How Much Does a DUI Really Cost? A Full Breakdown

Last updated: 2026-10-25 · Reviewed against its sources 2026-10-25

A DUI arrest almost always costs more than the fine shown in the charging document. Court fines are just one layer. Attorney fees, DMV reinstatement, SR-22 insurance, ignition interlock, DUI school, and lost wages stack on top — often reaching $10,000–$25,000 for a first offense and $15,000–$40,000 for a second.

Layer 1 — Court fines and fees

The headline fine on a first-offense DUI typically runs $390–$1,000 before add-ons. But California, for example, adds penalty assessments that can multiply the base fine by 3–4×. A "$390 fine" in California commonly becomes $1,800–$2,700 once all assessments are applied. Many states also charge a separate license reinstatement fee ($100–$500) paid directly to the DMV.

Common court-imposed costs:

• Base fine: $390–$2,000 (varies by state and BAC level)
• State and local penalty assessments: 1–4× the base fine
• DUI school / MADD Victim Impact Panel: $150–$500
• Victim restitution fund: $50–$200
• Probation supervision fee (if applicable): $600–$1,200/year

Layer 2 — Attorney fees

Most first-offense DUI attorneys charge $1,500–$5,000. A contested case with a DMV hearing, expert witnesses, or elevated BAC typically runs $3,000–$8,000. Second offenses and felony DUI cases (accident with injury, third offense, high BAC) regularly exceed $10,000 in attorney fees alone. Representing yourself is legal, but the consequences of a conviction — especially on the insurance side — make counsel cost-effective for most people.

Layer 3 — SR-22 insurance surcharge

After a DUI, your insurer will likely cancel your policy or non-renew it. When you shop for new coverage, you must file an SR-22 (or FR-44 in Florida and Virginia) — a certificate proving minimum liability coverage. The SR-22 filing itself costs $25–$50, but the real cost is the premium increase. Drivers with a DUI pay on average 70–100% more for auto insurance than a clean-record driver. On a $1,800/year policy, that is an extra $1,260–$1,800 per year, typically for 3–5 years. Total SR-22 impact: $3,800–$9,000 over the required period.

Layer 4 — Ignition interlock device (IID)

Most states now require an ignition interlock device on the vehicle of any convicted DUI driver, even for a first offense. Costs break down as:

• Installation: $70–$150 (one time)
• Monthly lease/calibration: $60–$80/month
• Removal: $50–$100
• Typical requirement period: 6–12 months (first offense), 2–3 years (second)

Total IID cost, first offense: $430–$1,110. Second offense: $1,490–$3,010.

Layer 5 — Lost income and indirect costs

If your license is suspended (typically 90 days to 1 year), you may lose income from missed work days or require rideshare to commute. Commercial drivers — CDL holders — face disqualification for 1 year on a first offense and permanent disqualification on a second, making the income impact potentially career-ending. Even non-commercial drivers commonly lose $500–$3,000 in wages during the suspension period.

Other indirect costs that are easy to miss:

• Towing and vehicle impound: $200–$1,200
• Bail bond (if held overnight): $500–$1,500
• Drug/alcohol evaluation: $150–$300
• Treatment program (if ordered): $1,000–$5,000

First vs. second offense: summary comparison

Felony DUI

A DUI becomes a felony when it involves a death or serious bodily injury, a third or subsequent conviction within a lookback period (commonly 7–10 years), or a child passenger in the vehicle. Felony DUIs carry significantly higher fines (up to $5,000–$10,000 in many states), mandatory jail or prison time, and substantially higher attorney fees ($10,000–$50,000+). A felony conviction also affects employment, housing, and firearm rights, creating costs that extend far beyond the criminal case.

How to use the DUI cost calculator

The DUI cost calculator on this site takes your state, offense number, BAC level, and whether you had a CDL to estimate your likely total cost. The output is an estimate — your actual figure depends on your attorney, your insurer's rate increase, and your specific sentence — but it provides a realistic range for planning purposes.