However, drivers who decide to get behind the wheel of a car while impaired will now face harsher penalties for their actions.

As of July 1, drivers found guilty of driving under the influence four times in a 10-year period will face felony charges, said Bob Dallas, director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. Offenders also must undergo clinical evaluation where "the clinician administers a series of tests designed to look at the circumstances of the offense and give feedback on treatment," he said.

State Representative Kevin Levitas (D-Altanta) was prompted to author the bill by the experiences he had while serving as a prosecutor in Dekalb County.

The law includes higher fines, mandatory jail time, stricter probation and more community service. By increasing the penalties and consequences, "We hope that it sends a strong message that Georgia takes driving under the influence seriously," Levitas said. "One can drink and one can drive, but not together. I watched repeat offenders who weren't getting the punishment or the treatment they needed …We needed to bring our laws in line with others."

The Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia chapter has been working to update the law for the past three years, coordinating with groups such as the Governor's Office of Highway Safety and lobbying state legislators, said Denise Thames, executive director of MADD Georgia.

"This [law] is a start. In the future we would like to see a tighter window, such as five years, and maybe see the felony status placed on the second offense. This is all part of our campaign to end drunk driving. Like polio, drunk driving can be eliminated," Thames said.

Dallas also said he wants to better inform students to help them make decisions and understand the consequences.

"For a student, you are attending the University to get a good job. Getting a DUI makes it hard to get a job. We want students to know if you are going to drink you need to make alternative plans to get home," Dallas said.

DUI PENALTIES SINCE JULY 1

First time (misdemeanor)

• Fine from $300 to $1,500

• A period of imprisonment between 10 days and 12 months (judge may probate all but 24 hours of jail time)

• A minimum of 40 hours of community service for DUI at .08 BAC or above, or a minimum of 20 hours of community service for DUI below .08 BAC

• Completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program

• A clinical evaluation and completion of any necessary treatment

• 12 months of probation, less any jail time served



Second time (misdemeanor)

• Fine from $600 to $1,000

• A period of imprisonment between 90 days and 12 months (offender must serve 72 hours of actual jail time)

• A minimum of 30 days of community service

• Completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program

• A clinical evaluation and completion of any necessary treatment

• 12 months of probation, less any jail time served



Third time (high and aggravated misdemeanor)

• Fine from $1,000 to $5,000

• Period of imprisonment between 120 days and 12 months (offender must serve 15 days of actual jail time)

• A minimum of 30 days of community service

• Completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program

• A clinical evaluation and completion of any necessary treatment

• 12 months of probation, less any jail time served



Fourth time or subsequent DUI (felony)

• Fine from $1,000 to $5,000

• A period of imprisonment between one and five years (offender must serve three months of actual jail time)

• A minimum of 60 days of community service

• Completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program

• A clinical evaluation and completion of any necessary treatment

• 5 years of probation, less any jail time served