How Much a DWI Really Costs

How Handing Over the Keys can Save you Some Serious Dough

So you’ve been at a party and had a few drinks- you tell yourself and your friends you are “fine” to drive and hop behind the wheel. You just want to go home- and don’t want to worry about waiting for a cab. But before you put that key in the ignition- think about the consequences you may be facing. If risking your life and the lives of others isn’t enough to scare you away from the road- think about the financial burden.

A DWI can really take a toll on a person’s wallet. Oftentimes when drivers think of the costs involved with a DWI they think about the court fines and attorney costs. In reality, there is a lot more involved that can drive costs for a first time offender up to $20,000 or more.

Considering driving after drinking? Consider then, these costs…

$2,000- The average court fine for a DWI offense

$2,000- The average attorney’s fee for representing a DWI offender

$100- Towing Fee to have your car towed

$50- Fine to retrieve car from impound

$8400- Additional car insurance premium imposed for 3 years at $2800/year

$7,000- Additional car insurance increase that remain in affect for an additional 7 years at $1,000/year

$200- Drinking Driving Program Fee (court ordered)

$150- Required alcohol evaluation fee

$50- Conditional licensing fee imposed by DMV

$100- License reinstatement fee imposed by DMV
________

$16,950- Average Cost of a DWI

Sound like a lot of money? There are even more  costs that could be imposed depending on your situation.  For example, if you have to pay for additional transportation for the 6-12 months that you cannot drive.  Also, if you miss work because of no transportation, or because your employer finds out about your DWI and let’s you go- you also have to take loss of wages into account.

So, $16,950 or a $10 cab fare- what would you rather fork out?