April 10 2009
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?














