This report summarizes a study of the costs and benefits associated with the implementation of laws calling for the administrative suspension of driver licenses for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Such laws generally call for speedy license suspension or revocation for person arrested for DWI who are at illegal breath alcohol concentrations. The experience of three states was studied. They were Nevada, Mississippi and Illinois. Costs associated with implementation of administrative suspension or revocation laws were identified as well as additional revenues to the states from the Federal Government for which the states identified through implementation of administrative revocation for DWI were also identified as were societal benefits as indicated by reduced crash costs. In each state license reinstatement fees more than offset costs associated with implementing the law and reductions in crash costs were well over 100 times the cost of implementation. The major study recommendation is that other states give serious consideration to administrative license suspension for DWI. (A)
Abstract