DUI / DWI Cost Calculator
A first DUI/DWI conviction costs $10,000–$25,000 over 5 years once court fines, attorney, insurance hike, ignition interlock, and lost income are added. Calculate yours.
| Court fines + fees | — |
| Attorney fees | — |
| License suspension cost | — |
| Ignition interlock (1–3 years) | — |
| Insurance increase (5 years) | — |
| Alcohol education / community service | — |
| Total 5-year cost | — |
A DUI/DWI conviction is one of the most expensive single events in personal finance. A first-time DUI costs $10,000–$15,000 over 5 years; a second offense $15,000–$30,000; felony DUI can exceed $50,000 not counting potential jail wages lost. The fine itself is a small fraction — insurance hikes, ignition interlock, and license-related costs dominate.
Cost Components
Court fines: $500–$5,000 first offense; double or more for second. Attorney: $2,000–$15,000 depending on plea vs trial. License suspension costs: reinstatement fees, occupational license, ride-shares. Ignition interlock device (IID): $1,000–$3,000 annually. Insurance hike: 2–3× premium for 3–5 years. Alcohol education: $300–$1,200.
The Insurance Cliff
After a DUI, auto insurance typically jumps 80–150% for the first 3 years and slowly normalizes. The SR-22 filing requirement (proof of financial responsibility) is mandatory in most states for 3 years; carrying it doubles or triples premium independently of the DUI hike itself. Some carriers will not insure DUI drivers and force you into the assigned-risk pool.
Hidden Career Cost
DUI is a criminal conviction in most states. Jobs requiring clean MVR (delivery, sales, federal contracting), professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate), and security clearances can be lost. CDL holders face permanent CDL disqualification even for first offense. Background check disclosure required for most professional applications.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: NHTSA Impaired Driving, MADD State Statistics.