According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes each day, equating to one person every 39 minutes. In 2022 alone, 13,524 people lost their lives in alcohol-impaired traffic deaths.
Being intoxicated while behind the wheel is irresponsible and potentially fatal for others, including the driver. Driving drunk can result in DUI/DWI arrests and can cost drivers thousands of dollars on average. Understanding the comprehensive financial implications of DUI is crucial for individuals to make informed decisions and take preventive measures to avoid such costly consequences.
What is DUI/DWI?
A DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated) refers to criminal driving offenses resulting in hefty fines and penalties against the offender’s driving record. This could include thousands of dollars in legal fees, increased car insurance costs, court appearances, and even jail time.
DUI/DWIs may refer to driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, or other drugs. If a driver is pulled over for suspicion of DUI, an individual caught driving with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08 or higher can be arrested. Some states, such as Utah, have legal limits as low as .05 BAC or zero-tolerance policies. In fact, individuals can be arrested for DUI/DWI on a boat, electric scooter/moped, and even a bike.
In most states, arrested offenders may be required to spend time in jail for days or months, depending on the severity of the case. DUIs are an egregious offense and often require a lawyer to represent the offender.
The Financial Costs of DUI/DWI
DUI/DWI convictions can have a significant financial toll, often resulting in substantial fines, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums. The average cost of a DUI can vary from $6,500 – $13,500 or more. Though every case is different, depending on the location and circumstances of the offense, the financial costs can vary.
The list below outlines some estimated costs and expenses of DUI/DWI and possible additional fees.
- Depending on the state where the DUI occurred and if it is a first-time misdemeanor, bail can range from $500 – $2,500
- Legal representation can vary case by case but is estimated to be around $1,500 – $5,000
- Court fines may include:
- Jail time ($10 – $300)
- Sentencing fees ($100 – $250)
- Probation fees ($200 – $1,200)
- Often, offenders will have to attend mandatory alcohol education classes, which can cost around $300 – $1,000+
- Offenders may also be assigned to alcohol monitoring devices or court-ordered testing, which may include:
- Car breathalyzer/Ignition interlock device (IID) ($60 – $90 monthly, plus installation and calibration fees)
- Remote handheld breathalyzer device ($10 – $20 daily, plus fees)
- Alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet ($13 – $16 daily, plus fees)
- In-office testing ($20 – $40 per visit)
- Other possible costs a driver could incur include:
- Car towing/impounding ($100 – $1,200)
- Hospital bills resulting from injuries ($100 – thousands of dollars)
- Additional legal action against the driver if other individuals were injured or killed (hundreds – thousands of dollars)
Beyond the initial legal costs and fines, which can quickly amount to thousands of dollars, individuals convicted of DUI/DWI often face heightened insurance rates, mandatory alcohol education programs and alcohol testing, and potential loss of employment opportunities.
Personal Costs of DUI/DWI
A DUI/DWI conviction not only has financial impacts but can also have profound personal implications that may affect many aspects of the offender’s life. According to the American Judicial System, receiving a DUI can negatively impact a person’s mental health, including “the initial shock, anxiety, feelings of shame, guilt, the social stigma, and isolation.”
In most cases, the driver’s license will be suspended potentially causing even more stress and obstacles with transportation and maintaining employment. However, those convicted of DUI/DWI can find positive ways to cope with the mental toll, including therapy and strong support systems.
Choosing to never drink and drive and finding alternative safe rides home is the first step to avoiding these burdens and keeping the roads and other drivers safe.