Georgia requires drivers to take a breath screening sobriety test if requested during a traffic stop. Law enforcement can arrest motorists for driving under the influence if they are obviously impaired or have blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher.
These are the possible legal penalties for a Georgia DUI conviction.
First DUI
With no prior Georgia DUI convictions, the driver could receive:
- 40 hours of community service (state mandatory minimum)
- Up to 12 months in jail
- 12-month license suspension with $210 reinstatement fee to regain driving privileges after one year
- Fines of $300 to $1,000
Second DUI
A driver who gets another DUI within five years of the first could receive:
- 30 days of community service (state mandatory minimum)
- Mandatory minimum of 48 hours and up to 12 months in jail
- 36-month license suspension with $210 reinstatement fee to regain driving privileges
- Fines of $600 to $1,000
Subsequent DUIs
Georgia considers drivers with more than two DUIs in five years habitual offenders. In addition to the above penalties, a convicted driver could receive:
- 30 days of community service (state mandatory minimum)
- Mandatory minimum of 15 days and up to 12 months in jail
- Indefinite license suspension and vehicle license plate seizure
- Fines of $600 to $1,000
- Name and photo in the local newspaper as a habitual DUI offender, printed at his or her own expense
Drivers who receive a DUI conviction must also undergo substance use disorder screening and abide by the recommendations of the results, including treatment if warranted.