DUI Total Cost Calculator 2026

Sources & Methodology

Last reviewed: April 2026

The True Cost of a DUI — Every Component Explained

A DUI is the most expensive traffic offense in the United States. Most people focus on the initial fine and miss the full picture: a first-offense DUI in a mid-cost state typically costs between $12,000 and $20,000 when all components are tallied over the 3 to 7 year period that consequences play out. Understanding every cost component before or during a case helps with budgeting, decision-making about legal strategy, and understanding what you are facing.

Cost Component 1 — Attorney Fees (Largest Upfront Cost)

Attorney fees are the largest immediate out-of-pocket expense and vary by location, attorney experience, and case complexity. A first-offense plea agreement in a small market costs $1,500 to $3,000. A first-offense contested case in a major metro costs $5,000 to $10,000. For a case going to trial, $10,000 to $25,000 is typical. Hiring a competent DUI attorney often saves money overall — an attorney may be able to reduce charges, negotiate a lower sentence, or avoid mandatory IID requirements, which saves thousands in downstream costs.

Cost Component 2 — Court Fines and Penalties

The base fine for a first DUI ranges from $250 to $1,000, but this understates the actual amount paid. States pile on mandatory penalty assessments, court security fees, criminal justice construction fees, DUI fund contributions, and other surcharges that multiply the base fine. In California, a $390 base fine becomes approximately $1,800 to $2,800 after all penalty assessments. In other states, the total court costs including fees run $700 to $2,500 for a first offense.

Cost Component 3 — Auto Insurance (Largest Long-Term Cost)

The auto insurance premium increase is almost always the largest single DUI cost over the full timeline. A DUI typically triggers a 50% to 150% rate increase, and in some states the insurer cancels the policy entirely, forcing entry into the high-risk non-standard market. The surcharge period lasts 3 to 7 years depending on state law and the insurer's internal underwriting guidelines.

Cost Component 4 — Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

Most states now mandate ignition interlock devices after a first DUI conviction, regardless of BAC level. The IID requires a breath sample before the car starts and periodic rolling retests while driving. Costs include: installation ($70 to $200 one-time), monthly device rental ($60 to $100 per month), monthly monitoring/calibration fee ($20 to $50 per month). For a 12-month requirement, total IID cost runs $1,000 to $1,800. Low-income exemption programs exist in some states — ask your attorney.

Cost Component 5 — Hidden and Often-Missed Costs

The costs most people forget to include in a DUI estimate:

• Lost wages: Court appearances, DMV hearings, community service, and possible jail days each mean time away from work — typically 3 to 10 days total for a first offense.
• DUI education program: Mandatory in most states, costing $250 to $800 depending on hours required (first offense: 12 to 30 hours; second offense: 18 to 60 hours).
• Tow and impound fees: Vehicle is typically towed at arrest. Storage runs $30 to $75 per day. Total tow and impound cost: $200 to $1,500 if retrieval is delayed.
• SCRAM bracelet (some cases): Continuous alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet for pretrial release — $100 to $300 per month.
• Probation supervision fees: $25 to $100 per month for 1 to 3 years of informal probation — total $300 to $3,600.
• SR-22 filing fee: $15 to $50 per year paid to insurer — minor but required for 3 years in most states.
• Employment consequences: Jobs requiring driving (commercial, delivery, ride-share) may be affected. Professional licenses (nursing, law, teaching) may require disclosure. Employment consequences are impossible to quantify but real.

First vs Second vs Third Offense DUI — Cost Comparison