Cost of a DUI in Texas (2025)

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most serious offenses a driver can face in Texas. Beyond the immediate legal consequences, the financial burden of a DUI conviction can be overwhelming. From court fines and attorney fees to higher insurance premiums and the long-term impact on employment, the cost of a DUI in Texas extends far beyond the initial arrest.

This article provides a comprehensive, fact-based breakdown of the real expenses involved with a DUI conviction in Texas. Whether you’re researching for personal reasons or to better understand state laws, this guide will give you a clear picture of what a DUI really costs in Texas.


Cost of a DUI in Texas

The cost of a DUI in Texas varies depending on the severity of the offense, prior convictions, and whether any aggravating factors (such as accidents, injuries, or having a child passenger) are involved. However, even a first offense can be financially devastating.

Here’s a breakdown of the primary costs associated with a DUI conviction in Texas:

  • Court fines: Base fines set by Texas law.
  • Attorney fees: Defense lawyers’ rates vary widely.
  • Court and administrative fees: Costs for probation, court filings, and license reinstatement.
  • Ignition interlock device (IID): Often required for repeat or aggravated offenses.
  • Alcohol education programs: Mandatory for most DUI convictions.
  • Increased insurance premiums: Can last years after conviction.
  • Indirect costs: Loss of employment, time in jail, and future background check implications.

Quick Reference Table: Estimated DUI Costs in Texas

Expense Category First Offense (Approx.) Repeat Offense (Approx.) Notes
Court Fines $2,000 max Up to $10,000 Depends on offense severity and prior history
Attorney Fees $3,000 – $10,000 $5,000 – $20,000 Varies by lawyer experience and case complexity
Court & Administrative Fees $500 – $1,000 $1,000 – $2,500 Includes probation, court costs, reinstatement
Ignition Interlock Device $70 – $150/month $70 – $150/month Installation $70–$200, required for repeat/aggravated offenses
Alcohol Education Programs $70 – $185 $185+ Mandatory completion required
License Suspension Costs $125 reinstatement fee $125 reinstatement fee Plus potential surcharges
Increased Insurance Premiums $5,000 – $15,000 (3 yrs) $10,000+ (3–5 yrs) Insurance rates can double or triple
Indirect Costs (job loss, etc) Varies widely Higher risk Industry-dependent, background checks affected

On average, a first-time DUI in Texas can cost $9,000–$24,000, while a repeat offense can climb to $20,000–$40,000+ when all factors are considered.


Court Fines

Texas law imposes strict penalties for DUI (legally referred to as DWI—Driving While Intoxicated). Court fines depend on the number of offenses:

  • First Offense: Up to $2,000 fine
  • Second Offense: Up to $4,000 fine
  • Third Offense: Up to $10,000 fine

These are the statutory fines only. They do not include court costs, probation fees, or other legal surcharges that add up quickly.


Attorney Fees

Hiring an attorney is one of the largest upfront expenses. In Texas, DUI attorneys typically charge between $3,000 and $10,000 for first offenses, depending on the complexity of the case. More serious cases with aggravating factors, such as accidents or injuries, can run much higher, often between $15,000 and $20,000 for repeat offenders.

Although some defendants attempt to represent themselves or rely on public defenders, the risks are extremely high. Court systems in Texas treat DUI cases with utmost seriousness, and experienced legal representation is often the difference between reduced charges and maximum penalties.


Court and Administrative Fees

Beyond fines and attorney costs, defendants face multiple court and administrative fees, which may include:

  • Court costs (averaging $300–$500)
  • Probation supervision fees ($60–$100 per month)
  • Alcohol monitoring devices (if required)
  • Driver license reinstatement fee ($125)

For many defendants, these fees total between $500 and $2,500, depending on the case.


Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Costs

Texas law requires an ignition interlock device for repeat DUI offenders and in certain aggravated first offenses (such as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or higher).

Typical IID costs include:

  • Installation: $70 – $200
  • Monthly Monitoring Fee: $70 – $150
  • Removal Fee: $50 – $150

Over a year, this adds $1,000–$2,000 in additional expenses.


