California DUI Cost Calculator (No DWAI Charge) 2026
California has no lesser DWAI charge to compare against, so this is the full cost of a single DUI charge: fines, attorney fees, SR-22 insurance, ignition interlock where required, and lost wages.
Your California 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
California DUI FAQ
How much does a DUI cost in California?
Attorney fees for a first-offense DUI in California typically run $2,500 to $10,000 on our estimates, and the fine is $390 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 $22,689 (range $11,812 to $36,635) 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 California?
A first-offense DUI conviction in California 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 California for a first DUI?
Not for a first offense. In California a first-offense interlock is optional: a court may order one for up to six months, but the statute makes it one of three options.
How long is SR-22 insurance required after a DUI in California?
California requires SR-22 high-risk insurance filing for 3 years following a DUI conviction.
Can a DUI be expunged in California?
California allows DUI expungement under certain conditions, typically after a waiting period of 1 year following completion of your sentence.
California DUI figures this calculator uses
- Lesser impaired-driving charge (DWAI)
- None in this state
- Fine, first DUI
- $390 to $1,000
Statutory figures were checked against California 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 (bac level at arrest: 0.09%; approximate annual income: $25,000 - $50,000):
| Cost | Typical |
|---|---|
| DUI Conviction - Estimated Total Cost | $22,314 |
| Estimated total (range $15,620 to $33,471) | $22,314 |
Change the answers in the calculator above to see your own estimate.
On our estimates, a typical first-offense DUI in California comes to about $22,689, the 11th 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.
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