How Much Is a DUI in California? [Updated 2025]

If you were recently arrested for driving impaired, you might be asking, “How much is a DUI in California?” California has strict DUI laws, which became even tougher in 2025. Being charged with a DUI can have hefty consequences. We break down the new laws here.

California DUI Laws 2025

Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as driving impaired, means driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, certain prescription medications, or a combination of these. A DUI is a misdemeanor offense but can be elevated to a felony if there are certain aggravating factors or if it is a repeat offense. To determine if someone is driving under the influence, an officer will take a breathalyzer test at the scene. Illegal blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) are as follows:

• 08% or higher if you are over 21 years old
• 01% or higher if you are under 21 years old
• 01% or higher at any age for those on DUI probation
• 04% or higher if a commercial driver’s license is required for the vehicle you drive
• 04% or higher if you are driving a passenger for hire

As a California citizen, you automatically consent to a preliminary alcohol screen or PAS. If you refuse a blood, urine, or breath test, you can have your license suspended immediately or revoked.

In California, even though it is legal to use it in the state, it is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis. It is also illegal to drive with an open container of cannabis, whether as a driver or a passenger. If you have questions about cannabis-related DUI laws, speaking with an experienced DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options.

Penalties for DUI

Drivers who are lawfully stopped and charged with a DUI are likely to face jail time and fines. California laws include additional penalties if convicted. Some of these include:

• A three-month drug/alcohol program
• Having to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
• License suspension
• Filing an SR 22 with your insurance company

If it is your first DUI offense, you may have to serve up to six months in county jail and/or pay fines. If a minor was in the vehicle at the time of the incident, you may have to spend a mandatory 48 hours in jail. Penalties for DUI increase with each subsequent offense.

Cost of a DUI in California for 2025

Being arrested for a DUI can be very costly down the line. Even if it is your first offense, you may have to pay fines and fees to get your license reinstated. Additional out-of-pocket expenses can include:

• DUI fines for first offenders: $390 – $1,000
• DUI classes: $650
• License reinstatement fees
• Vehicle towing and impounding fees
• Daily impound fees for your vehicle

These are just the base fees for a DUI offense. Additional fees can include court fees such as bail and assessment fees. In the long term, your car insurance premiums may also increase as a result of a DUI conviction. While hiring an attorney can also add to the upfront cost, an experienced lawyer can help you lower both the short- and long-term expenses associated with a DUI.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

Besides the costs associated with a DUI, which increases after each offense, a DUI will remain on your permanent record for ten years from the time of the arrest. This can impact your ability to obtain certain employment, housing, and other opportunities. You can also be sentenced to jail time, which can be one year for your second offense and more for subsequent offenses.

Though hiring a lawyer also comes with fees and costs, it may pale in comparison to having a DUI on your record or having to serve time in jail and be subject to other penalties. Your lawyer can help negotiate your sentencing and fines as well as represent you in court.

FAQs

How Much Is a First Time DUI in California?

A first-time DUI in California may mean paying $390 – $1,000 in fines. Other costs that are associated with first-time DUIs are license reinstatement fees, court fees, impounding and towing fees, and fees for DUI educational programs. A DUI can also impact your ability to work in the short term, adding additional financial stress.

What Is the Penalty for DUI in California?

The penalty for a DUI in California depends on the offense. In general, a DUI offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or paying fines between $390 to $1,000. Second-time offenders can spend up to a year in jail and pay the same amount in fines. Other penalties include having your license revoked, being required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle, and being required to enroll in a DUI program.

Is It Worth Fighting a DUI in California?

Yes, it is worth fighting a DUI in California because a DUI not only comes with fines, fees, and jail time, but it may also show up on your permanent criminal record. Additionally, if you believe your arrest was unfair or the officer did not have probable cause to make the arrest and can prove your case, the DUI could be dismissed altogether.

How Long Do You Stay in Jail for a DUI in California?

Jail time for a DUI can vary greatly. If it is your first offense, your jail time may be minimal. If there was a minor in the vehicle, you could serve a mandatory 48 hours in jail. If your DUI led to an accident that resulted in someone dying, you may be charged with a felony with a penalty of up to life in prison.

Consult With Experienced DUI Lawyers

If you are arrested for a DUI, you should contact a lawyer immediately. Waiting to contact a lawyer to represent you could mean spending more time in jail or paying additional fines. At TMG Law Firm, we have a long history of representing clients charged with DUIs. We believe that everyone deserves quality representation, no matter the mistakes or accusations. Contact us today for a consultation and to weigh your options.