Local DUI Laws

The Cost of DUI Fines in Maryland: What to Expect

When facing a DUI charge in Maryland, one of the most pressing concerns is the financial impact. DUI fines are only part of the broader picture, but they represent a core penalty that applies regardless of the outcome of your case. While every case is unique, Maryland law sets clear guidelines for how fines are assessed based on offense type, number of prior convictions, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances.

The term DUI in Maryland typically refers to “Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol,” which applies to drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Maryland also distinguishes between DUI and DWI (Driving While Impaired), with the latter applying to lower BACs or other forms of impairment. Each carries its own set of financial consequences.

Fines can be influenced by many variables, including the driver’s age, whether the vehicle was commercial, and whether anyone else was put at risk. Additional costs like court fees, treatment programs, license reinstatement charges, and increased insurance rates often make the total expense far greater than the fine itself.

In this post, we’ll break down the fine structure by offense type and frequency, explain what other financial obligations may arise, and provide insight into the full cost burden Maryland drivers should expect when dealing with a DUI case.

Maryland DUI vs. DWI: Understanding the Difference in Fines

To understand DUI fines in Maryland, it’s important to distinguish between the two primary impaired driving charges:

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Typically applies to drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or when significantly impaired.
• DWI (Driving While Impaired): Applies when the driver shows signs of impairment but has a BAC between 0.04% and 0.07%, or when impairment is due to substances other than alcohol.

Because DUI is considered the more serious offense, it comes with higher fines and stricter penalties. However, both offenses result in criminal charges and financial consequences.

First Offense DUI

• Maximum Fine: $1,000
• Court Fees: $100–$300
• Education/Treatment Programs: $300–$1,000
• Probation Fees (if applicable): ~$50/month
• Ignition Interlock (if ordered): Installation fee ~$100, $75/month monitoring

Estimated Total Cost (Minimum): $2,000–$3,500

First Offense DWI

• Maximum Fine: $500
• Court Fees: $100–$300
• Treatment/Education: $250–$800
• Ignition Interlock (if applicable): Same as above

Estimated Total Cost (Minimum): $1,500–$2,500

These base costs can increase significantly depending on how the case is handled and whether aggravating factors are involved.

Second and Subsequent DUI Offenses: Escalating Fines

Maryland’s DUI laws are designed to penalize repeat offenses more harshly. A second conviction brings a higher fine and longer-term consequences, both legally and financially.

Second DUI Offense

• Maximum Fine: $2,000
• Court Costs: $300–$500
• Mandatory Alcohol Treatment: $500–$1,200
• Longer Ignition Interlock Period: 1–3 years
• License Reinstatement Fees: ~$45 + reinstatement requirements
• Possible Incarceration Costs (if applicable)

Estimated Total Cost: $5,000–$7,000+

Third or Subsequent DUI Offense

• Maximum Fine: $3,000
• Court and Administrative Costs: $500+
• Mandatory Extended Treatment: $1,000+
• Long-term Probation Monitoring Costs
• Higher Insurance Premiums (SR-22 requirements)

Estimated Total Cost: $7,000–$10,000+

In addition to fines, the legal consequences become more severe with each offense. The chances of receiving Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) decrease, and mandatory jail time may apply.

Aggravating Factors That Increase DUI Fines

Beyond the number of offenses, certain aggravating circumstances can raise DUI fines and trigger additional charges. These factors significantly raise the stakes and often lead to enhanced financial penalties.

Common Aggravating Factors in Maryland DUI Cases:

• Driving with a minor in the vehicle
  • Additional fine up to $2,000
  • May trigger child endangerment charges
• High BAC level (0.15% or more)
  • Often results in mandatory ignition interlock
  • Additional fines and longer suspension periods
• Causing injury or property damage
  • Civil lawsuits may follow
  • Fines may increase due to reckless driving enhancements
• Driving on a suspended or revoked license
  • Up to $1,000 in additional fines
  • Criminal penalties may increase

In these situations, the court often imposes the maximum allowable fine under state law. Judges consider public safety, the seriousness of the offense, and the defendant’s history when assigning penalties.

