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February 11, 2020

Getting pulled over for a DUI may leave you with more questions than answers. If you do get charged with a DUI, what comes next? Just as important, how much does a DUI cost? Let’s take a quick look at many of the costs that add up to the actual cost of a DUI.

Legal Costs

The average cost of an attorney for a DUI costs about $1,900. That cost may vary drastically based on your location and how long it takes to achieve a resolution in your case. You will also face:

Fines. The fine for DUI varies significantly from state to state; however, depending on where you’re located, for a first DUI, you may pay between $150 and $2,000. For subsequent DUI charges, you may face penalties up to $5,000 for driving while intoxicated.

License reinstatement. Many people lose their licenses after a DUI. When you have your license reinstated, you’ll need to pay the license reinstatement fee. You may also need to pay a specific fee for a limited license that allows you to transport yourself to and from work or school following a DUI.

Court costs. Your court costs will vary based on the length of time it takes to try your claim. Sentencing fees may cost between $150 and $200, while probation fees can cost up to $1,200.

Your Auto Insurance

Depending on your state, after a DUI, you may face substantial increases in your auto insurance: between a 28% increase and a 371% increase in your current car insurance rates. How much your auto insurance increases may also depend on the company you use for your auto insurance, your driving record other than the DUI, and whether or not your DUI occurred due to an accident. Following a DUI, the average cost of car insurance rises to around $2,600.

Other Costs

When looking for answers to how much does a DUI cost, there are other expenses to consider. Your costs after a DUI do not end with legal fines and penalties, and the insurance increase that almost inevitably accompanies a DUI. You will also face expenses like:

An ignition interlock device. Following a DUI, the court may issue a limited license that allows you to drive yourself to and from work, to court-mandated activities, and the doctor or other specific locations. That limited license may also require the use of an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you drive regularly. You will face a regular monthly charge for the rental of an ignition interlock device for as long as you need to use it. The average cost for an ignition interlock device varies; each state has different pricing depending on regulations and requirements.

Lost work opportunities. If you drive for a living, a DUI can erase your ability to do that job. Even if you do not lose your license, your employer may not keep you on with a DUI on your record. You may also find it more challenging to get to some locations, especially if you do not have a limited license.

Public transportation. If you lose your license, you have to get around somehow. Buses, taxis, and Uber and Lyft all charge substantial amounts for their services, which can leave you struggling to manage your finances effectively. If you do not live in an area with a good public transportation system, the cost of taxis, Uber, and Lyft can all add up fast.

The cost of a DUI adds up in many areas of your life. With an ignition interlock device, however, you can often get back on the road more quickly, which can decrease some of your expenses and allow you to get yourself to work. At RoadGuard Interlock, we strive to provide you with an affordable solution so you can get through your ignition interlock requirement and get you back on the road. Contact us today for an estimate of the cost to install an ignition interlock device and how it can help you maintain your freedom after a DUI.

*Links to any third-party websites herein are provided for your reference and convenience only. RoadGuard Interlock did not create nor develop and does not own any such third-party websites. RoadGuard Interlock does not endorse nor support the content of, nor any opinions stated in any such third-party website links. RoadGuard Interlock is not responsible for the content of any third-party website or its accuracy or reliability. Nothing contained in this article or in any such third-party website shall be considered legal advice or be deemed to constitute legal advice. For any legal advice concerning a DUI arrest, charge, conviction, or consequences thereof, you should contact an attorney of your choice.