How Much Is a DUI in South Carolina? 2026 Calculator

State-specific DUI cost estimates for South Carolina, including fines, attorney fees, SR-22 insurance, ignition interlock, and more.

Data verified May 2026

South Carolina DUI Cost Calculator

Enter your case details for a state-specific cost estimate.

How many prior DUI/DWI convictions do you have?

BAC Level0.10%
0.08%0.30%

Your blood alcohol concentration at time of arrest. If unknown, leave at 0.10.

Used to estimate lost wages during license suspension.

Accidents significantly increase fines, insurance costs, and the likelihood of felony charges.

CDL holders face additional federal consequences on top of state penalties.

Your South Carolina DUI 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

South Carolina DUI FAQ

How much does a DUI cost in South Carolina?

Attorney fees for a first-offense DUI in South Carolina typically run $2,500 to $10,000 on our estimates, and the fine is $400 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 $20,679 (range $11,132 to $32,130) with its default answers; the median of our 50 state estimates is $17,615.

How long is your license suspended for a first DUI in South Carolina?

A first-offense DUI conviction in South Carolina carries a license suspension of 180 days. A hardship or restricted license may be available during this period.

Is an ignition interlock device required in South Carolina for a first DUI?

Yes. South Carolina requires an ignition interlock device for 6 months following a first DUI conviction.

How long is SR-22 insurance required after a DUI in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires SR-22 high-risk insurance filing for 3 years following a DUI conviction.

Can a DUI be expunged in South Carolina?

South Carolina does not allow DUI 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.

South Carolina DUI figures this calculator uses

Fine, first DUI
$400 to $1,000
License suspension, first offense
180 days
Ignition interlock, first offense
6 months
SR-22 filing period
3 years
Attorney fees, first offense (estimate)
$2,500 to $10,000
License reinstatement fee (estimate)
$100 to $200

Statutory figures were checked against South 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):

CostTypical
Fines & Court Fees$1,300
Attorney Fees$6,250
Bail / Bond$150
DUI School / Alcohol Education$1,500
Ignition Interlock Device$775
SR-22 Insurance Premium Increase (3 years)$4,320
License Reinstatement Fee$150
Lost Wages (180-day suspension)$5,934
Towing & Impound$300
Estimated total (range $11,132 to $32,130)$20,679

Change the answers in the calculator above to see your own estimate.

On our estimates, a typical first-offense DUI in South Carolina comes to about $20,679, the 17th 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.

South Carolina DUI Overview

All South Carolina DUI Calculators & Laws →

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South Carolina SR-22 Insurance →South Carolina Attorney Cost →South Carolina Suspension Timeline →

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