Driving under the influence (DUI) in Texas carries serious consequences, both legally and financially. Texas has some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the country, and a single DUI charge can significantly impact one’s life. Beyond the immediate fines, court fees, and legal representation costs, a DUI conviction can also lead to long-term expenses such as higher insurance premiums, mandatory education programs, probation fees, and even job-related challenges. Many individuals underestimate how quickly the costs can escalate, with some cases totaling tens of thousands of dollars over time.
Understanding the full cost of a DUI in Texas is critical for anyone who drives in the state. It’s not just about the initial fine; there are numerous hidden charges and ongoing expenses that follow a conviction. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 costs associated with a DUI in Texas, providing a detailed breakdown of the financial impact. Each listing highlights essential details including descriptions of the charges, typical cost ranges, and other important considerations that drivers should be aware of.
Top 20 Cost of a DUI in Texas
Below is a detailed breakdown of the top 20 costs associated with a DUI in Texas. Each expense plays a role in the overall financial burden faced by offenders.
1. Court Fines and Fees
Description: Court-imposed fines are the most immediate cost after a DUI conviction. These vary depending on whether it is a first, second, or third offense.
Typical Costs: A first offense can cost between $2,000 and $4,000. Repeat offenses can exceed $10,000 in fines alone.
Address/Contact: Local county court where the case is filed.
Services Involved: Payment of court fines, administrative fees, and state-mandated surcharges.
2. Bail Bond Fees
Description: After a DUI arrest, individuals may need to post bail to be released before trial. Bail amounts depend on prior offenses and the severity of the charge.
Typical Costs: Bail can range from $500 for first-time offenders to $10,000 or more for repeat offenses. Bail bondsmen typically charge 10–15% of the total bail amount.
Address/Contact: Local bail bond companies near the arresting county jail.
Services Involved: Bail posting, pre-trial release assistance.
3. Attorney Fees
Description: Legal representation is essential for defending a DUI charge. Attorney costs vary depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience.
Typical Costs: Defense attorneys usually charge between $3,000 and $15,000. High-profile cases can exceed $20,000.
Address/Contact: Local law firms specializing in criminal defense and DUI cases.
Services Involved: Court representation, negotiation with prosecutors, defense strategy, and case preparation.
4. Towing and Impound Fees
Description: If arrested for DUI, the vehicle is often impounded. This creates immediate expenses for towing and daily storage fees.
Typical Costs: Towing averages $150 to $300, while impound fees range from $20 to $50 per day.
Address/Contact: Local towing and impound facilities where vehicles are stored.
Services Involved: Vehicle towing, storage, and release processing.
5. Driver’s License Reinstatement Fees
Description: After a DUI conviction, a driver’s license is often suspended. To regain driving privileges, reinstatement fees must be paid to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Typical Costs: License reinstatement fees typically range from $100 to $300.
Address/Contact: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices.
Services Involved: License reinstatement, paperwork processing, and reinstatement of driving privileges.
6. Alcohol Education Programs
Description: Texas requires DUI offenders to complete alcohol education or intervention programs. These courses are mandatory and designed to reduce repeat offenses.
Typical Costs: Classes range from $70 for short courses to $300 for extended programs.
Address/Contact: State-approved alcohol education providers across Texas.
Services Involved: Classroom sessions, online modules, and completion certificates.
7. Ignition Interlock Device Installation
Description: Many DUI offenders are required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicles, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
Typical Costs: Installation costs around $75 to $150, while monthly maintenance fees average $60 to $100.
Address/Contact: Certified IID service providers in Texas.
Services Involved: Device installation, calibration, monitoring, and removal.
8. Probation Fees
Description: Probation is often assigned to DUI offenders instead of or in addition to jail time. This comes with monthly supervision fees.
Typical Costs: Probation fees range from $50 to $100 per month, often lasting 12 to 24 months.
Address/Contact: County probation offices.
Services Involved: Regular check-ins, drug and alcohol testing, compliance monitoring.
9. Community Service Costs
Description: Courts may require offenders to complete a set number of community service hours. While not a direct fine, there are indirect costs such as lost wages and travel expenses.
Typical Costs: While the service itself is unpaid, offenders may lose hundreds of dollars in work wages and transportation costs.
Address/Contact: Community service organizations and county probation offices.
Services Involved: Court-approved volunteer activities, supervision, and reporting.
10. Court-Ordered Drug and Alcohol Testing
Description: Regular testing may be required as part of probation or conditional release.
