Reader’s Question:

How long do I have to carry an sr22 if I have a DUI three years ago? I live in ND.

Dexter

Thank you for asking Dexter.

There are two separate penalties involved under the DUI law. One is an administrative license penalty, the other is a court conviction penalty. Your driving license may be suspended or revoked through either or both processes. By law, if you are arrested for DUI, under the administrative penalty, the arresting officer will take your operator’s license then and there.

You also face mandatory fines and jail sentences.

* First conviction—$250 fine.
* Second conviction within five years—$500 fine and five days in jail or 30 days community service work.
* Third conviction within five years—$1,000 fine and 60 days in jail.
* Fourth conviction within seven years—$1,000 fine and 180 days in jail.

Also if convicted of a DUI, the law requires you to show proof of financial responsibility (SR 22 insurance coverage). The North Dakota Insurance Department site states that the ND Drivers License Division of the Department of Transportation requires those that have been convicted of certain violations, such as a DUI, to show proof of future financial responsibility for a period of one year.

You make contact the ND DOT to verify this information.

Goodluck!

MariCAR