Financial Consequences Beyond the Fine

While court-imposed fines are a key part of any DUI penalty, they are rarely the full picture. Most people facing DUI charges in Maryland also deal with several indirect financial consequences, including:

• Legal representation:
  • Defense attorneys typically charge between $1,500 and $5,000+ depending on case complexity.
  • Complex cases, trials, or appeals cost more.
• Insurance premiums:
  • A DUI conviction can double or triple your auto insurance rates.
  • You may also need SR-22 insurance, which is more expensive.
• Transportation costs:
  • If your license is suspended, you may need to rely on rideshare, taxis, or public transport.
  • Additional costs may include loss of employment or reduced work hours due to transportation issues.
• Lost wages:
  • Time spent attending court hearings, completing community service, or participating in mandatory treatment can lead to lost income.
• Alcohol monitoring:
  • Some probation conditions include daily breathalyzer tests or home monitoring, which carry ongoing fees.

When all of these costs are added together, the true financial burden of a DUI in Maryland is often $7,000–$15,000 or more, even for first-time offenders.

DUI Fines for Underage Drivers and Commercial Drivers

Maryland applies special rules and financial penalties for certain categories of drivers.

Underage Drivers (Under 21)

• Zero tolerance BAC level: 0.02%
• Fines follow standard DUI structure, but additional penalties include:
  • Longer license suspensions
  • Mandatory alcohol education
  • Parental notification
  • Higher insurance premiums

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Holders

• Legal BAC limit: 0.04%
• Conviction leads to:
  • Immediate CDL suspension (1 year or more)
  • Potential loss of employment
  • Maximum fines as high as $3,000 depending on the offense

Commercial drivers may also be required to complete additional training or obtain legal clearance before re-entering their industry, leading to additional expenses.

Can DUI Fines Be Reduced or Waived?

In rare situations, the court may consider reducing or modifying fines. Factors that may influence a judge’s decision include:

• First-time offense with low BAC
• Cooperation with law enforcement
• Willingness to complete treatment and community service
• Demonstrated financial hardship

Even if fines are reduced, court fees and administrative costs usually remain. Payment plans may be available through the court clerk’s office, but failure to pay fines can result in:

• License suspension
• Collection efforts
• Additional court appearances

A reduction in fines does not eliminate the conviction or its long-term consequences. Judges have broad discretion, but they rarely waive DUI fines altogether.

FAQ: DUI Fines and Financial Penalties in Maryland

What’s the maximum fine for a first-time DUI in Maryland?
Up to $1,000, not including court fees or related expenses.

Is a DWI less expensive than a DUI?
Generally, yes. DWI fines are lower (max $500), but costs can still exceed $2,000 once fees and treatment are added.

Can I request a payment plan for DUI fines?
Yes. Courts may allow installment payments, but conditions apply.

Do fines increase for second and third offenses?
Yes. Second offenses carry up to $2,000 in fines, while third offenses can reach $3,000 or more.

Are there financial penalties for refusing a breath test?
Not a fine from the court, but license suspension and MVA fees apply, along with possible program costs.

How much does insurance go up after a DUI?
Premiums can increase by 50% to 200%, and SR-22 certification may be required for several years.

Does Probation Before Judgment eliminate the fine?
No. You may still pay the same fine, even if PBJ prevents a conviction from appearing on your record.

Conclusion

DUI fines in Maryland range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the offense and any prior convictions. But these fines are just the beginning. Most drivers will also face additional financial burdens including court fees, alcohol treatment, ignition interlock devices, higher insurance costs, and potential lost income. The total financial impact can easily exceed $10,000, even for a first offense.

For a full overview of penalties tied to impaired driving, visit DUI Penalties And Consequences. To explore the specific fines and financial outcomes in detail, check out Common DUI Fines and Financial Penalties.