How much does a DUI cost on average?

The average first-offense DUI costs $10,000–$25,000 in total when you include court fines, attorney fees, license reinstatement, DUI school, ignition interlock device rental, insurance premium increases over 3 years, and lost wages during license suspension.

How much does a DUI raise your insurance?

A DUI typically raises auto insurance premiums by 70–100% and the increase lasts 3–7 years depending on the state and insurer. At an average annual premium of $1,500, a DUI could add $1,050–$1,500 per year in insurance costs for 3–7 years, totaling $3,000–$10,500 in additional insurance spending.

Does hiring a DUI attorney save money?

Often yes. A DUI attorney costs $1,500–$5,000 upfront, but can potentially reduce a DUI charge to a lesser offense, avoiding years of insurance increases, extended IID requirements, and employment consequences. Many attorneys offer free consultations where they assess whether the charge can be challenged.

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DUI Cost Calculator

The Real Total Cost of a DUI (2026)

Alex Harmon·Updated June 2026·Reviewed for accuracy

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An attorney can often reduce total costs by challenging the BAC evidence, negotiating a lesser charge, or getting charges dismissed. Many offer free consultations.

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The Real Cost of a DUI: What Most People Don't Realize

When people think about the cost of a DUI, they think about the court fine — typically $500–$2,000 for a first offense. But that fine is often the smallest item on the total bill. The true cost of a DUI conviction, when you add up every expense over the following 3–5 years, averages $10,000–$25,000 for a first offense and can exceed $50,000 for a second.

    The $10,000 figure is well-documented. The California DMV, AAA, and multiple state attorneys general have published estimates of total first-DUI costs in the $10,000–$25,000 range. The variance depends heavily on whether you hire an attorney, your state's penalty structure, and how your insurance responds.
  

Court Fines and Fees

The statutory fine for a first DUI ranges from $150 (Wisconsin) to $6,250 (Oregon). But fines are only part of the court cost. Most states add mandatory assessments, surcharges, court administration fees, victim restitution funds, and DUI education program costs on top of the base fine. In California, a $390 base fine becomes $1,800–$2,600 after assessments. In Massachusetts, $500 in fines becomes $2,000+ with add-ons.

Attorney Fees

A private DUI attorney costs $1,500–$5,000 for a first offense, $3,000–$10,000 for a second. Public defenders are free but often overloaded. The strategic value of a private attorney is significant: they can challenge the traffic stop's legality, the breathalyzer's calibration records, the officer's certification, or negotiate a "wet reckless" plea that reduces insurance and employment consequences substantially. For many first-time offenders, especially those with BAC readings near the legal limit, an attorney often saves more than they cost.

Insurance Premium Increases

This is typically the largest single cost item. After a DUI, most insurers will not renew your policy — you'll be placed in the high-risk pool at rates 70–100% higher than before. At an average US premium of $1,500/year, that adds $1,050–$1,500 per year. The surcharge typically lasts 3–7 years depending on state law and insurer policy — meaning $3,000–$10,500 in additional insurance spending over the post-DUI period. Some states require SR-22 filing on top of this.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

Most states now require IID installation for first-offense DUIs. Installation costs $75–$200; monthly rental runs $70–$100/month. For a 12-month requirement, that's $910–$1,400. Some states require IID for 2–3 years on first offenses involving higher BAC levels, pushing this cost to $1,800–$3,800.

Hidden Costs Most People Miss

Beyond the direct expenses, a DUI creates several secondary costs that are harder to quantify but equally real. A DUI on your record affects background checks for employment — particularly for jobs involving driving, finance, healthcare, or security clearances. Professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, trucking CDL) can be revoked or suspended. Many rental car companies won't rent to people with recent DUI convictions. Canada has a formal process to deny entry to travelers with DUI records. And the social and psychological cost — stress, embarrassment, relationship strain — doesn't appear in any calculator but is real.

The simplest cost-avoidance strategy: Use the BAC Calculator before driving. It's free, takes 30 seconds, and the potential savings are $10,000–$50,000.