We hear it time and time again, “Don’t drink and drive.” Each year there are thousands of deaths and injuries attributed to drunk drivers. Yet in spite of this, many take their lives and the lives of others into their hands by getting behind the wheel after enjoying a drink or two, or more.
Bar Whiz trusts that our readers are smart enough to hand the keys to someone else. For those who still think it’s worth the risk (or have an extreme invincibility complex), here are a list of states where the punishment for a DUI is pretty severe.

1. Washington State
1. Legal limit: .08
2. Fines: Up to $5000
3. Jail time: Up to 1 year
4. Drivers License: Suspended for 90 days even if not convicted

2. Virginia
1. Legal limit: .08
2. Fines: Minimum $250
3. Jail time: None
4. Drivers License: Revoked for one year with or without conviction

3. Georgia
1. Legal limit: .08
2. Fines: $300-$1000
3. Jail time: 10 days – 1 year
4. Drivers License: Suspended for one year

4. Arizona
1. Legal limit: .08
2. Fines: $250 fine plus $1000 in assessment fees
3. Jail time: Minimum 10 days
4. Drivers License: Suspended for one year for refused breathalyzer test. Installation of ignition device (breathalyzer device that won’t start car if you’ve been drinking)

5. Alabama
1. Legal limit: .08
2. Fines: $600-$2100
3. Jail time: Up to one year
4. Drivers License: Suspended up to 90 days

6. Massachusetts
1. Legal limit: .08
2. Fines: $500-$5000
3. Jail time: Up to two and a half years
4. Drivers License: Suspended for one year

7. Texas
1. Legal limit: .08
2. Fines: Up to $2000
3. Jail time: 72 hours – 180 days
4. Drivers License: Suspended for one year plus fees of up to $2000/year for 3 years to keep it
These DUI penalties are all for first offenses. If they are that bad the first time around, just imagine how much worse they get for those who refuse to learn their lesson. And this is just one part of the punishment. Auto insurance companies have their own individual, and costly, punishments for those convicted of a DUI.

The moral of the story is simple: Instead of hoping that you don’t get caught, just get a taxi.