Driving under the Influence (DUI) isn’t just dangerous—it can also be a life-altering and costly mistake. Choosing to drive after drinking or using drugs could lead to consequences you’ll regret forever.
- A DUI arrest could mean losing your license and facing steep fines.
- Repeat offenders may face prison time.
- If you cause a crash that injures or kills someone, you could be charged with serious crimes like negligent homicide.
- Refuse a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test? You’ll automatically lose your license for at least a year. Think about it: How will you get to work, run errands, or take the kids to school without a license?
- In Wisconsin, anyone convicted of a first-offense DUI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher must install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle—at their own expense.
- Driving impaired with a child under 16 in the car? Your penalties will double.
- A single DUI can cost around $10,000 or more when you factor in fines, court fees, attorney costs, lost wages, higher insurance rates, and other expenses.
The good news? DUIs are entirely preventable. Before you head out for a night of drinking or using substances, plan ahead. If you feel even slightly “buzzed,” you’re likely over the 0.08 BAC limit—so don’t drive. Instead, book a rideshare through apps like Uber or Lyft, use public transit, or arrange for a designated driver. Many local bars and restaurants in Wisconsin partner with programs like SafeRide to get patrons home safely—check out options at https://www.tlw.org/saferide/ for more info or download the app.
If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, don’t hesitate to call 911. Provide as much detail as possible, including the vehicle description, license plate, location, and direction of travel. Reporting a potential DUI can help the police intervene before it’s too late. It’s always better to be safe than sorry on the road.