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DUI charges in Montana come with serious financial consequences. Beyond the immediate legal penalties like jail time or license suspension, there are fines, fees, and long-term costs that can follow a person for years. Understanding the full scope of DUI-related fines in Montana is important—whether you’re facing a first-time offense or looking to learn more about how the state handles these charges.
In Montana, DUI fines are structured by law and vary based on the number of offenses, any aggravating factors, and whether additional violations (like refusal to test or having a child in the car) occurred during the incident. However, the court-imposed fine is only part of the total cost. Additional expenses—from surcharges to license reinstatement fees—can significantly increase the financial burden.
This article breaks down the actual DUI fines set by law in Montana, explores what other financial penalties may apply, and clarifies how those fines escalate with each subsequent offense. We’ll also explain where those payments go and what you might expect in terms of total cost beyond the official numbers.
Base Fines for First-Time DUI Offense in Montana
A first-time DUI conviction in Montana carries a statutory fine range. As of current Montana law, the fine for a first DUI is:
- Minimum Fine: $600
- Maximum Fine: $1,000
In most cases, the actual fine issued falls between these amounts, depending on the circumstances and the judge’s discretion. However, the fine alone is not the only cost imposed.
Additional first-time DUI costs may include:
- Court Surcharges and Administrative Fees: Often between $85 and $200
- Chemical Dependency Evaluation Fee
- Victim Impact Panel Fee (if required)
- Probation Monitoring Fees (if applicable)
In total, the real cost of a first DUI can easily exceed $1,000 to $1,500, even without jail time or license reinstatement costs factored in.
Montana law also requires participation in an alcohol treatment or education program, which usually carries an additional fee.
DUI Fines for Second and Third Offenses
DUI fines increase significantly with each subsequent offense within Montana’s 10-year lookback period.
Second DUI Offense:
- Minimum Fine: $1,200
- Maximum Fine: $2,000
Additional financial consequences include:
- Increased court fees and surcharges
- Mandatory participation in alcohol treatment programs
- Longer probation periods (which often include monthly supervision costs)
- Higher insurance premiums, often for 5+ years
Third DUI Offense:
- Minimum Fine: $2,500
- Maximum Fine: $5,000
Third offenses often include:
- Ignition interlock installation and maintenance (monthly cost)
- More expensive alcohol monitoring programs
- Longer license revocation, increasing the need for reinstatement and administrative fees
At this stage, the total out-of-pocket cost can rise well over $10,000 when all penalties and long-term costs are included.
Felony DUI Fines in Montana
In Montana, a fourth or subsequent DUI within the 10-year lookback window is considered a felony DUI. These cases come with even steeper penalties, including prison time and substantial fines.
Felony DUI fines include:
- Minimum Fine: $5,000
- Maximum Fine: $10,000
Felony DUI cases also carry:
- Extended incarceration
- High-cost treatment or rehabilitation programs
- Court-ordered monitoring for an extended time
- Long-term license revocation (with reinstatement costs)
- Difficulty regaining insurance or finding affordable coverage
Felony DUI fines are only part of the punishment—total financial impact can reach $15,000 to $20,000 or more over time.
Surcharges and Administrative Costs
In addition to the base fine, Montana imposes a variety of mandatory surcharges and administrative fees. These costs are often added automatically and cannot be waived.
Common add-ons include:
- Court Surcharge: Applied to all criminal convictions
- Chemical Dependency Evaluation: A required assessment ordered after conviction
- Victim Impact Panel Fee: If ordered by the judge
- Driver Responsibility Fees: May be assessed in some counties
- MVD Reinstatement Fee: Required to restore driving privileges after suspension
Together, these surcharges can add $500 to $1,000+ to the total cost—even on a first offense.
Other Financial Penalties: Indirect and Hidden Costs
Beyond legal fines and court fees, DUI convictions in Montana come with indirect financial penalties. These “hidden” costs often surpass the fine itself over time.
Examples include:
- Auto Insurance Increases: Rates can spike for 3–7 years, costing thousands
- Ignition Interlock Device: Installation and monitoring cost around $75–$100/month
- License Reinstatement Fees: Vary based on how long the license was suspended
- Loss of Income: Time off work for court, jail time, or treatment
- Professional Impact: Some occupations require reporting DUIs or may terminate employment
These costs aren’t included in the court’s sentencing but affect real-world finances just the same.
DUI Fines for Refusing a Breath or Blood Test
Refusing a chemical test in Montana under the state’s implied consent law does not carry a separate fine, but it does trigger a longer license suspension and additional penalties that can increase costs:
- Refusal License Suspension: Minimum of 6 months, and up to 1 year
- Additional MVD Fees: To reinstate your license after refusal
- Requirement for Interlock Device: May apply even without a conviction
While there’s no stand-alone fine for refusal, the resulting consequences are often more expensive than the DUI itself.
Payment Plans and Financial Hardship
Montana courts may offer payment plans for DUI fines, depending on the jurisdiction and the individual’s financial circumstances. However, these arrangements are not guaranteed, and courts expect defendants to pay fines promptly.
In some cases, the court may:
- Allow structured monthly payments
- Waive certain surcharges for financial hardship
- Offer credit toward fines through community service (rare)
Failure to pay fines can result in:
- Additional fees
- Probation violations
- License holds until payment is complete
- Collections or wage garnishment
If financial hardship exists, it must be documented and formally requested. Courts are generally firm about collecting fines, especially in DUI cases.
Where Do DUI Fine Payments Go?
In Montana, DUI fines are distributed among several government entities and programs. Funds typically go toward:
- Court operating costs
- Victim support programs
- Alcohol education and treatment programs
- Law enforcement training and resources
- State general fund
The purpose of these fines, beyond punishment, is to fund systems that aim to reduce impaired driving and support enforcement efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Fines in Montana
What’s the minimum fine for a first DUI in Montana?
$600, plus court surcharges and administrative costs.
Can the judge lower my DUI fine?
Only within the minimum-to-maximum range defined by law. Some surcharges are mandatory and cannot be waived.
How much does a DUI cost overall?
A first DUI can cost $1,000 to $2,500 after all fees. Repeat or felony offenses may cost $10,000+ over time.
Are DUI fines higher if I refused the breath test?
Refusals don’t come with a separate fine but can increase costs through license suspensions, fees, and added monitoring requirements.
Can I make payments on a DUI fine?
In some courts, yes. You must request a payment plan and may need to show proof of income or hardship.
Conclusion
DUI fines in Montana can range from $600 to $10,000 depending on the number of offenses and severity of the case. But the base fine is just the beginning—court fees, mandatory programs, license reinstatement, and long-term costs like higher insurance all add up. For most drivers, the total cost of a DUI goes well beyond the number listed in the sentencing paperwork.
Understanding the financial impact of a DUI is important, whether you’re navigating the process for the first time or helping someone who is. These penalties are designed to be serious and long-lasting—but knowing the scope helps set expectations.
For a full breakdown of the broader consequences, read our guide to DUI penalties and consequences.
To explore the specific fees and fines that apply to most DUI cases, visit our article on common DUI fines and financial penalties.