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Traffic & DUI — All 50 States

Traffic & DUI Cost Calculators

A DUI or serious traffic violation costs far more than the initial fine. Our calculators show the true total cost including attorney fees, insurance increases, court surcharges, and ignition interlock requirements for every US state.

Quick Answer

A first-offense DUI costs $10,000 to $25,000 over three years when all costs are included. Speeding ticket base fines range from $50 to $500, but surcharges often double the total. License suspension reinstatement fees run $100 to $500. SR-22 insurance filing adds $300 to $800/year for 2 to 3 years.

Real statutory data
All 51 jurisdictions
3-year total cost
4 Traffic & DUI Calculators
DUI Cost Calculator
Full 3-year cost by state
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Speeding Ticket
Fines, points & insurance
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Reckless Driving
Total charge cost by state
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License Suspension
Reinstatement & SR-22
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All Calculators

Traffic & DUI Cost Tools

Each calculator uses verified statutory data for your state. The DUI calculator covers the full 3-year cost — not just the fine. Enter your details for an instant estimate.

DUI Cost Calculator

Total 3-year cost of a first-offense DUI by state: court fines, attorney fees, DUI school, license reinstatement, ignition interlock device if required, and auto insurance rate increases. Covers all 51 jurisdictions with real statutory fine data and average attorney cost ranges.
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Speeding Ticket Calculator

Find exact speeding ticket fines, court costs, license points, and insurance rate impact by state and speed over the limit. Includes mandatory surcharges, assessments, and traffic school eligibility. California, New York, Texas, and Florida data verified against DMV schedules.
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Reckless Driving Cost Calculator

Total cost of a reckless driving charge by state: court fines, attorney fees, license points, and long-term insurance impact. Compare reckless driving versus DUI costs side by side. Includes wet reckless plea deal cost estimate for states where it is available.
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License Suspension Cost Calculator

Estimate total costs of a license suspension by state: DMV reinstatement fees, SR-22 insurance filing requirements and premium increase, ignition interlock device costs, and hardship license fees. Covers suspensions from DUI, points accumulation, and failure to pay fines.
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The Real Cost of a DUI — Beyond the Fine

Most people arrested for a DUI focus on the court fine, which ranges from $500 to $2,500 for a first offense. That number is deceptive. The fine is typically the smallest component of the total cost. Attorney fees run $1,500 to $5,000 for a standard first-offense case that does not go to trial. Mandatory DUI education programs add $300 to $1,500. If your state requires an ignition interlock device, plan on $950 to $1,400 per year for the rental and maintenance.

The largest cost is almost always the insurance increase. Auto insurers treat a DUI as a high-risk indicator and raise rates by 50 to 100 percent or more, starting at your next renewal and continuing for three to five years. On an $1,800 annual premium, a 75 percent increase adds over $4,000 over three years. Some insurers cancel your policy entirely and require you to obtain SR-22 high-risk coverage, which carries even higher premiums.

Before hiring a DUI attorney, knowing the total cost range for your state gives you a realistic picture of what you face. A first-offense DUI in Oregon typically costs $15,000 to $22,000 over three years. The same charge in a state with no mandatory IID and lower fine schedules may cost $8,000 to $12,000. These calculators give you your state's actual numbers in under a minute. Learn how we verify our data.

Before retaining a DUI attorney, understanding the likely cost range gives you a significant negotiating advantage. Knowing whether your total exposure is $10,000 or $20,000 changes the conversation about how much to invest in legal defense. These calculators give you that number in 30 seconds, for free.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a first-offense DUI cost in total?+
A first-offense DUI typically costs $10,000 to $25,000 over three years when all costs are included: court fines ($500-$2,500), attorney fees ($1,500-$5,000), DUI school ($300-$1,500), license reinstatement ($100-$500), ignition interlock device if required ($950-$1,400/year), and auto insurance increases of $1,500-$3,500/year for three or more years.
Which state has the most expensive DUI?+
Oregon and Arizona consistently rank as the most expensive states for a first-offense DUI. Oregon has the highest statutory maximum fine at $6,250, plus mandatory 12-month IID. Arizona has mandatory minimum jail time and one of the strictest enforcement regimes in the country. Total costs in both states frequently exceed $20,000 for a first offense.
Can a DUI be reduced to a lesser charge?+
Yes. First-time DUI offenders without aggravating factors may qualify for a plea to wet reckless, which carries lower fines, no mandatory IID, shorter license suspension, and significantly lower insurance impact. Prosecutors are more likely to offer reductions when BAC was near the legal limit, no accident occurred, and the defendant has no prior record. An attorney is typically necessary to negotiate this outcome.
How much is a speeding ticket?+
Speeding ticket fines vary by state and speed over the limit. Base fines typically range from $50 to $500, but court costs, assessments, and surcharges often double or triple the base fine. California adds a state penalty assessment of $26 for every $10 of base fine. New York adds mandatory surcharges of $88 to $93 on top of base fines.
How long does a DUI stay on your record?+
A DUI stays on your criminal record permanently unless expunged, which is not available in all states. On your DMV driving record, DUIs typically remain for 5 to 10 years depending on state. For insurance purposes, most insurers look back 3 to 5 years, though some use a 7-year lookback period for rating purposes. States with lifetime lookback for repeat offenses include Colorado, Illinois, and several others.
What is an SR-22 and how long do I need it?+
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the state to verify you carry the minimum required coverage. It is required after a DUI, license suspension, or driving without insurance. Most states require SR-22 for two to three years. If your policy lapses during the SR-22 period, your insurer notifies the state immediately and your license is suspended again. SR-22 typically increases premiums by $300 to $800 per year above post-DUI rates.
Will a DUI raise my insurance rates?+
Yes, significantly. A DUI conviction typically raises auto insurance premiums by 50 to 100 percent or more for three to five years. In some cases your current insurer may cancel your policy and you will need high-risk SR-22 insurance, which carries even higher premiums. On an $1,800 annual premium, a 75 percent increase adds $4,050 over three years.
What is reckless driving vs a DUI?+
Reckless driving (also called wet reckless when alcohol is involved) is a lesser charge than DUI. It typically carries lower fines, no mandatory IID, shorter license suspension, and significantly lower insurance impact. Prosecutors sometimes offer a reckless driving plea to first-time DUI offenders with no aggravating factors. However, in states with lifetime DUI lookback periods, a wet reckless still counts as a prior offense.
Can I drive after a DUI if I install an ignition interlock device?+
In most states, yes. Installing an IID allows you to obtain a restricted or hardship license during your suspension period so you can drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Some states like California and Illinois require IID installation as a condition of any driving during the full suspension period. The device requires a clean breath sample before the engine starts and periodic rolling retests while driving.
How do I fight a speeding ticket?+
To fight a speeding ticket: request a court date before the deadline, gather evidence (dashcam footage, GPS data, photos of signage), and appear in court. Common defenses include calibration errors in the radar or lidar device, obstructed speed limit signs, or necessity. In many states, simply requesting a hearing results in a reduction or dismissal. An attorney can often negotiate a no-point violation even without a full defense.
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