Big changes are happening in North Dakota this week as a bill set to improve the state’s DUI laws has passed the House and Senate and is now heading to the Governor’s office. The new bill improves upon the current North Dakota DUI laws and ensures that those who are caught drinking and driving will be forced to face more severe consequences than ever before.

Under the current law, if you’re caught drinking and driving you’ll be fined $250. With the new and improved bill, those who drive under the influence need to pay up to the tune of $500. If the person has a blood alcohol level over 0.16, they’ll be fined up to $750 and may spend 2 days in jail.

When you take it one step further and receive a second DUI charge, you’ll be fined $1500 and are expected to maintain a full year of sober living by being tested daily by the Police or wearing an alcohol monitoring device. As further evidence of how harsh a penalty you’ll receive if you drink and drive in North Dakota, a fourth DUI conviction will see you charged with a Class C felony and you can expect to spend some time in the state penitentiary.