My son is out drinking with his friends a lot. It’s fine by me as long as he takes care. Once, however, I caught him driving while drunk. What are the consequences of this? Can you tell me about the state sanctions for DUI as well as DUI insurance?

Mary Jane

Baton Rouge, LA

The most frightening thing about drinking under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is that one can get into an accident and suffer unspeakable injuries. For this reason alone, everyone must be cautious in driving. One mustn’t drive if he/she feels unwell or distracted. He/she mustn’t speak on the phone or attempt to do several things at the same time while on the road. Driving a car requires one’s full attention. Being alert and sober is imperative.

As for state sanctions and regulations, Louisiana considers the first DUI as a criminal offense. The punishment includes a fine of $1000 — not an easy amount of money to let go — on top of paying for all the legal proceedings. Mary Jane, one may also face jail time depending on his/her age.

And what constitutes DUI? A drunk driver is any adult with a BAC of at least .08; a minor with a BAC of .02 or higher; and finally a commercial vehicle driver with a BAC of .04 or more. If you would notice, it takes less intake of alcohol for your teenage son to be arrested for DUI.

After the first offense, it is normally mandatory for arrested drivers to show proof insurance so that they can get their licenses reinstated. By the way, DUI insurance is much more expensive because there is a higher probability that the driver will make a claim.

My husband and I live in Largo, Florida. My drivers license is suspended and he has a good driving record. Can he purchase automobile insurance?If so, how? The previous car insurance carrier canceled our insurance because they found out about my DUI and my suspended drivers license.

Jean

Largo, FL

Your husband might be able to get car insurance in Largo, Florida since he has a valid drivers license and a clean driving record, however he may expect that the car insurance policy would typically not going to be cheaper since you, as his wife, are household member with a suspended drivers license and DUI conviction. He would likely have to find an insurance carrier that deals with high risk auto insurance policy.

The Florida’s Department of Financial Services may be able to assist you with your insurance needs by providing you more information on what the state of Florida insurance carriers might be able provide your husband the car insurance he needs for the automobile.

You can also start getting car insurance quotes now to see if you can get a better car insurance rates with different insurance companies. You may type in your zip code in Largo Florida to see how much insurance cost you may expect that includes a household member with DUI conviction.

I need drunk driver car insurance how many years does the DUI remain on your driving history in the state of Florida?

Thomas

Coral Springs, FL

According to Florida state law, a DUI in FL remains on your permanent record and on your driving record for seventy five (75) years.

The Florida Statutes authorize the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) to establish and keep the management of driving histories for drivers in Florida.

According to HSMV convictions reflecting point assessments stay on a customer’s complete driver record for a period of ten years from the date of conviction. But, serious convictions such as Vehicular Homicide, DUI, DUI/Manslaughter, etc will stay on the driving record for 75 years.