California DUI Costs (2026)
State-specific DUI cost calculators, law summaries, and guides for California.
Calculate your California DUI costOn our estimates, a typical first-offense DUI in California costs about $22,689, the 11th highest of the 50 states (median of our state estimates: $17,615). Use the calculators below for your own situation.
California DUI Key Facts
California DUI Calculators
California DUI FAQ
How much does a DUI cost in California?
Add up the fine ($390-$1,000), attorney fees (our estimate: $2,500-$10,000), insurance, ignition interlock, education, reinstatement and time off work, and our calculator puts a typical first-offense DUI in California at about $22,689, within a range of $11,812 to $36,635, using its default answers. Use the calculator for an estimate based on your own situation.
What is the legal DUI term in California?
California uses the term "DUI" for impaired driving offenses. The legal BAC limit is 0.08% for adults, with enhanced penalties at 0.15% BAC.
How long is your license suspended for a first DUI in California?
A first-offense DUI in California carries a license suspension of 180 days, and a second offense carries a license suspension of 2 years (730 days). Whether you can keep driving on a restricted license during that time is covered below.
Is an ignition interlock device required in California?
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. We estimate the monthly cost at about $80.
Does California require SR-22 insurance after a DUI?
Yes. California requires SR-22 high-risk insurance filing for 3 years following a DUI conviction. We estimate the typical premium increase at 75-165%.
When does a DUI become a felony in California?
In California, a DUI becomes a felony on the fourth offense within 10 years. Other factors, such as an injury, can also change how a case is charged; an attorney can tell you how they apply in California.
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. Our estimate of the cost to petition: $120-$1,500.
How long do you have to request a license hearing after a DUI arrest in California?
In California, you have 10 days from the arrest to request a hearing on your license (California DMV Driver Handbook and Fast Facts FFDL 26). The DMV's own pages also describe the 10 days as running from when you receive the notice (14 days from its date if it was mailed), so act from the date of the arrest to be safe. The notice you received at arrest gives the exact date.
How long does California have to charge you with a DUI?
In California, the state generally must file DUI charges within 1 year of the alleged offense. This deadline reflects a first-offense misdemeanor DUI; felony cases can carry a different filing window. If you are charged, an attorney can confirm how the deadline applies to your case.
Can you get a hardship or restricted license after a DUI in California?
California generally offers a hardship or restricted license that can let you keep driving for work, school, or treatment during part of a DUI suspension. Eligibility and conditions depend on your offense level and the court, so confirm the current rules for your situation.
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