Updated March 3, 2026
How Much Does a DWI Cost in Texas?
QUICK ANSWER
A first DWI in Texas typically costs $10,000–$24,000+ total over 3 years. This includes fines ($2,000), surcharges ($3,000–$6,000), lawyer fees ($2,000–$7,000), insurance increases ($4,500–$9,000), and various fees for classes, IID, and license reinstatement.
Keep reading for the full breakdownTotal First DWI Cost in Texas
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Bail / bond | $500–$5,000 |
| Towing & impound | $200–$500 |
| DWI lawyer | $2,000–$7,000 |
| Court fines | Up to $2,000 |
| Court costs & fees | $200–$500 |
| DWI surcharge (3 years) | $3,000–$6,000 |
| DWI classes | $100–$500 |
| Alcohol evaluation | $100–$300 |
| Probation fees | $50–$100/month |
| IID installation | $100–$200 |
| IID monthly rental | $60–$90/month |
| License reinstatement | $100–$125 |
| SR-22 filing fee | $25–$50 |
| Insurance increase (3 years) | $4,500–$9,000+ |
| TOTAL | $10,000–$24,000+ |
Court Fines and Surcharges
Texas DWI fines escalate dramatically with each offense:
| Offense | Maximum Fine | Surcharge (3 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| First offense | Up to $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Second offense | Up to $4,000 | $4,500 |
| Third offense (felony) | Up to $10,000 | $6,000 |
The Texas Driver Responsibility Program surcharge is $1,000–$2,000/year for 3 years — on top of court fines.
DWI Lawyer Costs in Texas
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| First offense, plea deal | $2,000–$4,000 |
| First offense, contested | $4,000–$7,000 |
| Trial | $7,000–$15,000+ |
| Felony DWI | $10,000–$25,000+ |
Fees are higher in Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Full DUI lawyer cost guide →
Insurance Increases
- •Average increase: 40–100% higher premiums
- •Dollar amount: $1,500–$3,000+ extra per year
- •Duration: 3–5 years of higher rates
- •SR-22 requirement: Adds filing fees and limits carrier options
Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Installation | $100–$200 |
| Monthly rental | $60–$90 |
| Calibration | Included or $25–$50 |
| Duration | 6 months – 2 years |
| Total IID cost | $500–$2,500 |
DWI Classes in Texas
| Program | Cost | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DWI Education Program | $100–$200 | 12 hours |
| DWI Intervention Program | $200–$500 | 32 hours |
| Treatment (if required) | $1,000–$5,000+ | Varies |
Hidden Costs Most People Miss
⚠Missed work (court dates, classes)
⚠Uber / Lyft while license suspended
⚠Job loss or missed promotions
⚠Professional license impact
⚠Travel restrictions (Canada, etc.)
⚠Relationship and family stress
First vs Second vs Third Offense Costs
| Offense | Fines | Surcharge | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | $2,000 | $3,000 | $10,000–$24,000 |
| Second | $4,000 | $4,500 | $15,000–$35,000 |
| Third (Felony) | $10,000 | $6,000 | $25,000–$50,000+ |
How to Reduce Costs
- 1.Request a payment plan for fines and surcharges
- 2.Shop around for SR-22 insurance (rates vary widely)
- 3.Compare 2–3 DWI lawyer fees before hiring
- 4.Complete classes early to avoid scheduling issues
- 5.Avoid probation violations (they add fees)