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If you think impaired driving prevention is too costly, think again. Installing an ignition interlock device such as Cleared2Drive will only cost you about 5% of what a typical DUI or DWI arrest will cost you. See for yourself. . .
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) arrest costs a lot of money even if there is no accident. Most likely the DUI offender will be taken to jail; his car will be impounded; and he will have to go to drug court. The DUI offender will be hit with numerous other fines and fees as well, all of which will cost someone (either the DUI offender or you) a pretty penny.
ITEM |
COST DESCRIPTION |
FINAL COST |
Insurance |
High Risk Insurance for a mandated 3 years at $1500 per year |
$4,500 |
Legal Fees |
Uncontested plea and hardship driving permit |
$2,500 |
Court Costs |
Fine of up to $2500 and minimum court costs -$500. |
$3,000 |
Towing/Storage |
Typically no less than $100 for towing/$200 for storage |
$300 |
Income Loss |
Loss of 4 weeks total (court, remedial education classes, jail, community service, etc.) based upon a $40k per year income |
$4,000 |
Rehabilitation |
Remedial substance abuse and counseling classes |
$250 |
Drivers License Reinstatement |
$500 fee plus $20 for new license; $50 hearing fee |
$620 |
Breathalyzer |
If you live in a state that now MANDATES breathalyzers for all DUI offenders – this is a per year cost. |
$1500 |
TOTAL AVERAGE COST : |
$16,670 |
To find out what your state is doing in regard to fines and penalties associated with a DUI arrest, MADD has compiled a Progress Report for each state.
ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH A DUI CRASH |
Medical Treatment for a crash involving injuries or fatalities |
$100,000+ |
Compensatory damages awarded to crash survivors |
$10,000+ |
In-patient substance abuse programs |
$3,500+ |
Legal fees for jury trials and civil proceedings |
$5,000+ |
Driving under the influence is really much more expensive than you think, not to mention the emotional costs of shame and embarrassment. Remember, not all costs associated with a DUI or DWI has $$$ attached to it.
Because there are more than 2 million people injured and 17,000 killed each year because of DUI or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) incidents, physical costs are extremely likely. Your loved one might injure or even kill his or her self, not to mention innocent others because he or she chose to drive impaired. How will your loved one feel if he or she causes someone to be paralyzed or worse, kills someone? And, for young drivers, a felony DUI felony could keep them from achieving their goals and potential in life, even from getting into the college of their choice.
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