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Georgia is cracking down on drunk driving in a new way: SB 121 (effective July 1, 2025 and now codified as O.C.G.A § 33-7-16) dramatically increases the auto insurance coverage that drivers must carry for three years after a DUI conviction. In essence, if you’re convicted of DUI in Georgia, you’ll now be required to obtain much higher-than-normal liability insurance (often referred to as an SR-22A insurance filing) and maintain it for 36 months. This isn’t just a small premium hike – we’re talking about potentially thousands of dollars extra per year in insurance costs for offenders. Lawmakers passed SB 121 to ensure that drivers who demonstrated high risk (by driving under the influence) have ample coverage to pay for any future accidents. But the flip side is it “mandates drastically higher auto insurance coverage” and thus punishes DUI convicts in their wallets long after the court fines are paid. In effect, Georgia has turned insurance requirements into an additional penalty for DUI.

How This Affects You: If you’re ever convicted of a DUI in Georgia, budget accordingly – the financial fallout is now much steeper. Beyond fines, license suspensions, and possible jail time, you’ll face skyrocketing insurance premiums that can last for three years. For many, this could mean paying double or triple for car insurance, easily amounting to $5,000-$10,000 (or more) extra over the compliance period (exact costs depend on individual factors, but it’s significant). This law aims to improve public safety by keeping high-risk drivers insured at higher levels, but it also serves as a strong deterrent – essentially a “hidden” DUI tax that might make someone think twice before drinking and driving. Society benefits if higher costs discourage impaired driving and ensure victims are better compensated in the event of an accident. However, there’s a concern that some individuals, especially those with lower incomes, might struggle to afford these policies, potentially leading to more people driving uninsured or with suspended licenses if they can’t meet the requirement.

For Georgia defense attorneys and DUI lawyers, SB 121 is a reminder to advise clients that a DUI conviction carries long-term financial consequences beyond court – fighting a DUI charge or seeking reduced charges (like reckless driving) is now even more crucial to avoid this insurance nightmare. In summary, SB 121 puts a hefty price tag on DUI convictions, reinforcing the message that sober driving is the only affordable option in Georgia.