The sequence and the bill

First DUI Offense: What Actually Happens

Every figure sourced and dated. Updated 2026-09-01.

A first DUI typically means a fine of $100 to $5,000, license suspension of 6 months to 1 year, mandatory classes, and often an interlock device. The all-in cost averages $10,000 to $25,000.

The part that outlasts the case

Insurance rises about 74%, roughly $4,500 to $7,500 over the surcharge years, and the conviction stays on your driving record 5 to 10 years. Back to DUI.

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Sources for every figure on this page

$10,000 to $25,000: FindLaw / DUIFinders 2026: all-in cost of an average first DUI (published estimate, retrieved 2026-09-01).
$100 to $5,000: BAC Levels 2026: first-offense fine range by state (published estimate, retrieved 2026-09-01).
74%: DUIFinders 2026: average car-insurance premium increase after a DUI conviction (published estimate, retrieved 2026-09-01).
$4,500 to $7,500: DUIFinders 2026: total surcharge over the typical 3-to-5-year penalty period (published estimate, retrieved 2026-09-01).
6 months to 1 year: BAC Levels 2026: typical first-offense license suspension (published estimate, retrieved 2026-09-01).
5 to 10 years: ConsumerShield 2026: driving-record duration in most states (permanent in eight, incl. Texas and Florida) (published estimate, retrieved 2026-09-01).