Collections Process
The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund receives its revenue from a 10% surcharge imposed on fines for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) or reckless driving in the state of Georgia.
When a person is convicted of a DUI or Reckless driving (2015) offense in any court, the surcharge is added to his/her fine that is imposed by the judge in the case. Court clerks are responsible for collecting the surcharge and remitting it to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA). The GSCCCA then forwards the funds to the Georgia Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services (OTFS), where all of the money is credited to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund, a separate fund in the state treasury. OTFS is allowed by law to invest the Trust Fund moneys in the same way in which other moneys from the state treasury are invested.
Few Georgians understand the impact traumatic injury has on our state. We are delighted that you are interested in this story.
Goods and Services provided:
Georgians with a traumatic brain and/or spinal cord injury may apply to the Commission for goods and services that maximize independence and recovery, such as:
- Wheelchair
- Bathroom Modifications for Accessibility
- Physical Therapy
- Hand controls for a car/van
- Driver Evaluation post-injury
- Speech Therapy
- Adaptive computer
- Hospital bed
Since 2003 the Commission has awarded over $31,000,000 to 5,000+ individuals for their post-acute care and rehabilitation. This does not include the grants awarded to state organizations and rehabilitation camps for Georgians with traumatic brain injury.
Zero tax dollars are allocated to the BSITFC. The Commission’s sole source of funding is a 10% surcharge on Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Reckless Driving convictions.
The dramatic decline in DUI fine collection has resulted in a $12,000 lifetime award cap for each individual, although the lifetime cost of care can easily exceed $4,000,000.
| Process Year | DUI Total for Year | Reckless Driving | Surcharge Collections |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 41,819 | - | $1,933,528 |
| 2011 | 38,315 | - | $1,896,580 |
| 2021 | 19,575 | 13,629 | $1,611,604 |
| 2022 | 20,882 | 15,228 | $1,913,774 |
| 2023 | 21,770 | 16,003 | $1,867,202 |
| 2024 | 23,463 | 16,813 | $2,024,087 |
| 2025 | 22,627 | 17,334 | $2,087,947 |
Reckless driving surcharge began January 1, 2015.
Media inquiries
For other media questions, please contact: Craig Young, Executive Director at 1-888-233-5760.