will be. This means you will be spending the weekend in lockup, which is never a good thing.
3. The Cost of Your Auto Insurance May Sky Rocket
Staying on budget is something most people are serious about. One of the worst things you can do when trying to reduce monthly costs is to get arrested for a DUI. Not only will this arrest result in you having to pay fines, but it may also lead to your auto insurance costs going up.
Most insurance companies view a person that has been arrested for a DUI as a risk. This means they will charge you more for the coverage you need for your vehicle.
4. The State May Require You To Attend an Alcohol Evaluation
If you are like most people, you have a pretty busy schedule. In some states, a person may be required to attend an alcohol evaluation. Usually, these classes are required for repeat offenders.
Skipping these classes will often prohibit you from getting your license back. The best way to avoid these problems is by not getting behind the wheel you have been drinking. If you feel like you can’t stop drinking, then reaching out to a rehab facility for help is essential.
It’s Not Worth the Risk
As you can see, the penalties that accompany being arrested for a DUI are quite severe. This is why you need to get a designated driver if you want to drink adult beverages.
