How Much Is a DWI in North Carolina? 2026 Calculator
State-specific DWI cost estimates for North Carolina, including fines, attorney fees, SR-22 insurance, ignition interlock, and more.
Your North Carolina DWI estimate will appear here
Answer the questions and press the button. You will get a low, typical and high figure, with each cost listed on its own line.
- Uses this state's own fines, suspension and interlock rules
- Market costs such as attorney fees are labelled as estimates
- Free, and nothing to sign up for
North Carolina DWI FAQ
How much does a DWI cost in North Carolina?
Attorney fees for a first-offense DWI in North Carolina typically run $1,500 to $5,000 on our estimates, and the fine is $200 to $1,000 before court costs. Adding insurance, interlock, education, reinstatement and lost time from work, our calculator puts a typical first offense at about $23,105 (range $10,968 to $38,097) with its default answers; the median of our 50 state estimates is $17,615.
How long is your license suspended for a first DWI in North Carolina?
A first-offense DWI conviction in North Carolina carries a license suspension of 1 year (365 days). A hardship or restricted license may be available during this period.
Is an ignition interlock device required in North Carolina for a first DWI?
In some cases. North Carolina requires an interlock for a first offense only at a BAC of 0.15% or higher. When it applies, it lasts 12 months.
How long is SR-22 insurance required after a DWI in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires SR-22 high-risk insurance filing for 3 years following a DWI conviction.
Can a DWI be expunged in North Carolina?
North Carolina does not allow DWI convictions to be expunged. Some states have other ways to limit who can see a record, such as sealing, which this site does not cover yet.
North Carolina DWI figures this calculator uses
- Fine, first DWI
- $200 to $1,000
- License suspension, first offense
- 1 year (365 days)
- Ignition interlock, first offense
- 12 months (at BAC 0.15%+)
- SR-22 filing period
- 3 years
- Attorney fees, first offense (estimate)
- $1,500 to $5,000
- License reinstatement fee (estimate)
- $167 to $217
Statutory figures were checked against North Carolina law (primary source) and last verified May 2026. Typical ranges are market estimates, not law; see our methodology.
Worked example
With the calculator's default answers (offense number: First offense; bac level at arrest: 0.10%; approximate annual income: $25,000 - $50,000; accident involved?: No accident; commercial driver (cdl)?: No - standard license):
| Cost | Typical |
|---|---|
| Fines & Court Fees | $850 |
| Attorney Fees | $3,250 |
| Bail / Bond | $150 |
| DWI School / Alcohol Education | $380 |
| SR-22 Insurance Premium Increase (3 years) | $6,000 |
| License Reinstatement Fee | $192 |
| Lost Wages (365-day suspension) | $12,033 |
| Towing & Impound | $250 |
| Estimated total (range $10,968 to $38,097) | $23,105 |
Change the answers in the calculator above to see your own estimate.
On our estimates, a typical first-offense DWI in North Carolina comes to about $23,105, the 9th highest of the 50 states. The median of our 50 state estimates is $17,615. These come from the total-cost calculator with its default answers, not from a national survey.
North Carolina DWI Overview
All North Carolina DWI Calculators & Laws →Related Calculators
North Carolina SR-22 Insurance →North Carolina Attorney Cost →North Carolina Suspension Timeline →Related Guide
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