How Much Does a DUI Cost in California?

September 18, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed

Driving under the influence (DUI) in California doesn’t just put lives at risk—it comes with significant financial, legal, and personal consequences. Even a first-time DUI offense can cost thousands of dollars, with long-term effects on your insurance, employment, and driving privileges.

Understanding the full scope of these costs is essential for anyone facing charges under California DUI laws. Here’s what you need to know about the true cost of a DUI

Overview of DUI Charges in California

Under California Vehicle Code § 23152, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle:

With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more
While under the influence of alcohol or drugs
With a BAC of 0.04% if you are a commercial driver
With any measurable BAC, if you are under 21

A DUI can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. Most first and second offenses are misdemeanors, but a DUI becomes a felony if it’s a fourth offense, involves injury, or occurs while the driver has a prior felony DUI on record.

The Base Costs of a First-Time DUI in California

A first-time DUI conviction in California can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $15,000 when all expenses are tallied. These include:

Fines and penalty assessments: The base fine is between $390 and $1,000. However, with penalty assessments and fees, the total court-imposed amount often exceeds $2,000.
DUI education program: California requires completion of a DUI education program, typically ranging from 3 to 9 months. Costs vary from $500 to $1,800.
License reinstatement: After a suspension, drivers must pay a fee to reinstate their license.
Towing and impound: If your car is towed, expect to pay $200 to $500.
Insurance premium increases: A DUI can double or triple your car insurance premiums for up to 10 years.

These costs quickly add up, showing that even a single DUI offense can severely impact your finances for years to come.

Additional Penalties That Increase Costs

Beyond the base fines, California imposes mandatory penalties and conditions that can further inflate the financial burden. These may include:

Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Even first-time offenders must install an IID in their vehicle for up to 6 months. Installation and monitoring can cost a significant amount, usually around $100, monthly.
Probation supervision fees: Misdemeanor probation may come with monitoring costs.
Alcohol treatment or counseling: Court-ordered treatment can cost several hundred dollars.
Lost wages: Time off work for court appearances, DUI school, or incarceration can add up quickly.

Each of these penalties contributes to the overall financial toll and can complicate your recovery process after a DUI conviction.

What If It’s a Second or Third DUI Offense?

California law imposes progressively harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenses. Each subsequent conviction increases both the required jail time and the overall financial burden—even though the base fines remain the same.

If you’re convicted of a second or third offense, you could be required to pay between $390 and $1,000 in fines. Although the base fine range does not increase with subsequent offenses, the mandatory jail time does.

Additionally, repeat offenders often face stricter probation terms, longer DUI program requirements, and license revocation periods—none of which are reflected in these base statutory fines.

Civil and Indirect Financial Consequences

The financial impact of a DUI goes beyond what the court imposes. Additional costs may include:

Higher insurance premiums: A DUI conviction typically results in a requirement to file an SR-22 form, leading to substantial insurance rate hikes
Employment-related consequences: Certain industries and roles may terminate or refuse employment based on a DUI record
Loss of professional licenses: Healthcare, legal, or commercial driver’s licenses may be suspended or revoked

These indirect consequences can affect your finances long after the legal process concludes.

DUI Accidents: When the Costs Get Even Higher

If a DUI results in injury or death, penalties increase significantly. The applicable fine depends on whether the driver has any prior DUI-related convictions. A first conviction for DUI causing injury carries a fine between $390 and $1,000. However, if the driver has a prior DUI or related offense within 10 years, the fine may be up to $5,000.

These cases may also result in court-ordered restitution to victims and expose the driver to civil lawsuits—adding another layer of long-term financial liability. In a civil suit, injured parties can seek both economic damages (such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage) and non-economic damages (including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life).

These awards can far exceed the fines imposed by the criminal court, particularly in cases involving serious or permanent injuries.

Can a Lawyer Help Lower the Cost of a DUI?

An experienced DUI attorney may be able to reduce your financial exposure by:

Negotiating for lesser charges, such as a wet reckless
Minimizing court-imposed fines and penalty enhancements
Representing you in DMV hearings to protect your driving privileges

While legal representation involves a fee, it can save thousands of dollars in long-term costs and penalties.

DUIs Cost More Than You Think

A DUI in California involves more than a simple fine. Statutory penalties, administrative fees, and long-term financial consequences can make even a first offense overwhelmingly expensive. With each repeat offense, the financial impact only grows.

Understanding these costs—and working with a knowledgeable attorney—can help you make informed decisions and reduce the long-term impact of a DUI conviction. To learn more and schedule a time to speak with a California DUI attorney, contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, today.

Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – San Jose Office
1625 The Alameda, Suite 405, San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 217-8818

Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Redwood City Office
600 Allerton St Suite 201G, Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 299-0500