DUI costs drivers big time
Driving while under the influence is dangerous and potentially deadly. And driving while intoxicated also hits drivers in the pocketbook. A DUI charge is warranted when a driver’s blood alcohol content tests over the legal limit of 0.08 for all states in the United States except for Utah, where the limit is 0.05.
According to the alcohol monitoring company BACtrack®, a DUI can cost upwards of $20,000 or more, even if property damage has not occurred. While every DUI is different, various factors contribute to the price drivers ultimately pay.
These include bail, attorney fees, court fines and costs, probation, and DMV fees. A state’s department of motor vehicles will charge to reinstate a license if it has been suspended or restricted. One also can face transportation costs, like public transportation and taxis. According to Canada’s Department of Justice, impaired driving carries a mandatory $1,000 fine and maximum 10 years imprisonment on the first offense.
On a second offense, there is a minimum 30-day imprisonment to maximum 10 years imprisonment. A third offense includes mandatory minimum 120 days imprisonment and up to 10 years imprisonment. Both the U.S. and Canada fine drivers charged with DUI.
Of course, the most serious cost incurred driving under the influence is the cost to human life, which can be a very real possibility if driving drunk or under the influence of drugs.
Learn more about state DUI laws by visiting dui.drivinglaws.org/resources/state-dui-laws.htm.