Alcohol Education Programs

Convicted drivers are required to complete a state-approved alcohol education program. These vary depending on offense severity:

  • First Offense DWI Education Program: 12 hours, $70 – $185
  • Repeat Offender Program: 32 hours, usually $185+
  • DWI Intervention Programs: For serious/repeat offenders, costs can be higher

Failure to complete these courses typically results in extended license suspension.


Driver’s License Suspension and Reinstatement

A DUI conviction in Texas almost always results in a license suspension:

  • First Offense: 90 days to 1 year
  • Second Offense: 180 days to 2 years
  • Third Offense: 2 years

To reinstate a license, offenders must pay a $125 reinstatement fee. In some cases, Texas also imposes annual surcharges under the Driver Responsibility Program, though these have been reformed in recent years.

The indirect costs of losing a license—such as relying on ridesharing, taxis, or losing access to work opportunities—can be significant.


Increased Insurance Premiums

Perhaps the longest-lasting financial burden of a DUI in Texas comes from increased car insurance premiums.

  • First Offense: Premiums can double or triple, costing an extra $5,000–$15,000 over three years.
  • Repeat Offenses: Premiums skyrocket, often $10,000+ over several years.

Texas also requires SR-22 insurance certification for DUI offenders, which further increases premiums.


Indirect Costs of a DUI

While fines and fees are the most obvious costs, the hidden costs of a DUI in Texas can be even more damaging:

  • Employment consequences: Loss of professional licenses, inability to drive to work, job termination for certain industries (e.g., commercial drivers, healthcare, law enforcement).
  • Criminal record: A permanent DUI conviction can show up on background checks, reducing career and housing opportunities.
  • Time costs: Court dates, probation check-ins, community service, and jail time lead to lost income and productivity.
  • Reputation damage: Social and personal consequences may also indirectly impact financial well-being.

Why a DUI Costs More in Texas Than People Expect

The true cost of a DUI in Texas often surprises defendants because they initially focus on the statutory fine. However, when combined with legal fees, license suspensions, and insurance increases, the actual amount is 5 to 10 times higher than the fine itself.

For example, a first-time offender who pays a $2,000 court fine may ultimately spend $15,000 or more after factoring in hidden expenses.


In the first half of this guide, we broke down the direct and hidden costs of a DUI in Texas, including fines, attorney fees, court costs, and insurance. Now, let’s dive deeper into how costs escalate with repeat offenses, how aggravated circumstances change penalties, and the long-term personal and financial consequences. We’ll also explore practical insights on minimizing these costs if you or someone you know is facing a DUI charge.


Repeat DUI Offenses in Texas

Texas law is particularly harsh on repeat DUI offenders. Each conviction not only adds new fines and fees but also increases penalties from prior offenses.

Second Offense DUI

  • Fines: Up to $4,000
  • Jail Time: 30 days to 1 year (mandatory minimum of 72 hours)
  • License Suspension: 180 days to 2 years
  • Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory installation
  • Probation: Often required, with monthly supervision costs

The financial impact of a second offense DUI in Texas is often between $20,000–$30,000 when factoring in lost wages, higher attorney fees, and insurance.

Third Offense DUI

  • Fines: Up to $10,000
  • Jail/Prison Time: 2–10 years in state prison
  • License Suspension: Up to 2 years
  • Felony Record: A third DUI is a felony in Texas, with life-long consequences

For a third or subsequent offense, the costs skyrocket. Not only are direct legal costs higher, but having a felony record affects nearly every aspect of life, from employment and housing to credit opportunities. Financially, these cases can easily surpass $40,000–$50,000.


Aggravating Circumstances That Increase Costs

Even a first DUI in Texas can carry much higher penalties if aggravating circumstances are involved. Some of the most common include:

  • High BAC (Blood Alcohol Content): A BAC of 0.15% or higher doubles the potential fines and increases jail time.
  • Child Passenger: Driving drunk with a child passenger under 15 years old is a state jail felony, carrying up to a $10,000 fine and 2 years in jail.
  • Accidents and Injuries: If intoxicated driving causes an accident that results in serious injury or death, charges escalate to intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter—both felonies.

In these cases, costs extend far beyond fines. Defendants may face civil lawsuits from victims, exponentially increasing financial exposure. Settlements or court-ordered damages can easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.


