Utah DUI fines and fees for 2026 start at $1,310 for a first offense and exceed $2,500 for a second offense, but the true cost skyrockets when surcharges, ignition interlock expenses, DUI school, probation fees, and insurance increases are included. The total financial impact of a single DUI in Utah can range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the offense number and circumstances.
Last updated: July 2026
Key Takeaways
- Base fines are just the beginning; mandatory surcharges add 35 percent plus assessment fees to every DUI fine.
- Ignition interlock costs range from $70 to $150 per month for 18 months to 3 years depending on offense number.
- DUI school and substance abuse treatment add $300 to $1,000 per offense.
- Auto insurance premiums typically double or triple after a DUI, adding thousands per year for 3 to 5 years.
- Probation fees, court costs, and license reinstatement fees add hidden costs that catch many offenders by surprise.
When people ask what a DUI costs in Utah, they usually think of the court fine. The reality is that court-imposed fines represent only a fraction of the total financial burden. Between mandatory surcharges, state assessments, ignition interlock expenses, treatment costs, increased insurance premiums, and lost wages from jail time, a single DUI can create financial strain that lasts for years.
Utah Code 41-6a-503 sets the base fines, but dozens of other statutes and administrative rules add additional costs. The Utah Legislature has structured DUI penalties so that the financial consequences escalate sharply with each subsequent offense, creating a strong deterrent for repeat impaired driving.
Source: NHTSA
A unique financial aspect of Utah DUI law is the mandatory 35 percent surcharge on all criminal fines under Utah Code 51-9-301. This surcharge is not optional; the court must add it. Additionally, Utah Code 51-9-303 imposes a $115 DUI specific assessment fee. These additions mean a $700 base fine for a first DUI actually costs $945 plus the assessment before any other court fees are added.
What Are the Base Fines and Surcharges for Each DUI Offense in 2026?
The table below breaks down the court-imposed financial penalties for each DUI offense level in Utah for 2026. All figures include the mandatory 35 percent surcharge and the $115 DUI assessment.
| Offense | Base Fine | With 35% Surcharge | + DUI Assessment | + Court Costs (est.) | Court Total (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI | $700 | $945 | $1,060 | $250 | $1,310 |
| Second DUI | $1,500 | $2,025 | $2,140 | $350 | $2,490 |
| Third DUI (felony) | $2,500 | $3,375 | $3,490 | $500 | $3,990 |
| DUI with injury | $5,000 | $6,750 | $6,865 | $750 | $7,615 |
These amounts represent only what you pay to the court. The total financial picture includes many additional costs that are not collected by the court but are mandatory for compliance with your sentence.
How Much Does an Ignition Interlock Device Cost?
Ignition interlock costs are one of the largest DUI expenses. Under Utah Code 41-6a-518, the device is mandatory for 18 months for a first offense and 3 years for a second offense. You bear all costs.
Typical IID expenses include:
- Installation fee: $50 to $100 (one time)
- Monthly monitoring fee: $60 to $120 per month
- Calibration fee: $20 to $40 per visit
- Removal fee: $30 to $50 (end of term)
- Violation fee: $25 to $50 per failed test or missed retest
Total IID costs for a first offense (18 months): Approximately $1,200 to $2,500. For a second offense (3 years): Approximately $2,500 to $5,400.
The Utah DLD maintains a list of approved interlock providers. You must choose a provider from this list. Comparing pricing between approved vendors can save hundreds of dollars over the installation period.
What Are the Costs of DUI School and Substance Abuse Treatment?
Substance abuse screening is mandatory for all DUI offenders under Utah Code 41-6a-503. The screening itself costs $100 to $200. Based on the screening results, the court will order one or more of the following:
- DUI education class (8 to 16 hours): $200 to $400
- Outpatient counseling (10 to 20 sessions): $400 to $800
- Intensive outpatient treatment (20 to 40 sessions): $800 to $2,000
- Inpatient residential treatment: $3,000 to $10,000 (severe cases only)
- Drug and alcohol testing during treatment: $20 to $50 per test
Most first-time offenders will pay $300 to $600 for screening and education. Repeat offenders with higher treatment needs may pay $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Treatment costs are not covered by standard health insurance in most cases, though some policies may provide partial coverage for substance abuse treatment.
How Much Do Probation Fees Add to the Cost?
Probation is standard in most Utah DUI cases, especially for second and subsequent offenses. Utah law allows courts to impose probation supervision fees under Utah Code 77-18-104. These fees cover the cost of monitoring your compliance with probation conditions.
Probation fees typically include:
- Monthly supervision fee: $30 to $50 per month
- Initial intake fee: $50 to $100
- Drug and alcohol testing: $20 to $50 per test
- Electronic monitoring: $5 to $10 per day (if ordered)
- Probation termination fee: $25 to $50
For a standard 12-month probation term, supervision fees alone add $360 to $600. For a second offense with up to 3 years of probation, these fees can reach $1,500 or more. Probation fees are often overlooked when calculating DUI costs but they add up significantly over the term.
