Updated: November 1, 2024
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Driving under the influence (DUI) is a dangerous mistake that could cost you. Even if you avoid a crash, you may be arrested and jailed. Further, your driver’s license could be suspended.
Expenses that come with a DUI can be huge. These may include fines, legal costs, and increased auto insurance rates.
Find out the real costs of a DUI, how you can prevent getting one or stop others from doing so and what you can do if you have a DUI on your driving record.
The Effects of DUI
DUI costs the country billions of dollars every year. It can also lead to substantial individual expenses or, in worse cases, death.
In 2020, 11,654 people were killed in accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers in the U.S. 1
Alcohol-related crashes cost the U.S. $44 billion every year.2
A DUI can cost between $10,000 and $25,000 for a first offense.3
Auto insurance cost increases related to a DUI may be as much as $40,000 over 13 years.4
Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to a charge given to an individual driving a vehicle while drunk or intoxicated. Certain states use the term driving while impaired (DWI), operating under the influence (OUI), operating while intoxicated (OWI) or operating a vehicle impaired (OVI).
Generally, these terms are often used interchangeably. However, operating has a broader definition. It refers to physically controlling a motor vehicle in motion or with an engine running. For instance, being in the driver's seat of a parked vehicle with the engine on while intoxicated could be considered OWI.
The FBI reported 443,715 DUI arrests in 2021. To earn a DUI, adult drivers typically need a minimum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% — the federal cutoff for DUI. This means the concentration of alcohol in your bloodstream.
People have different tolerances, so a lower BAC may impair some people. It's best to err on the side of caution and assume you've had too much to drink before getting behind a wheel after consuming alcohol.
Drinking and driving increases the risks of a crash, makes driving more dangerous for others on the road even if there isn't an accident and can cause pedestrian fatalities.
The USA Road Safety Monitor 2021 survey by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation USA, Inc. (TIRF) found that approximately 65% of U.S. drivers worry about alcohol-impaired driving because of these risks.
Drinking impairs your senses, reaction time and control.
The effects of intoxication vary depending on BAC levels. Though BAC is affected by several factors, such as weight, there are general rules to knowing what your BAC may be. A 0.02% BAC, or about one to two drinks, may alter your mood and prevent you from making good decisions. Your coordination, balance, speech, and reaction time can worsen at 0.08%, about four drinks. Blackouts are often experienced by individuals with at least a 0.20% BAC level. A 0.40% or higher BAC may cause sudden death or a coma.
Drinking under the influence increases the risk of a crash.
With impaired senses and loss of control, a person who drinks and drives is more at risk of getting in a car crash. In 2020, there were a total of 36,355 traffic fatalities. Of these, 11,654 involves alcohol-impaired driving. This shows a 14% increase compared to alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2019.
Drinking and driving can lead to death.
About 32 people die in drunk-driving crashes daily. That means one person is killed every 45 minutes due to a drunk-driving crash.
Impaired driving is a crime, and the consequences can go beyond injuries and car accidents. If you get arrested for a DUI, you may need to pay significant fines, lose your license, face higher auto insurance costs and experience other social punishments.
The severity of legal issues may vary depending on your history of DUI arrests and specific state laws.
Driver’s license suspension
In 48 states and the District of Columbia, a driver’s license may be confiscated by law enforcement on the driver’s first offense. This administrative license suspension may last for a certain period, including for life, depending on the number of offenses and other factors.
Imprisonment
A person caught drunk driving may go to jail. The possibility of imprisonment increases if you cause harm to another person or property. Your conviction will be on your criminal record if you are tried and found guilty. Other people, including future employers, may view this.
Fines and fees
Getting arrested for DUI comes with expenses. These vary per state. Typically, it includes court fees, fines, civil penalties and license reinstatement fees.
Social punishment
A DUI may affect your personal and social life. Causing harm to others can be a traumatic experience, perhaps resulting in PTSD or lifelong guilt. Additionally, having a conviction may affect how other people see you, including your loved ones.
Most charged with DUIs have not been in a car crash. Despite this, their lives can be turned upside-down.
The federal cutoff for BAC is 0.08%. However, states may have different BAC limits.
