Have A Question? Search This Site:
A DUI arrest in Idaho brings more than just legal consequences—it can have a significant financial impact. Among the first questions people ask is: How much will this cost me? While total expenses vary depending on the case, one guaranteed cost is the DUI fine issued by the court if you’re convicted.
In Idaho, DUI fines are set by law and are based on several factors, including whether it’s your first offense, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and whether there were any aggravating circumstances like property damage or injuries. But the base fines are just the beginning—additional fees, assessments, and mandatory costs often make the final financial burden much higher.
This post breaks down Idaho’s DUI fines by offense level and highlights the extra costs that often accompany a DUI conviction. Understanding these numbers can help you anticipate what to expect if you or someone you know is navigating the DUI process in the state.
DUI Fine Amounts for First-Time Offenders
If you’re facing a first DUI offense in Idaho, the law imposes specific minimum and maximum fine amounts. As of current Idaho statutes:
- Base Fine: Between $500 and $1,000
- Court Costs and Fees: Typically add $100 to $300
- Other Mandatory Fees: May include victim compensation fund contributions or substance abuse evaluation fees
That means the total amount due after a first DUI conviction often reaches $800 to $1,300—even without jail time or license suspension factored in.
A first DUI offense is classified as a misdemeanor in Idaho unless there are aggravating factors. Even if the judge imposes a lower fine within the allowed range, other costs will be added automatically during sentencing.
Fines for Second DUI Offenses
If a driver is convicted of a second DUI within 10 years, Idaho law mandates higher fines:
- Base Fine: Between $1,000 and $2,000
- Court Costs and Fees: Typically range from $300 to $500
- Additional Costs: May include:
- Alcohol treatment program fees
- Ignition interlock device installation and monitoring
- Probation service fees
These financial penalties often push the total out-of-pocket cost for a second DUI to $2,000 or more. In addition to fines, second offenses carry mandatory jail time and longer license suspension periods, increasing the financial strain.
Because second offenses involve repeat behavior, judges often enforce higher fines closer to the legal maximum.
Third and Subsequent DUI Offenses: Felony-Level Fines
A third DUI offense within 10 years in Idaho is classified as a felony, and the financial consequences increase significantly:
- Base Fine: Up to $5,000
- Court Costs and Fees: $500 to $1,000
- Mandatory Costs:
- Extended probation
- Drug and alcohol monitoring
- Continuous alcohol detection (e.g., SCRAM bracelets)
- Felony processing fees
The total financial impact of a felony DUI often exceeds $6,000 to $8,000, not including lost wages or long-term consequences like job loss or increased insurance rates.
Additionally, felony convictions may involve civil penalties or additional restitution if property damage or injury occurred as a result of the DUI incident.
Other DUI-Related Costs That Add to the Total
Fines are only one part of the full cost of a DUI conviction in Idaho. Several additional expenses can quickly increase your total out-of-pocket costs:
1. Ignition Interlock Devices
Required for certain convictions or repeat offenses. Costs include:
- Installation: $100–$200
- Monthly monitoring: $70–$100
- Removal fee: $50–$100
2. Substance Abuse Evaluations and Treatment
Courts often require alcohol or drug assessments:
- Evaluation: $100–$200
- Classes or treatment: Varies widely, often $300–$1,000
3. License Reinstatement Fees
After serving a suspension, drivers must pay to reinstate their license:
- Reinstatement: $85
- SR-22 insurance (3 years): $300–$800 per year
4. Probation Supervision Fees
If you’re placed on probation, Idaho charges supervision fees:
- Monthly fee: $60–$100
- Duration: Often 6–12 months
These combined costs often bring the true cost of a DUI in Idaho to $4,000–$10,000+, depending on the situation.
Can Fines Be Reduced or Waived?
Idaho law sets minimum fine amounts, which means courts cannot go below those thresholds. However:
- Judges have discretion within the allowed fine range for each offense level
- Some courts offer alternative sentencing that may reduce fines in exchange for treatment participation
- In rare cases, courts may allow payment plans for fines and court costs
- Community service may sometimes substitute for a portion of the fine, but only under specific court-approved programs
If financial hardship is a concern, the defendant must bring it to the court’s attention early, usually during the sentencing phase. But Idaho courts take DUI offenses seriously, and fines are rarely waived outright.
Why Idaho Imposes Financial Penalties for DUI
DUI fines in Idaho are designed to:
- Deter impaired driving
- Cover the administrative costs of processing DUI cases
- Fund substance abuse programs
- Offset costs related to law enforcement and court services
These penalties are not only punitive but also serve a public safety purpose. The state wants to ensure that drivers who make impaired decisions face real consequences that encourage long-term behavior change.
FAQ About DUI Fines in Idaho
What’s the minimum fine for a first DUI in Idaho?
The base fine is $500, but total costs usually exceed $800 with fees.
How much are DUI fines for repeat offenders?
Second offenses range from $1,000–$2,000; third offenses can reach $5,000 or more.
Can DUI fines be paid in installments?
Sometimes. Courts may allow payment plans, but approval is not automatic.
Are DUI fines different in each Idaho county?
The fine ranges are set by state law, but each judge may apply them differently based on the case.
Does insurance go up after a DUI in Idaho?
Yes. DUI convictions often cause significant insurance premium increases, sometimes doubling rates.
Do I have to pay for DUI classes separately?
Yes. Alcohol treatment or DUI education programs are separate costs not included in the court fine.
Is the interlock device included in the fine?
No. IID costs are separate and paid directly to the device provider.
Conclusion
DUI fines in Idaho vary based on the number of offenses, the circumstances of the arrest, and any additional penalties imposed by the court. While first-time offenses start at $500, the true cost—including mandatory fees, evaluations, and other court-ordered requirements—often totals thousands of dollars.
Repeat offenses and felony DUIs increase those financial penalties significantly. It’s important to understand that DUI fines are only one part of the overall cost of a DUI conviction. Many drivers are surprised by how quickly the total amount grows once all expenses are considered.
To explore the full financial scope of DUI penalties in Idaho, visit our guide on DUI Penalties And Consequences.
For specific breakdowns of common DUI fines and related expenses, check out Common DUI Fines and Financial Penalties.