Drinking and Driving is Very, Very Expensive!!

According to people who know (lawyers, police and the Auto club), the average costs for a 1^st offense drunken-driving case are:

• Minimum fine: $ 390
• Penalty Assessment: $ 666
• State Restitution Fund: $ 100
• Alcohol-Abuse Education Fund: $ 50
• Blood or Breath-Testing Fee: $ 37
• Jail Cite-and-Release Fee: $ 10
• Driving/Alcohol-Awareness School: $ 375
• (16 weeks minimum)
• License Reissue Fee: $ 100
• Attorney Fees (average): $ 2,500
• Auto Insurance Increase: $ 3,600 - $6,600
• (The Auto Club estimates $2,200 a year for 3 years)
• Total $ 7,828 - $ 10,828

Notice that this does not include any costs for lost pay, personal injuries, medical costs, vehicle damage or additional penalties for causing a crash while drinking.

Source: Reported in the Orange County Register, January 7, 1996. "Street Smarts" Column, written by Jeff Collins.

This page is http://www.maddorangecounty.org/cost.htm 

Page updated: August 13, 2005

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