Typical Costs: Each test costs between $25 and $75, with frequent testing quickly adding up to thousands of dollars annually.
Address/Contact: Certified testing facilities and county probation offices.
Services Involved: Urinalysis, blood alcohol tests, and reporting to probation officers.
11. Increased Auto Insurance Premiums
Description: A DUI conviction significantly raises insurance rates, sometimes tripling premiums for years.
Typical Costs: Average increases of $1,000 to $3,000 annually for up to 10 years.
Address/Contact: Auto insurance providers across Texas.
Services Involved: Policy renewal, high-risk driver coverage, SR-22 filings.
12. SR-22 Insurance Requirement
Description: Texas requires drivers with a DUI conviction to obtain SR-22 insurance, which proves financial responsibility.
Typical Costs: Filing fees cost around $25, but the higher insurance premiums can add thousands of dollars over time.
Address/Contact: Insurance providers authorized to issue SR-22 certificates.
Services Involved: Filing and maintenance of SR-22 documentation.
13. Occupational Driver’s License Fees
Description: Some offenders may apply for an occupational driver’s license to drive legally during a suspension.
Typical Costs: Application fees cost $10 to $30, plus legal filing fees ranging from $500 to $1,500.
Address/Contact: Texas Department of Public Safety and county courts.
Services Involved: Processing, approval, and issuance of occupational licenses.
14. Court Costs and Administrative Fees
Description: Beyond fines, courts add numerous administrative charges to DUI cases.
Typical Costs: These range from $100 to $500 per case.
Address/Contact: Local county court clerks.
Services Involved: Filing, case processing, and record keeping.
15. Driver Responsibility Program Fees
Description: Although Texas phased out the old Driver Responsibility Program in 2019, certain surcharges and fees still apply to DUI-related cases under new legislation.
Typical Costs: Costs can range from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the conviction.
Address/Contact: Texas Department of Public Safety.
Services Involved: Payment processing and compliance reporting.
16. Transportation Costs Without a License
Description: A suspended license forces many offenders to rely on rideshares, taxis, or public transportation.
Typical Costs: Expenses can exceed $2,000 annually depending on distance traveled and frequency of use.
Address/Contact: Local transit services, rideshare companies, and taxi services.
Services Involved: Daily commuting and travel assistance.
17. Lost Wages from Jail Time
Description: Jail time for DUI convictions leads to lost income, which can be significant depending on employment.
Typical Costs: For an average worker, even a few weeks in jail can result in thousands of dollars in lost wages.
Address/Contact: Employer human resources departments.
Services Involved: Employment leave reporting and job reinstatement (if applicable).
18. Job Loss or Career Impact
Description: Many employers have strict policies regarding DUI convictions, especially for roles requiring driving or professional licenses.
Typical Costs: Long-term financial loss can amount to tens of thousands of dollars if employment is terminated.
Address/Contact: Employers, industry licensing boards.
Services Involved: Employment reviews, license renewals, and compliance checks.
19. Professional License Suspension
Description: Certain professions (teachers, healthcare workers, commercial drivers) risk losing licenses due to a DUI conviction.
Typical Costs: Financial losses include renewal fees, suspension penalties, and lost income during suspension periods.
Address/Contact: State licensing boards and regulatory agencies.
Services Involved: License reinstatement, disciplinary hearings, and professional compliance.
20. Long-Term Financial Burden
Description: Beyond direct costs, a DUI can damage credit, hinder loan approvals, and create ongoing financial strain.
Typical Costs: Indirect losses can total $20,000 to $50,000 over several years.
Address/Contact: Financial institutions and credit reporting agencies.
Services Involved: Loan applications, credit checks, and financial recovery planning
Conclusion
The true cost of a DUI in Texas extends far beyond the courtroom. From the moment of arrest to years after conviction, the expenses pile up in ways that affect nearly every aspect of life. The combination of court fines, legal fees, education programs, insurance hikes, and hidden costs like lost wages or career setbacks often leaves offenders paying tens of thousands of dollars.
More importantly, the financial burden is matched by personal and professional consequences. A DUI conviction doesn’t just drain wallets — it disrupts futures, alters career paths, and impacts families. For many, the financial hardship lasts far longer than the probation or suspension period.
In short, the cost of a DUI in Texas is a powerful reminder of why driving responsibly is not only the law but also the most financially sound decision. Avoiding impaired driving saves money, careers, and lives.