What is the average DUI fine?

First-offense DUI fines range from $150 to $2,700 depending on the state and BAC level. Many states impose higher fines for BAC above 0.15%. Beyond fines, you'll face court costs, attorney fees, increased insurance premiums, and in some cases, mandatory DUI education programs that add another $500 to $2,000 to the total cost.

How long is a typical license suspension?

First-offense suspensions typically range from 30 days to 12 months. Some states offer a restricted license for work and medical appointments during the suspension period. A second offense within 5-10 years often triggers a much longer suspension, sometimes 2-3 years or more.

What's the difference between jail time and probation?

Jail time is incarceration; probation is supervised release in the community. Most first-time DUI offenders avoid jail (though it's possible), but nearly all face probation lasting 3-5 years. During probation, you must abstain from alcohol, submit to random testing, and may face home monitoring.

Do DUI penalties vary by BAC level?

Yes. A BAC between 0.08% and 0.14% usually carries the lowest first-offense penalty. BAC above 0.15% (aggravated DUI) triggers enhanced penalties in most states: higher fines, longer jail time, mandatory ignition interlock devices, and longer license suspension. Some states treat BAC above 0.20% even more severely.

What is an ignition interlock device?

An ignition interlock is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Most states require these devices for 6 months to 3 years after a first DUI conviction, at a cost of $60-$100 per month. You pay for installation, monitoring, and removal.

DUI Penalty Calculator by State 2026

A DUI conviction triggers penalties far beyond the breathalyzer reading. Fines, jail time, license suspension, mandatory education programs, ignition interlock devices, and skyrocketing insurance premiums can cost $10,000 to $25,000 even for a first offense.

The penalties shown below are for first-offense DUI in the listed state. A BAC above 0.15% or refusal to take a breathalyzer often trigger enhanced (aggravated) penalties. A second DUI within 5-10 years can double or triple the consequences. Most importantly: these penalties exist because drunk driving kills roughly 13,000 people every year in the United States alone.

First-Offense DUI Penalties by State

Select Your State

Fine Range

$250 – $1,000

Jail Time

Up to 180 days

License Suspension

6m-1y

⚠️ These are first-offense penalties. Repeat offenses carry significantly harsher penalties. Consult a local attorney for your state's specific laws.

Beyond the Fine: Hidden Costs of a DUI

Ignition Interlock Device

Most states mandate an ignition interlock for 6 months to 3 years after a DUI conviction. The device costs $60–$100 monthly, plus $100–$300 installation and removal. Over a 2-year period, expect to spend $1,500–$2,500. You blow into the device before starting your car; if it detects alcohol, the engine won't start. Many devices also require random "rolling retests" while driving.

Insurance Premiums

A DUI conviction will likely boost your auto insurance rates by 50–300% for at least 3–5 years. If your current premium is $1,200 per year, expect to pay an additional $600–$3,600 annually — totaling $3,000–$18,000 extra over five years. Some insurers will drop you entirely; you'll be forced into high-risk insurance pools with even higher rates.

DUI Education & Treatment Programs

Nearly all states require DUI education programs (8–12 hours typically) costing $300–$1,000. If your BAC was very high or you're a repeat offender, mandatory alcohol treatment programs can cost $500–$5,000 or more, sometimes spanning weeks or months.

Attorney & Court Fees

A DUI attorney costs $1,500–$5,000 depending on complexity and your location. Court fees, administrative costs, and probation supervision add another $500–$1,500. If your case goes to trial, costs can exceed $10,000.

Probation & Monitoring

Most DUI convictions include 3–5 years of probation. Probation supervision fees run $30–$100 monthly. Some jurisdictions impose electronic monitoring (ankle monitors) at additional cost. You may also face mandatory drug/alcohol testing at your own expense ($10–$25 per test).

Lost Wages & Job Impact

Between court dates, mandatory classes, and license suspension making commuting difficult, many DUI defendants lose significant work time. If your job requires a clean driving record (delivery, driving a company vehicle, commercial driving), a DUI can end your employment entirely. The lifetime career cost far exceeds the immediate legal penalties.

Real-World Total Cost of a DUI (First Offense)

Add it all up:

Fines: $600–$2,500
Attorney fees: $1,500–$5,000
Court/admin costs: $500–$1,500
Ignition interlock (2 years): $1,500–$2,500
Insurance increase (5 years): $3,000–$18,000
Education/treatment programs: $300–$5,000
Probation supervision: $1,000–$6,000
Lost wages & productivity: $2,000–$10,000+

Total: $10,400 to $48,500 for a first-offense DUI — and this doesn't include the emotional cost, relationship damage, or the fact that 13,000 people die from drunk driving every year.

What to Do If Arrested for DUI

If you are pulled over and suspected of drunk driving:

Stay calm and respectful. Do not argue or resist. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Do not answer questions about where you've been or how much you've drunk.
You can refuse a breathalyzer test, but most states impose an automatic license suspension (usually 1 year) for refusal. The trade-off is complex and varies by state. Consult an attorney immediately.
Do not perform field sobriety tests. The roadside tests (walk-and-turn, one-leg stand) are designed to fail and their results are admissible in court.
Request an attorney. Do this clearly and repeatedly. Once you invoke your right to counsel, police must stop questioning you.

Prevention: The Only Cost-Effective Solution

The average DUI costs $15,000–$25,000. The average ride-share home at 2 AM costs $15–$30. The math is not subtle. If you've been drinking, use our BAC Calculator to estimate your level, then call a rideshare, cab, or designated driver. Every decision to not drive drunk prevents legal costs, injury, and death.

If alcohol has become a concern, help is available. Call SAMHSA's free, confidential helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (24/7).

DUI Penalty Calculator