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 convictions 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) above 0.08% is a misdemeanor in California. The punishment is harsh:
Pay between $390 and $1,000 in fines
Spend between 48 hours (1st offense) and three years (4th+ offense) in jail
Suspended license 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 fees.
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 lawyer 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 $125 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). 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 program. It costs $1,055 plus any extra fees (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 $14,880 in lost wages.
And what if your license is suspended for months? You won't be able to apply for some good-paying jobs 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 $21. Since the average resident drives 23.7 miles 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 insurance isn't cheap, but DUIs make it worse. On average, drivers pay $5,506 per year for full coverage 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 record. 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 years. 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 deaths 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 course. You'll learn the rules of the road at your own pace, including how driving intoxicated is dangerous (and expensive).
Updated 3/28/24