How Much Does a DUI in California Really Cost?

What will a DUI cost you besides an unflattering mugshot? For California residents, getting behind the wheel drunk or high can cost well over $15,000. It's easy to see how: drivers have to pay fines, court costs, reinstatement fees, education fees, state penalties, and so much more.

And yet intoxicated drivers are still hitting the road in the Golden State. According to the latest statistics, there were 92,979 DUI convictionsDmv Research Reports Research Development Data Dashboards Dui Management Information System Dashboards Dui Convictions Portal in the state in 2019. Is it worth it? Let's take a look at the real cost of driving drunk or high in California.

Cost of California DUI Fines

Driving with any drugs in your system or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC)Know The Law On Alcohol And Drug Tests Safe Driving above 0.08% is a misdemeanor in California. The punishment is harshFaces Codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&division=11.5.&title=&part=&chapter=2.&article=2 Leginfo.legislature.ca.gov:

• Pay between $390 and $1,000 in fines

• Spend between 48 hours (1st offense) and three years (4th+ offense) in jail

• Suspended licenseCalifornia Suspended License Dmv for four months (1st offense) to one year (2nd+ offense)

That's a steep price to pay for having even just a couple of drinks, but there's more.

10 Hidden Costs of a California DUI

Often, drivers forget they can't just pay a fine and move on. DUI convictions carry thousands of dollars in hidden costs.

1. Court, County, and State Fees

For starters, there are court, county, and state fees. They cost more than the base fine. For example, if you're issued a $390 fine, you may also have to pay $1,634 just in feesHandouts Crimjust 2021 Criminal Fine And Fee System Overview 051321.pdf Lao.ca.gov.

2. Lawyer Fees

Very few DUI cases ever go to court. The ones that do end up being extremely expensive. On average, you can expect to pay $1,000-$5,000 to hire a lawyerHealth Agency Behavioral Health All Behavioral Health Services Drug And Alcohol Services Driving Under The Influence Programs 73bb70fba7bd4f1e27fdb0ad604fa2c9 DepartmentsHealth Agency Behavioral Health All Behavioral Health Services Drug And Alcohol Services Driving Under The Influence Programs 73bb70fba7bd4f1e27fdb0ad604fa2c9 Departments to fight the charge.

3. Reinstatement Fee

Having a suspended license is tough. Fortunately, you can apply for a restricted license so you can still get around. That will cost you $125Uploads 2020 06 1st_Offender_Alcohol_Non Injury.pdf Portal in fees.

But that's not all. The court will give you a list of things to do before you can get behind the wheel.

4. Ignition Interlock Device

For example, the court may tell you to get an ignition interlock device (IID)Driver Education And Safety Educational Materials Fast Facts Ignition Interlock Devices Ffdl 31 Portal. This gadget costs around $100 per month, and it works like a breathalyzer: you blow into the mouthpiece to start the engine. If your BAC is too high, your vehicle won't start.

5. Driver Improvement Programs

You may also have to enroll in a driver education course. For example, in San Luis Obispo, DUI first offenders join a three-month programHealth Agency Behavioral Health Drug Alcohol Services Services Driving Under The Influence Programs First Offender Program.aspx Departments. It costs $1,055 plus any extra feesHealth Agency Behavioral Health All Behavioral Health Services Drug And Alcohol Services Driving Under The Influence Programs 73bb70fba7bd4f1e27fdb0ad604fa2c9 DepartmentsHealth Agency Behavioral Health All Behavioral Health Services Drug And Alcohol Services Driving Under The Influence Programs 73bb70fba7bd4f1e27fdb0ad604fa2c9 Departments (like randomized urine screenings or processing fees).

6. Lost Wages

DUIs could also seriously affect your earnings. Say you have to spend six months in jail. Because you won't be able to work, you'll miss out on at least $14,880California in lost wages.

And what if your license is suspended for months? You won't be able to apply for some good-paying jobs5 Types Jobs Teens Drivers License Blog that require having a car.

Plus, if a bus doesn't run on schedule or your ride falls through at the last minute, you might arrive late to work or not be able to pick up all the shifts you need. Your paycheck will take a hit.

7. Transportation Costs

Many people end up relying on ride-hailing apps when they can't drive, but the costs add up quickly. In San Diego, for example, a six-mile trip with Uber costs $21Cost Uber Around World Blog. Since the average resident drives 23.7 milesFiles Webform Pc Meetings San_diego_commute_times_similar_to_national_average_ _san_diego_stats.pdf?sandread=cbd4972066f47bc4 System per day, they end up having to pay $80 daily just to get around — or $1,600 per month.

8. Expensive Auto Insurance Premiums

California auto insuranceAverage Cost Of Car Insurance California Blog isn't cheap, but DUIs make it worse. On average, drivers pay $5,506 per yearCar Average Cost Of Car Insurance In California #how Does Driving Record Impact The Cost Of Car Insurance In California Insurance for full coverageAuto Insurance Guide Safe Driving after a DUI conviction. That's a 140% price hike!

9. 10-Year Criminal Record

DUIs are a big deal, so they stay on a person's criminal and driving recordHow To Check Your Driving Record Blog. Employers, landlords, banks, and insurance companies can all see your past convictions. That means you could have trouble finding a job, housing, and loans for 10 yearsHandbook California Driver Handbook Alcohol And Drugs Portal. Not to mention you'll likely be stuck paying expensive premiums for a decade, too.

10. Human Cost

What about the human cost? Sadly, DUIs injure and kill a lot of people every year. In 2020, 48% of all traffic deathsDmv Research Reports Research Development Data Dashboards Dui Management Information System Dashboards Dui Summary Statistics Portal involved DUIs — both alcohol- and drug-related — in California. Those deaths could have been prevented.

Earn Your Independence in California and Keep It

Being a responsible driver means not getting behind the wheel drunk or high. It's your responsibility to keep yourself and those around you safe. It all starts with enrolling in a state-approved driver's ed courseCalifornia Drivers Ed. You'll learn the rules of the road at your own pace, including how driving intoxicated is dangerous (and expensive).