Local DUI Laws

Getting charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Nevada comes with a range of consequences, and one of the most immediate and unavoidable is the financial cost. DUI fines are a standard part of sentencing in the state, and they vary depending on whether the offense is a first, second, or third violation. Beyond the base fine itself, DUI cases often include additional fees, court costs, and required program expenses that quickly add up.

Nevada courts are required by law to impose minimum and maximum fines for DUI convictions. These penalties are designed not just to punish impaired driving, but also to deter repeat offenses and cover the cost of state-administered programs. In most cases, the actual amount you pay will depend on your BAC level, prior DUI history, and whether your case includes any aggravating factors.

This article breaks down the typical DUI fine structure in Nevada, including standard base fines, related fees, and hidden costs that drivers should expect. If you’re wondering how much a DUI could cost you, this overview will give you a clearer picture of the financial scope involved.

Standard Fines for a First-Time DUI in Nevada

A first DUI offense in Nevada is typically treated as a misdemeanor, provided there are no injuries or fatalities. The state imposes a mandatory fine range for first-time convictions:

• Minimum fine: $400
• Maximum fine: $1,000

These fines are determined by the judge and may be influenced by circumstances such as BAC level, driving behavior, and cooperation with law enforcement.

In addition to the base fine, courts often impose additional administrative assessments and surcharges, which can add several hundred dollars to the total amount owed. These may include:

• Court administrative fees
• DUI enforcement assessments
• Victim compensation fund fees

When these are added to the base fine, the real cost of a first DUI often reaches $800 to $1,200 or more—even before factoring in other court-ordered obligations.

Judges typically provide a payment schedule or allow fines to be paid in installments, but deadlines are enforced. Failing to pay fines on time can lead to license consequences or additional court action.

Fines for a Second DUI Offense

A second DUI offense within 7 years in Nevada is also a misdemeanor but comes with increased financial penalties:

• Minimum fine: $750
• Maximum fine: $1,000

As with first offenses, the court may add mandatory fees and surcharges, raising the total owed to well over $1,200 in many cases.

In addition to higher fines, second DUI offenders may face:

• Longer license suspension
• Extended jail time
• Mandatory substance abuse evaluation
• Required attendance in a longer treatment program

These conditions increase not just legal consequences, but overall cost—including payments for classes, treatment, and reinstatement fees.

Second offense DUI cases are treated more seriously by both courts and the DMV, and financial penalties reflect that. It’s not uncommon for second-time offenders to pay upwards of $2,000 to $3,000 total once all costs are included.

Felony DUI: Fines for a Third Offense or DUI with Injury

A third DUI offense within 7 years, or any DUI involving serious injury or death, is treated as a felony under Nevada law. The fine structure for these cases is substantially higher:

• Minimum fine: $2,000
• Maximum fine: $5,000

These fines are mandatory and are in addition to court costs, fees, and the expenses tied to prison time, parole, or probation. Felony DUI cases also require:

• Substance abuse evaluation
• Ignition interlock device (IID) installation
• Extended license suspension and DMV fees

Injury-related DUI cases may include restitution payments to victims, depending on the circumstances.

When everything is added up—including legal fees, treatment programs, and reinstatement costs—felony DUI fines and expenses in Nevada can easily exceed $10,000 or more.

Other Financial Penalties and Hidden Costs

DUI fines are just one part of the total financial impact of a conviction. Other mandatory or likely expenses in Nevada DUI cases include:

• DUI school (first offense): ~$100–$150
• Substance abuse treatment (second offense or higher): Varies widely by program
• Victim impact panel: ~$40–$60
• Ignition interlock device (IID): ~$70–$150 installation + $60–$80/month
• License reinstatement fees: ~$120
• Towing and impound fees: ~$100–$300
• Attorney fees: Varies ($1,000–$5,000+)

Even in cases where fines are on the lower end, these additional financial obligations raise the total cost significantly. A first DUI offense with no aggravating factors can still end up costing a driver $1,500 to $3,000 or more, once all expenses are accounted for.

Repeat offenses, higher BAC levels, or failure to complete court orders on time can push those numbers even higher.

How Courts Determine the Final Fine Amount

While Nevada law sets minimum and maximum fine amounts for each DUI offense level, the actual number within that range is determined by the judge at sentencing. Factors that may influence the fine include:

• BAC level at time of arrest
• Driving behavior or reckless conduct
• Cooperation with law enforcement
• Prior DUI or criminal history
• Presence of passengers, especially minors

Judges may impose higher fines in cases involving property damage, accidents, or refusal to submit to testing. Conversely, a defendant who shows remorse, completes early treatment, or accepts responsibility may receive a lower fine within the allowed range.

It’s also worth noting that some counties may have local fine structures or policies that influence how much is assessed in typical cases.

Can DUI Fines Be Reduced or Waived?

In most cases, DUI fines in Nevada are mandatory and cannot be waived entirely. However, there are some limited options for reducing or managing the financial impact:

• Judges may allow community service in place of part of the fine (especially for low-income defendants)
• Courts may offer payment plans or extensions to complete fine payments
• Some fines may be lowered slightly if the defendant accepts a plea deal for a reduced charge (e.g., reckless driving)

These options vary by court and are not guaranteed. Defendants should not expect DUI fines to be dropped or waived, especially if the offense involves aggravating circumstances.

If paying the fine in full is a hardship, it’s important to communicate this to the court early to explore available alternatives.

FAQ: DUI Fines in Nevada

What is the minimum fine for a first DUI in Nevada?
The minimum fine is $400, but total costs often exceed $1,000 once fees and assessments are added.

Can I make payments on DUI fines in Nevada?
Yes. Most courts allow payment plans, but you must request one and stick to the schedule to avoid further penalties.

Do DUI fines include court fees?
No. Court fees and administrative assessments are added to the base DUI fine.

What happens if I don’t pay my DUI fine on time?
You may face license suspension, additional fines, or a bench warrant for failing to comply with the court’s sentencing terms.

Are DUI fines higher for repeat offenders?
Yes. Second and third offenses come with higher fines, longer license suspensions, and more expensive required programs.

Conclusion

DUI fines in Nevada start at $400 for a first offense and can reach $5,000 or more for felony-level charges. But the base fine is only part of the picture—additional court fees, education programs, and license-related expenses make the real cost much higher. Whether it’s your first or third offense, understanding the full financial scope of a DUI conviction is essential to preparing for the road ahead.

To explore the broader consequences of DUI charges in Nevada, visit the DUI Penalties And Consequences pillar page. For a focused breakdown of fines and related expenses, see the Common DUI Fines and Financial Penalties mini-hub for additional insights.