A first-time standard DUI in Arizona commonly costs several thousand dollars once you add statutory fines and assessments, jail fees, alcohol screening and classes, an ignition interlock device, MVD fees, and three years of higher insurance. Extreme and super extreme DUIs cost more at every step. The court fine is only one line in a much larger budget.
When people search “how much is a DUI in Arizona,” they usually find the fine and stop. This guide builds a realistic line-item budget instead, so you can see where the money goes and why early decisions in your case affect the total.
Statutory Fines and Assessments
Under A.R.S. 28-1381, a first-offense standard DUI carries a base fine of $250. Arizona then adds mandatory assessments to state funds and surcharges, which is why the amount actually owed for a first offense usually lands roughly between $1,250 and $1,500. Extreme DUI (BAC of 0.15 or higher) and super extreme DUI (0.20 or higher) carry much larger mandatory assessments, with totals commonly running from about $2,500 to more than $3,200 before other costs.
Our guide to extreme and super extreme DUI in Arizona covers those penalties in detail, and our post on penalties for DUI charges in Arizona covers jail and license consequences.
A Line-Item DUI Budget
| Expense | Standard First DUI | Extreme or Super Extreme DUI |
|---|---|---|
| Fines, assessments, and surcharges | Roughly $1,250 to $1,500 | Roughly $2,500 to $3,200+ |
| Jail or home detention fees | Daily fees vary by city and facility | Higher, due to longer mandatory time |
| Towing and impound | Several hundred dollars | Several hundred dollars |
| Alcohol screening and classes | Hundreds of dollars, more if treatment is ordered | Often more, depending on the screening result |
| Ignition interlock installation and monthly lease | Installation plus a monthly lease for the required period | Longer required period in many cases |
| MVD reinstatement and related fees | Modest administrative fees | Modest administrative fees |
| SR-22 filing and higher insurance premiums | Often thousands of dollars over three years | Often thousands of dollars over three years |
| Missed work and transportation | Varies | Varies |
Jail and Home Detention Costs
A first standard DUI carries a minimum of 10 consecutive days in jail, with nine of those days often suspended if the person completes alcohol screening and any recommended classes or treatment. Many Arizona cities charge daily fees for jail or home detention, and some programs also require a monitoring fee. Those charges can add up quickly over a mandatory sentence.
Ignition Interlock Costs
Arizona generally requires an ignition interlock device after a DUI conviction. You pay for installation, a monthly lease, calibration, and removal. Depending on the provider and the required period, total interlock costs often reach several hundred to more than a thousand dollars.
SR-22 Insurance in Arizona
After a DUI, the Arizona MVD usually requires proof of insurance through an SR-22 filing for three years. The filing fee itself is small, but the rate increase is not. Many drivers see premiums rise sharply after a DUI conviction, and the increase lasting three years is often the single largest cost of the case. Lapse during that period can trigger a new suspension.
Indirect Costs People Forget
- Lost wages while serving jail time or attending court
- Rideshare or transportation costs during a license suspension
- Professional license reporting issues for nurses, teachers, and other licensed workers
- Employment consequences for jobs that require driving
Separately, you must request the MVD Admin Per Se hearing to challenge your license suspension within 30 days of being served with the suspension notice. Missing that window can lead to a suspension that applies regardless of what happens in court.
How Legal Representation Fits Into the Budget
Legal fees are a real cost, and they vary based on the type of DUI and whether the case goes to trial. Weigh them against what a conviction costs over the next three years. A reduced charge, a successful challenge to breath or blood test results, or a dismissal can remove many of the expenses in the table above. For first-offense cases, our page on first-time DUI offenses in Scottsdale explains the defense options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a first DUI cost in Arizona?
With fines, fees, classes, interlock, and insurance increases, a first standard DUI commonly costs several thousand dollars.
How much is the fine for a DUI in Arizona?
The base fine is $250, but mandatory assessments and surcharges usually bring a first-offense total to roughly $1,250 to $1,500.
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Arizona after a DUI?
Usually three years from the date your driving privilege is reinstated.
Can I make payments on DUI fines in Arizona?
Many Arizona courts allow payment plans. Ask the court about options at sentencing.
Is an extreme DUI more expensive than a standard DUI?
Yes. Extreme and super extreme DUIs carry higher mandatory assessments, longer jail time, and longer interlock requirements.
Talk to an Arizona DUI Lawyer About Your Options
The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez defends DUI charges in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and across the Valley. When you call, we will ask about your stop, your test results, and your court date, then explain which costs may be avoidable and what to do about the 30-day MVD deadline. Learn more about our Phoenix DUI lawyer services.
