Georgia DUI & Distracted Driving Laws

DUI laws in Georgia

First offense

The first DUI offense is a misdemeanor in Georgia. If convicted, you could face the following fines and penalties:

• A fine between $300 to $1,000.
• Up to one year in jail.
• License suspension up to one year.
• $210 license-reinstatement fee.
• Mandatory minimum of 40 hours of community service.
• You may be able to do limited driving (such as work, school) with an ignition interlock.

Second offense

The second offense within five years of the first offense is a misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face:

• A fine between $600 to $1,000.
• Mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail, with a possible 90 days to one year.
• License suspension for three years.
• $210 license-reinstatement fee.
• Minimum 30 days of community service.
• A mandatory clinical evaluation; if necessary, completion of a substance abuse treatment program at your expense.
• If you're on probation, you must install an ignition interlock for at least 12 months.

Third offense

The third offense within five years of the second offense is a high and aggravated misdemeanor. If convicted, you could get:

• Mandatory minimum of 15 days in jail.
• A fine of $1,000 to $5,000.
• License revocation for five years.
• Mandatory minimum of 30 days community service.
• Your name, photo and address published in the local newspaper at your expense.
• You'll be declared a habitual violator, and your license plate will be seized by the court and sent to the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety.
• A mandatory clinical evaluation; if necessary, completion of a substance abuse treatment program at your expense.
• If you are on probation, you must install an ignition interlock system for at least 12 months.

  
  DUI penalty sources: Governors Office of Highway Safety in Georgia and the National Conference of State Legislatures

Distracted driving laws in Georgia

Updated Aug. 21, 2019