Under “zero tolerance” laws, teens can be arrested for 0.02% or less in many states. That’s because a 0.02% BAC is generally the lowest intoxication level affecting the body and brain.
Commercial drivers may get DUIs for a BAC of 0.04%.
Weaving, drifting across traffic lanes or showing other signs of impairment may get you pulled over and, if necessary, arrested even with a low BAC.
In many states, you can also get a DUI for driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana or cocaine.
In most states, DUI isn’t limited to drunk driving. It also covers other types of intoxication, including illegal drugs and some over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Many drugs can affect a person’s perception and judgment. Despite this, the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that more than 12.6 million individuals ages 16 and older drove under the influence of illicit drugs in 2020.
Marijuana is the most commonly used drug among individuals who committed drugged driving. While marijuana is legal for medical or recreational use in some states, driving under its influence is still illegal. Like some other legal medications, such as sleeping pills, it can affect your senses, alter your ability to focus, slow your reaction time and even cause hallucinations.
A DUI arrest comes at a price. You may have to pay fines, penalties and legal fees. Your auto insurance rates will increase. The total costs associated with a DUI conviction vary from state to state. Many incidents and factors may also affect the estimated costs.
On average, it can range from $5,000–$55,000 over time. This doesn’t include medical expenses.
Various expenses are involved in a DUI conviction. Actual costs may differ based on the case or when the charge goes to trial.
MoneyGeek breaks down some of the most common fees to give you an idea as to how much the total expenses would be if you get arrested for DUI.
Expense | Estimated Average Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
Court fines | $150–$1,800 but may vary | There will be court fees assessed |
Attorney fees | $1,500–$5,000 but rates vary by | You may need to hire an attorney. |
Bail | $100–$2,500 | You may need to post bail if arrested. |
Impound fee | $100–$1,200 | Since you can't drive if you're |
Other charges and fees | $310–$1,750 | In some cases, you may have fees |
Community service | $100 | A sentence of community service |
Driver responsibility fees | $1,000–$2,500 | Depending on the state, DUI |
Drug treatment | $1,000–$3,000 | Most DUI convictions carry a |
Ignition interlock device | $500–$1,500 | Many states require drivers |
DMV license reinstatement fee | $20–$200 | DUI offenders may have licenses |
Insurance increase | $1,000–$10,000 but can be as | No matter which company you use, |
Total Estimated Cost | $5,780–$29,550 |
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The costs provided in the table are based on estimates for a first-time offender. Actual costs may vary per person, state and reason for arrest beyond the DUI, like an accident versus questionable driving.
Drivers convicted of a second or third DUI may be charged higher costs. There may also be other hidden costs.
The impact of drunk driving affects the involved parties and the people around them. An expert shares a personal story about losing a loved one to drunk driving to give insight into the importance of DUI prevention.
"Dustin was an 18-year-old boy, and as his parents, we thought we taught him everything we knew he had to know — no drinking until age 21, no drinking and driving, and don't get in a car with a drunk driver.
But at age 18, he made a fatal mistake. He was seat-belted and sober, but he was in the backseat of a vehicle driven by someone who was impaired by alcohol and under the influence of drugs.
They went for a late-night pizza two miles away from the home they were staying at. The car she was driving went 70 mph in a 35-mph zone. The car ricocheted off trees and railings. I can't imagine what my son was going through. It then went over a cliff and into a river.
I wanted to know everything. Did he suffer? Was he alive? Was he aware? The doctor told me he drowned. My son didn't die from impact — he drowned after the impact. Dustin knew he was dying, submerged in a vehicle he couldn't get out of. He was six feet tall in the back seat of a two-door car, and he couldn't get out. He spent the last 10 minutes of his life alone, trying to escape. That is what I will never forget. He must have been so afraid. And I wasn't able to comfort him in his last minutes. That is one thing I'll never be able to change.
I went back to work fairly quickly, thinking that was what I needed. But a year down the road, the pain was so severe in my heart I would lay awake at night. I realized I needed to take time off.
Of course, the emotional impact is forever. You learn to live with it, but there's always the empty seat at Thanksgiving, the empty basket at Easter. You have to get through those hurdles every year.
We all have a role in resolving this societal issue. We have to stop being complacent. We need as many voices as possible advocating for change."