Long-Term Financial Consequences

While most people focus on the immediate financial costs of a DUI, the long-term impact is often more damaging.

Employment and Career Impact

  • Job Loss: Many employers terminate employees convicted of a DUI, especially in industries requiring driving or high trust.
  • Professional Licensing: Nurses, teachers, pilots, attorneys, and others may face disciplinary action from licensing boards.
  • Background Checks: Employers almost always see DUI convictions on background reports.

Housing and Credit

  • Landlords often run background checks, making it harder to secure rentals.
  • Insurance premiums beyond auto—such as life or health insurance—may rise with a criminal record.

Educational Opportunities

  • College students with DUIs may lose scholarships or eligibility for certain programs.
  • Some study abroad or internship programs deny applicants with criminal convictions.

Over time, the true cost of a DUI in Texas may amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars when factoring in lost opportunities.


Community Supervision, Probation, and Related Costs

For many DUI offenders, Texas courts impose community supervision (probation) instead of, or in addition to, jail time. Probation may sound like a cost-saving alternative, but it comes with its own financial obligations:

  • Monthly Supervision Fees: $60–$100
  • Drug/Alcohol Testing Fees: $20–$100 per test
  • Community Service: While unpaid, it requires taking time away from work
  • Mandatory Classes: Additional education programs may be required

Probation periods can last 6 months to 2 years, meaning total costs often exceed several thousand dollars.


Comparing DUI Costs in Texas to Other States

While Texas is not the absolute most expensive state for DUI convictions, its combination of steep fines, long license suspensions, and mandatory interlock devices makes it one of the costlier states overall.

  • Texas: $9,000–$24,000 (first offense)
  • California: $10,000–$20,000 (first offense)
  • New York: $8,000–$15,000 (first offense)
  • Florida: $8,000–$20,000 (first offense)

Texas ranks high because of its insurance penalties and aggressive use of ignition interlock devices.


Can You Reduce the Cost of a DUI in Texas?

While no one can avoid the financial impact completely, there are strategies to reduce costs:

  • Hire a Skilled Attorney: While expensive upfront, a strong defense may reduce charges or penalties, saving money in the long run.
  • Negotiate Plea Deals: In some cases, attorneys can negotiate reduced charges (such as reckless driving).
  • Comply with Court Orders Promptly: Delaying classes, fees, or paperwork often results in extra fines and penalties.
  • Consider Alternative Transportation: Selling a vehicle and avoiding insurance costs may save money if a license suspension is long-term.

It’s important to note that ignoring court orders or failing probation conditions will only increase costs dramatically.


Average Total DUI Cost Scenarios in Texas

To make the financial picture clearer, let’s look at example cost breakdowns:

First Offense DUI – Average Scenario

  • Fine: $1,500
  • Attorney Fees: $5,000
  • Court Costs & Probation: $1,200
  • Alcohol Education Program: $150
  • License Reinstatement: $125
  • Insurance Premium Increase (3 years): $7,500

Total Estimated Cost: $15,475

Second Offense DUI – Average Scenario

  • Fine: $3,000
  • Attorney Fees: $10,000
  • Court Costs & Probation: $2,000
  • Ignition Interlock Device: $1,200
  • Alcohol Education Program: $185
  • Insurance Premium Increase (5 years): $12,000

Total Estimated Cost: $28,385

Aggravated DUI with Accident

  • Fine: $10,000
  • Attorney Fees: $20,000
  • Court Costs & Probation: $3,000
  • Ignition Interlock Device: $2,000
  • Restitution to Victim: $50,000+
  • Insurance Premium Increase (5 years): $15,000

Total Estimated Cost: $100,000+


Why Understanding DUI Costs Matters

Many people mistakenly assume a DUI is simply a fine and a few court dates. In reality, it’s a life-altering financial burden. By understanding the full scope of costs, drivers in Texas can:

  • Make informed decisions about legal defense.
  • Recognize the financial risks of impaired driving.
  • Take preventive action to avoid repeat offenses.

The cost of a DUI is far higher than the cost of alternatives like ridesharing, taxis, or designated drivers.