States Move to Ban DUI Offenders From Purchasing Alcohol

(Photo: Adobe Stock/zef art)

Utah has begun restricting alcohol purchases for people convicted of extreme DUI offenses, while West Virginia lawmakers are considering similar limits for repeat drunk driving offenders, indicating a potential broader shift in how states address impaired driving.

In Utah, a new law took effect at the start of 2026 that allows courts to bar people convicted of an extreme DUI from buying alcohol. The restriction applies to drivers found with a blood alcohol content of 0.16 or higher. Judges may classify those individuals as “interdicted,” meaning alcohol retailers must refuse sales based on the person’s state-issued ID.

Under the law, an interdicted driver’s license will be clearly marked with “no alcohol sales.” Retailers will be required to check identification for all alcohol purchases statewide, making enforcement more consistent across bars, restaurants and liquor stores.

Utah lawmakers say the policy targets repeat offenses. State Sen. Jerry Stevenson, a sponsor of the bill, told KUTV the state has struggled to curb repeat DUI behavior using existing penalties. He said the law is designed to identify people who appear in court multiple times for impaired driving and limit their access to alcohol.

The law also includes a voluntary option; individuals may request to place themselves under the restriction, preventing legal alcohol purchases for a set period.

Advocates for tougher DUI laws say access limits can save lives. Art Brown, a longtime Mothers Against Drunk Driving volunteer, told KUTV he began his advocacy after his 4-month-old grandson was killed in a DUI crash in 1999. Brown said restricting alcohol access for repeat offenders could help prevent similar tragedies.

West Virginia lawmakers are weighing a similar approach. Senate Bill 602, introduced during the 2026 legislative session, would allow judges to prohibit certain DUI offenders from buying alcohol for a court-ordered period, according to Lootpress.

If passed, the bill would require some convicted drivers to surrender their standard license or state ID and receive a replacement marked “No Alcohol Sale.” The proposed ID would include a visible red stripe and other security features to help retailers identify restricted buyers. For drivers with a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years, the court would be required to issue the interdicted ID.

Like Utah’s law, the West Virginia proposal includes a voluntary option for people who want to block themselves from purchasing alcohol. Individuals would need to wait at least 30 days before requesting a replacement ID without the restriction.

Supporters of the bill say the goal is to reduce repeat DUI offenses by tying alcohol restrictions directly to official identification. Senate Bill 602 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Finance, where it awaits further review, according to Lootpress.