When you get arrested for a DUI, what happens next depends on the state, whether or not it’s your first offense and your BAC.
In most cases, you may need to secure a temporary driver’s license, proof of DUI program enrollment and proof of insurance. There may be additional requirements.
DUI is against the law and can lead to an arrest and conviction. Depending on the state where you got arrested, the laws may vary.
Typically, you’ll be taken to jail, get a day in court, have your license suspended, pay fines and be on probation or do community service.
If your DUI resulted in damage, injury or death, your penalties would probably be more severe.
After an arrest, you’ll likely go to jail or the nearest police station to get photographed and fingerprinted. Some states release DUI offenders upon payment of bail. Other states require jail time until a judge decides they can be released. It’s possible to fight a DUI charge. You’ll need to hire a lawyer if you plan on doing this.
You may receive a summons for a court appearance at which you'll enter a plea. To know the best course of action, hire an attorney. During the appearance, the court will present its evidence. Your punishment depends on state laws and the severity of your offense. You may be put under probation, serve community service or get jail time.
DUI arrest costs include court fines, attorney fees and other charges. You may also be charged for these if you cause property damage or bodily injuries. You can check your auto insurance policy to see if your insurer covers any expenses.
Law enforcement officers may confiscate your license. You may or may not be given a temporary license until a final judgment is made. However, your license may automatically be suspended if you refuse to provide a urine or blood sample or take a breathalyzer.
Getting convicted of a DUI can lead to the loss of driving privileges. The length of a driver’s license suspension depends on whether it’s your first offense and in what state you were arrested.
Expungement is the legal process to remove a criminal conviction from your permanent record. Having your records expunged means future employers or others may not be able to see you got a DUI conviction.
However, you aren't guaranteed an expungement if you go for one.
Laws for DUI expungement vary by state. The first thing to do is check if you qualify. Typically, a probationary component is required, and you must comply with the terms of your probation. Additionally, you can’t have pending criminal issues.
Pay all the fines and penalties ordered by the court before applying for expungement.
In most cases, a DUI offender is required to complete an alcohol or drug education program. You need to complete the program before you can proceed with expungement.
If you’re qualified to apply for expungement, file a petition. This may come with filing fees. A judge will review your petition and determine whether to deny or approve your request.
It’s also important to check the state’s laws on expungements. A certain period has to pass between the conviction and filing of a petition. Typically, a convicted DUI offender must wait at least a year.
You may want to hire an attorney to ensure all legal requirements are met.
Finding cheap car insurance after a DUI can be a bit challenging. That’s because auto insurance companies often consider those with DUIs to be of higher risk.
For instance, a driver with a clean record pays an average of $1,424 per year. Meanwhile, the average rate for someone with a DUI on record is $2,879 per year. That’s a $1,455 difference.
Typically, higher premiums remain as long as you have your DUI on your record. In most states, it takes about three to five years.
Plan on paying higher auto insurance rates for at least three years after your DUI. However, in some places, it can be five, ten or more.
You may lose eligibility for specific discounts, such as the good driver discount. Some insurance providers may decide not to renew your policy after a DUI.
Most states require DUI offenders to have SR-22 insurance. This refers to an addendum to your car insurance policy that certifies to the state Department of Motor Vehicle or an equivalent agency you have adequate insurance coverage.
You usually need to maintain the SR-22 certification for one to three years. If you let your insurance lapse during this time, your license will probably be suspended.
The insurance company can decide not to renew your policy and SR-22 during the three years, in which case you will need to find another company to insure you immediately.
SR-22 car insurance isn’t an insurance product. It’s a form proving that the policyholder’s auto insurance meets the state minimum requirements.
Below are some situations when a driver needs to have SR-22:
Shopping around for car insurance can help you get the best policy for your circumstances at a fair price. You may also check car insurance discounts that may be available to you.
After a DUI, consider shopping around and checking rates from different insurance providers. Doing this may help you find better rates than what you already have.
"Deductible" is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket when making a claim. Generally, a higher deductible can lower your insurance premiums. This may help in managing your monthly expenses.
Insurance companies may offer different discount opportunities. You can take advantage of these to lower your costs. Ask insurers what discounts are available in your area and check if you’re qualified to get them.
