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After a DUI arrest in Colorado, one of the first questions drivers often ask is: “How much is this going to cost?” The financial impact of a DUI goes far beyond the base fine listed in court documents. While that fine is a starting point, there are multiple layers of mandatory costs, including surcharges, administrative fees, education programs, insurance hikes, and DMV-related expenses.
The reality is that even for a first-time DUI, the true cost can be several thousand dollars. For repeat offenders or drivers with aggravating factors — such as a high BAC or an accident — those costs can climb much higher.
This article outlines how DUI fines work in Colorado, what the court may order, and what additional financial obligations drivers typically face. Whether you’re researching potential penalties or just trying to understand the full financial picture, this post will help clarify what to expect. This is not legal advice — just a clear breakdown of fines and fees related to DUI charges in Colorado.
DUI Fines in Colorado: A Breakdown by Offense
In Colorado, DUI fines are assigned based on the specific charge — and whether it’s a first, second, or third offense. There are three main DUI-related charges used in the state:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence) – BAC of 0.08% or higher
- DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) – BAC between 0.05% and 0.079%
- DUI per se – Based solely on BAC level, not behavior
Each of these carries a fine range, with exact amounts determined by the court.
First Offense DUI:
- Fine range: $600 to $1,000
- Jail time possible: 5 days to 1 year
- Mandatory public service: 48 to 96 hours
First Offense DWAI:
- Fine range: $200 to $500
- Jail time possible: 2 to 180 days
- Public service: 24 to 48 hours
These base fines may appear manageable — but they’re only the starting point. The final amount owed can be significantly higher once surcharges, program fees, and license-related costs are added.
Court-Imposed Surcharges and Fees
In Colorado, courts add mandatory surcharges and administrative fees to all DUI and DWAI convictions. These are not optional and must be paid in addition to the base fine.
Common court-imposed charges include:
- Victim Assistance Fund Surcharge: ~$78
- Law Enforcement Assistance Fund Fee: $90+
- Alcohol Evaluation Fee: ~$200
- Court Costs: $30 to $150 (varies by jurisdiction)
- Probation Supervision Fee (if applicable): $50–$100/month
- Community Service Monitoring Fee: ~$60–$120
- Substance Abuse Education/Treatment Costs: $200–$500+
Together, these surcharges can add $600 to $1,200 or more to the original fine. Some courts may also charge additional processing fees depending on how the sentence is structured.
These costs are due regardless of whether the sentence includes jail time or probation — they’re applied across all DUI convictions in the state.
DMV Costs and License Reinstatement Fees
After a DUI arrest in Colorado, drivers often face a license suspension, whether or not the case has been resolved in court. Reinstating a driver’s license comes with its own set of administrative costs, including:
- Reinstatement Fee: ~$95
- Ignition Interlock Installation: $70–$150 (one-time)
- Ignition Interlock Monthly Monitoring: $60–$100/month
- SR-22 Insurance Filing: Required for 9 months to 3 years
- Driver Control Action Fee (DMV): ~$25
If you’re required to use an ignition interlock device for 12 months, total costs can easily reach $1,000 to $1,200 or more.
For many drivers, the combination of court fines and DMV fees creates a two-track system of financial penalties — one handled through the court, and the other through Colorado’s DMV.
Insurance Costs After a DUI Conviction
Auto insurance rates typically spike after a DUI conviction — sometimes doubling or tripling. Insurers view DUI convictions as a high-risk indicator, and they often impose surcharges or reclassify drivers into higher-risk categories.
Estimated post-DUI insurance impacts in Colorado:
- Rate increase: 50% to 150%
- Duration: Usually 3–5 years
- SR-22 filing requirement: Often required for 1–3 years
The cost of SR-22 itself is modest (usually $15–$30 for the filing), but the insurance premium increase can amount to $500 to $2,000+ per year, depending on age, driving history, and insurer.
For some, these long-term costs outweigh the initial fine — especially for drivers with previous violations or younger drivers already in high-risk brackets.
DUI Fine Totals by Offense: Estimated Real Costs
Here’s an estimated total cost breakdown for each type of DUI-related conviction in Colorado, including fines, surcharges, DMV fees, and insurance impacts (first-time offense):
| Offense Type | Base Fine | Total Court & DMV Costs | 1-Year Insurance Impact | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DWAI (1st) | $200–$500 | $1,200–$2,000 | $800–$1,500 | $2,500–$4,000 |
| DUI (1st) | $600–$1,000 | $2,000–$3,500 | $1,000–$2,500 | $4,000–$6,000+ |
| DUI (2nd) | $600–$1,500 | $3,000–$5,000+ | $2,000–$4,000+ | $6,000–$10,000+ |
These are general estimates. Final amounts depend on BAC level, legal outcome, whether there was a refusal, and county-specific court fees.