How Much Will Auto Insurance Increase After a DUI?
Auto insurance increases are often the single largest long-term cost of a DUI conviction. Insurance companies classify DUI offenders as high-risk drivers and adjust premiums accordingly.
Typical insurance impacts include:
- Premium increase: 80 to 200 percent for a first DUI, 200 to 300 percent for a second DUI
- SR-22 filing requirement: $25 to $50 added to each payment
- Non-renewal risk: Many insurers drop DUI offenders, forcing you into high-risk markets
- Duration of increase: 3 to 5 years from the date of conviction
To put numbers on it, if your current premium is $1,200 per year, a first DUI could raise it to $2,400 to $3,600 per year. Over 5 years, that is an additional $6,000 to $12,000 in insurance costs. For a second DUI, the increases are even more dramatic, potentially reaching $4,000 to $5,000 per year with an SR-22 filing.
The Utah Code does not set insurance rates; these are determined by individual insurance companies based on their risk assessment models. Shopping around after a DUI can help, but all insurers will apply a significant surcharge.
What Are the License Reinstatement Fees?
After serving your license suspension or revocation period, you must pay reinstatement fees to the Utah Driver License Division to restore your driving privileges. These are set by the DLD under Utah Code 53-3-205.5.
License reinstatement fees in 2026:
- First DUI reinstatement: $275 to $325
- Second DUI reinstatement: $275 to $325
- Ignition interlock restriction removal: $30 to $50
- Administrative hearing fee: $50 to $100 (if requested)
- Reexamination fee: $25 to $45 (if required)
These fees are non-negotiable and must be paid before your license is restored. Additionally, you may need to retake the written knowledge test or driving skills test if your license has been expired for more than one year.
What Other Hidden Costs Should I Expect?
Beyond the categories listed above, several other costs commonly arise in Utah DUI cases:
Towing and impound fees: If your vehicle was impounded at the time of arrest, you must pay towing and storage fees to retrieve it. These typically range from $150 to $500 depending on how long the vehicle is held.
Attorney fees: While not a penalty imposed by the court, legal representation is essential for anyone facing DUI charges. Attorney fees vary widely based on case complexity, but typical ranges are $1,500 to $3,500 for a first offense and $3,000 to $10,000 for a second offense or cases involving aggravating factors.
Lost wages from jail time and court appearances: The mandatory minimum jail sentence requires time away from work. For a first offense, 48 hours in jail means at least 2 to 3 days of lost wages. Court appearances can add additional days. For second offenses with 10-day minimums, the wage loss is substantially higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a first DUI cost in Utah in 2026?
The total cost of a first DUI ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Court fines and surcharges run about $1,310, but IID costs ($1,200 to $2,500), DUI education ($300 to $600), and insurance increases ($6,000 to $12,000 over 5 years) drive the total much higher.
Are Utah DUI fines the same for every county?
Base fines are set by state statute and are uniform. However, court costs vary by jurisdiction. Some counties impose higher court fees and additional local assessments. Salt Lake County and Davis County may have slightly different total fee structures.
Can I make payments on DUI fines in Utah?
Yes. Utah courts typically allow payment plans for fines and fees. You must request a payment plan from the court. Failure to pay can result in additional penalties, including extension of probation or a civil judgment against you.
Does insurance cover any DUI costs?
Generally no. Standard auto insurance policies do not cover fines, legal fees, or interlock costs related to a DUI. Some health insurance policies may partially cover court-ordered substance abuse treatment, but this varies by policy.
How long do DUI insurance increases last in Utah?
Most insurers increase premiums for 3 to 5 years after a DUI conviction. The DUI stays on your driving record for longer, but the most significant premium surcharges typically phase out after 3 to 5 years of clean driving.
How much does an SR-22 add to insurance costs?
An SR-22 filing typically adds $25 to $50 per month on top of your base premium increase. Some insurers charge a one-time SR-22 filing fee of $25 to $50. Not all insurers offer SR-22 filings, so you may need to shop for a high-risk insurer.
Do I have to pay for my own ignition interlock installation?
Yes. Under Utah Code 41-6a-518, all costs related to the ignition interlock device are the responsibility of the offender. This includes installation, monthly monitoring, calibration, and removal.
Are DUI fines waived if I cannot afford to pay?
Courts have discretion to set payment plans but rarely waive fines entirely. You can request a hearing to show financial hardship and negotiate a reduced payment schedule, but the fines themselves are mandatory under Utah law.
Understanding the full financial picture of a Utah DUI helps you prepare for what lies ahead. The costs extend far beyond the initial court fine and can affect your finances for years. Working with an experienced DUI attorney can help you minimize some costs by negotiating favorable terms, ensuring you are not overcharged, and potentially reducing the severity of the penalties you face.
Related Resources
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified Utah criminal defense attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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