Determine if there are certain policy aspects you can remove. For instance, if you have an older car with low value, it may be wise to drop comprehensive insurance.
The consequences of getting a DUI can be severe. More than the expenses, it may also cause harm to you and others.
Below are some tips you need to take note of, especially after drinking alcohol.
No matter how much alcohol you’ve had, it’s best not to drive. While a BAC level below 0.08% may not be prohibited in your state, alcohol still affects your brain and body. You may not be as focused or alert.
One of the best ways to avoid a DUI is not to bring your car if you know you’ll be drinking. Instead, ride a bus, hail a taxi, take public transit or hire a rideshare service provider like Uber or Lyft.
If you’re going with friends or family, appoint a designated driver. This person shouldn’t drink.
Ask a friend or family member to let you spend the night. You may also book a hotel. Make sure you only drive once you’re sober.
If you notice a friend or family member trying to get behind the wheel after drinking, stop them by whatever means necessary. This can prevent them from getting a DUI and protect them against possible harm, or death.
Aside from being a responsible driver, you should also watch out for your friends and family. If you think they’re intoxicated, keep them off the road. Here are some strategies that can help:
Various organizations, groups and state safety officials conduct campaigns and programs to lower drunk driving cases. These efforts can help make drivers more informed and responsible.
Awareness of public safety groups and law enforcement agencies' different strategies can help. Here are some of those you may need to consider:
Teen drivers make up approximately 3.7% of drivers in the U.S. Aside from being inexperienced behind the wheel, teens are prone to speeding, distracted driving and alcohol or substance use.
Thus, many organizations, schools and state safety officials developed tools and materials to convince teens not to drive while intoxicated or get in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs.
All 50 states and Washington, D.C. passed "zero tolerance" laws making it illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system. Usually, this translates into a BAC of 0.02%. However, some states have a zero-tolerance BAC level of 0.00.
All states have an ignition interlock program. In 26 states, it’s required after the first offense. It’s mandatory for repeat offenders in 11 states. Meanwhile, this device is discretionary in two states.
These devices are installed in cars and measure alcohol on the driver's breath. If your BAC measures above a specific limit (usually 0.02 to 0.04, much lower than the legal limit), the car won't start.
The National Transportation Safety Board, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and others recommend the installation of ignition interlock devices after all DUI convictions.
In 48 states and Washington, D.C., your license will be suspended the first time you get a DUI. Usually, the suspension is from three to six months.
Most states allow limited driving privileges (for example, to get to work or school) after a limited period of complete suspension.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, 42 states and Washington, D.C. have laws that hold commercial liquor servers liable for any injury, death or damages caused by an alcohol-impaired driver. Meanwhile, 38 states have laws allowing social hosts who serve alcohol to people later involved in a crash to be held liable.
This means someone injured by an intoxicated guest on the road after your holiday cocktail party could sue you. That said, the laws regarding social hosts generally apply to people who serve alcohol to minors.
Many states use sobriety checkpoints wherein police may pull over vehicles to assess drivers for impairment. Currently, 38 states and Washington, D.C. have sobriety checkpoints as part of their efforts against alcohol-impaired driving.
"Research shows that conducting regular highly publicized sobriety checkpoints can be an effective deterrent to keep people from getting on the road drunk," says Russ Rader, spokesperson for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "It's a myth that these checkpoints have to involve a lot of manpower and are costly. They don't need to be to be effective."
Many states can put you in jail for up to a year for a first offense, though the sentence is usually lighter and can be waived in favor of community service. If there were aggravating circumstances — for example, a very high BAC, a car accident or the presence of a minor in the car — you are more likely to get jail time.
Through the years, there have been various technological advancements to help stamp out DUIs. Aside from driving technology that could help make driving easier and safer, mobile apps are available to help prevent drunk driving.
One example is the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), which aims to ensure alcohol detection technology becomes more accurate, affordable and reliable. The breath and touch systems under DADSS read a driver’s BAC level.
DADSS isn't the only technology out there to help stop drinking and driving. Here are five apps you can check out:
Various organizations, programs and agencies can help with DUI prevention. MoneyGeek lists down some relevant resources that you may find helpful.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