Repeat Offense and Aggravated DUI Fines
If you’ve had previous DUI or DWAI convictions, the penalties increase. In addition to higher base fines, repeat offenses typically include:
- Longer mandatory jail time
- Extended license revocations
- Higher insurance penalties
- Longer ignition interlock periods
Second DUI Conviction:
- Fine range: $600–$1,500
- Ignition interlock: Mandatory for 2 years
- Minimum jail time: 10 days (up to 1 year)
Third DUI Conviction:
- Fine range: $600–$1,500
- Minimum jail time: 60 days (up to 1 year)
- Interlock: Up to 2 years
- Permanent record impact
In serious cases (e.g., injury, high BAC, or multiple priors), the DUI charge may be elevated to a felony, which can lead to even steeper fines and long-term costs.
Aggravating Factors That Increase DUI Fines
Certain circumstances during a DUI arrest may cause fines and penalties to increase — either directly or through the resulting sentence. Common aggravating factors include:
- BAC of 0.15% or higher
- Accident causing property damage or injury
- Presence of a child in the vehicle
- Refusing chemical testing
- Driving on a suspended license
Judges may impose higher fines within the allowed range when these factors are present. They may also order additional classes, treatment, or extended probation, further raising the financial burden.
While the base fine may not change dramatically, the total cost of compliance rises sharply under these circumstances.
Payment Options and Fine Reductions
Colorado courts do allow payment plans for DUI fines in some cases, but they must be requested and approved by the court.
Payment options may include:
- Installment plans over several months
- Deferred payment schedules for probationers
- Community service substitution (rare, at judge’s discretion)
If you demonstrate financial hardship, the court may reduce or restructure payment terms. However, these decisions are made case by case and depend on both financial documentation and the judge’s evaluation.
Failure to pay court-ordered fines or fees can result in:
- License suspension
- Probation violations
- Additional penalties or jail time
Ignoring payment obligations only makes the case more expensive and more difficult to resolve.
Indirect and Long-Term Financial Impacts
The financial impact of a DUI doesn’t stop after you pay your fine. Other long-term costs often include:
- Lost work time due to court dates, license restrictions, or jail time
- Employment barriers if your job requires driving
- Denied job applications due to a criminal record
- Education or scholarship loss in some cases
- Ongoing insurance premiums
Some of these effects last for 3 to 10 years, depending on how the case was resolved and how quickly you can qualify for record sealing or other relief.
These long-term costs often exceed the fine itself — and are an important part of understanding the total economic burden of a DUI in Colorado.
FAQ: How Much Are DUI Fines in Colorado?
How much is the average first-time DUI fine in Colorado?
The base fine is usually between $600 and $1,000, but the total cost with fees is often $2,000 to $3,500.
Is a DWAI cheaper than a DUI?
Yes. DWAI base fines start at $200, but still include court costs and DMV fees.
What’s the maximum DUI fine in Colorado?
For misdemeanors: up to $1,500. Felony DUIs can lead to higher costs, especially with restitution.
Can I do community service instead of paying a fine?
Possibly — but only if approved by the court. This option is limited and not guaranteed.
Do fines increase for high BAC levels?
Yes. BAC levels over 0.15% often lead to harsher penalties and higher fines within the allowed range.
Are there any hidden DUI costs?
Yes. Insurance, ignition interlock, license reinstatement, and education programs all carry fees.
Can I get my fines waived?
Fines are rarely waived entirely. Courts may allow payment plans or adjust terms based on financial hardship.
Conclusion
DUI fines in Colorado start at $600 for a first offense, but the total cost goes far beyond that number. When court fees, administrative surcharges, license reinstatement, ignition interlock requirements, and insurance premiums are factored in, a single DUI conviction can cost $4,000 to $6,000 — and sometimes more.
For repeat offenders or drivers with aggravating factors, the financial consequences increase even further. Understanding the full cost breakdown helps you plan, respond, and avoid surprises as your case moves forward.
For a deeper look at how DUI fines and penalties stack up, check out our full guide on Common DUI Fines and Financial Penalties. You can also explore broader legal consequences at our dedicated DUI Penalties And Consequences page.