November 25, 2025
A DUI in California is far more expensive than most people realize, with total costs often reaching $10,000–$20,000+ for a first offense. Expenses begin immediately with towing, impound fees, booking, and possible bail. Court fines and penalty assessments typically add $2,000–$4,000, while mandatory DUI programs range from $300 to $3,000+ depending on severity. The largest long-term cost comes from insurance increases, which can add $10,000–$40,000 over several years.
Drivers may also face DMV reinstatement fees, ignition of interlock device expenses, missed work, and career or licensing impacts. Costs rise even higher if an accident or injury is involved. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney can help reduce penalties, protect your license, and prevent unnecessary financial damage.
A DUI in California isn’t just a ticket or a quick court appearance. It creates a chain reaction that affects your wallet, your time, and sometimes your career. Many people expect a fine and maybe a DUI school. What they don’t expect is a bill that easily grows to $10,000–$20,000+, even for a first offense.
If you’re trying to understand the real cost of a DUI in California, from towing to insurance hikes to long-term consequences, this guide walks you through every major expense. You’ll also learn how some costs can be reduced or avoided with the right steps.
For a quick overview, here’s what a typical first-time DUI often adds up to in California:
Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco often fall toward the higher end of these ranges due to higher impound fees and cost-of-living factors.
The financial impact begins the moment your vehicle is towed, and you’re booked at the station.
Depending on the county and arrest details, bail for a first DUI often lands between $2,500 and $10,000. If the court releases you on your own recognizance, you may dodge bail, but booking fees still apply. These typically range from $150–$250 for fingerprinting and processing.
The tow truck fee usually falls between $100 and $300. What stings is the daily storage charge, which often ranges from $40 to $70 per day and in major cities, it can be even higher. Many drivers don’t retrieve their cars immediately, so a simple tow can quickly turn into a $500–$1,000 surprise.
California fines start at $390, but penalty assessments multiply the base amount by 3–5 times. By the time state and county fees get added, you’re looking at $2,000–$4,000 in court for fines for most first-time cases.
California stacks multiple assessments on a DUI conviction, which explains why that $390 fine turns several thousand dollars.
Expect charges for:
These aren’t optional, and they vary slightly by county. Los Angeles and San Diego, for example, typically assess at the higher end of the ranges.
If the court orders probation which is standard, you may also face:
Probation usually lasts 3–5 years, so these costs can accumulate if supervision is required.
The DMV process runs separately from the court. You may face:
Most people don’t realize they must request a DMV hearing within 10 days to fight the automatic suspension.
California requires DUI education for anyone convicted. Costs depend on the length of the program:
Programs must be paid out-of-pocket, and attendance is mandatory for reinstating your license.
Courts often require participants to attend:
These fees are small individually but contribute to the total financial burden.
Some DUI schools offer payment plans or reduced rates if you qualify. It’s worth asking, as not all providers advertise these options clearly.
For many drivers, insurance is the single most expensive part of a DUI.
Most drivers see premiums increase by 50–200%. In California, that often means jumping from around $1,700 per year to $4,000–$6,000 per year. And this higher rate can last 3–10 years, depending on the insurer.
You’ll need an SR-22 proof of financial responsibility to reinstate your license. The filing itself costs only $25–$50, but the high-risk status triggers the insurance spike.
If your premiums rise by $3,000 per year over five years, that’s $15,000 in added costs. Some drivers accumulate more than $40,000 in extra insurance expenses over a decade.
California’s SB 1046 expanded IID use across the state.
Depending on the case:
Typical expenses include:
Over a year, the cost often totals $800–$1,500+.
If the court imposes alcohol monitoring—such as random testing or an ankle monitor expect:
These vary widely but can add hundreds of dollars over the term.
Court dates, DMV hearings, DUI school, and possible jail time all mean missed work. If your job is sensitive to attendance, the financial hit grows quickly.
Gig workers, nurses, teachers, rideshare drivers, and commercial drivers often feel this loss the hardest.
Certain fields require reporting a DUI, including:
Even jobs that don’t require a license sometimes run background checks that flag a DUI.
Some countries restrict entry after a DUI. Landlords may also factor it into screening.
Stress from a DUI case often leads people to seek therapy or counseling. At $100–$200 per session, this adds quickly.
If the DUI include property damage or injury, costs rise dramatically.
You may have to pay restitution for:
These costs often exceed criminal fines by a wide margin.
Penalties for a DUI with injury include:
A first-time misdemeanor DUI case typically costs less than a felony DUI or an accident case. Some lawyers charge a flat fee; others bill hourly depending on complexity.
A knowledgeable DUI lawyer can:
Often, good legal representation pays for itself through reduced penalties.
You can’t erase the arrest, but you can ease the financial pain.
Courts sometimes allow:
Requesting a DMV hearing within 10 days can keep your driving privileges intact. This helps avoid lost income and expensive rideshare costs.
Both IID providers and DUI schools may offer discounted rates or payment plans.
Early involvement from a lawyer improves your chances of:
Imagine a driver in Los Angeles gets arrested for a first-time DUI with a .10 BAC:
Total: $16,130
This breakdown shows how much snowball costs even in a standard first-offense case.
A DUI in California brings more financial fallout than most people expect. But knowing where the costs come from and where they can be reduced gives you a better shot at protecting your future. Acting quickly, staying organized, and getting the right legal help often makes the biggest difference.
If you’re facing a DUI charge, DefendCA is here to guide you through the process, protect your license, and help you avoid unnecessary penalties. Take the first step today by contacting our team for a consultation so you can move forward with confidence.
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