How much does a DWI cost in Texas?
The costs we can source from Texas law, and the ones that depend on your case and your providers.
In short: A Texas DWI conviction can carry a criminal fine up to $2,000 (Class B) or $4,000 (Class A), plus a separate state traffic fine of $3,000 for a first conviction within 36 months, $4,500 for a second or later within 36 months, or $6,000 with a test result of 0.15 or more (Transportation Code 709.001). The court must waive the state fine if it finds you indigent. Court costs, bond, interlock, classes, license fees and insurance add more, and those amounts vary.
Which DWI costs are set by Texas law?
| Cost | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal fine, first DWI (Class B) | Up to $2,000 | Penal Code 49.04, 12.22 |
| Criminal fine, 0.15+ or second DWI (Class A) | Up to $4,000 | Penal Code 49.04(d), 49.09(a), 12.21 |
| Criminal fine, felony DWI | Up to $10,000 | Penal Code 12.34, 12.35 |
| State traffic fine, first conviction within 36 months | $3,000 | Transportation Code 709.001(b)(1) |
| State traffic fine, second or later within 36 months | $4,500 | Transportation Code 709.001(b)(2) |
| State traffic fine, test result 0.15 or more | $6,000 | Transportation Code 709.001(b)(3) |
The state traffic fine applies only after a final conviction. Deferred adjudication is not a final conviction. If the court finds you indigent, it must waive the 709.001 fine (709.001(c)), and the statute lists the documents that can prove indigency, such as a tax return or proof of SNAP or Medicaid benefits.
What about the old DWI surcharges?
The Driver Responsibility Program, which charged yearly DWI surcharges, was repealed by House Bill 2048 in 2019. The state traffic fine in Transportation Code 709.001 took its place. Some websites still describe the old surcharges.
Which costs vary?
- Bond: set by the magistrate. A surety bond company charges a fee; a cash bond may be returned at the end of the case, minus any deductions the court orders.
- Ignition interlock: may be required as a bond condition (Code of Criminal Procedure 17.441) or as a probation condition (42A.408). Installation and monthly fees are set by private vendors.
- Court costs and probation fees: set by statute and local schedules, and depend on how the case ends.
- Classes: DWI education, community service and other conditions may carry fees.
- License: an occupational license, reinstatement fees and proof of insurance (often an SR-22 filing) may be required.
- Insurance: premiums often rise after a DWI. Insurers set rates.
- Lawyer fees: vary by firm and case. Our first consultation is free and is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney.
Why we do not publish a "total cost"
Many sites quote a single number for "the cost of a DWI." Those numbers usually combine estimates that depend on the county, the provider and the outcome. We list what the law sets and what varies, so you can ask the right questions.
A cost checklist to discuss with your lawyer
- Court-ordered amounts: fine, court costs, supervision fees and any state traffic fine after a conviction.
- Bond: the premium or cash bond, plus any monitoring device fees set as a bond condition.
- Driving: interlock installation and monthly fees, occupational license filing costs, and reinstatement fees charged by the Department of Public Safety.
- Insurance: proof of financial responsibility (often an SR-22) and higher premiums.
- Classes and treatment: DWI education, a victim impact panel if ordered, and any evaluation or treatment.
- Time: missed work for court settings, classes and reporting.
Can a better outcome reduce the cost?
Often, yes. A dismissal or acquittal avoids the state traffic fine. Some costs, such as interlock, depend on the conditions ordered, which can be argued. An early ALR hearing can preserve the license and avoid some driving costs. Every case is different, so it helps to ask about each item on this list.
What if I cannot afford the fines?
Courts must consider a person's ability to pay. The state traffic fine under Transportation Code 709.001 can be waived for a person who is indigent, and judges can order alternatives such as community service for some costs. Tell the court and your lawyer if you cannot pay.
Where are these cases heard outside Dallas?
We handle these cases from our only office, in downtown Dallas, in the courts of 12 North Texas counties. Each county page explains where DWI cases are heard and who prosecutes them: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Kaufman, Ellis, Johnson, Parker, Wise, Hunt, Navarro.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Talking about the facts with police, friends or on social media
- Missing a court date or a bond condition
- Assuming the case will be dropped without action
- Waiting until the last minute to gather records and witnesses
Who pays for an ignition interlock ordered as a bond condition?
When a magistrate requires an interlock as a condition of bond, the device must be installed at the defendant's expense, on the appropriate vehicle, before the 30th day after release on bond (Code of Criminal Procedure 17.441(c)). The magistrate can designate an agency to verify installation and monitor the device (17.441(d)). Ask the installer for written pricing before you commit, since installation, monthly monitoring and removal are often billed separately.
How do I show I cannot afford the state DWI fine?
Transportation Code 709.001(d) lists documents the court can accept as proof of indigency, including your most recent federal tax return or a statement of wages showing household income at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or documentation that you or your household receive SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, CHIP or free or reduced-price school lunch. If the court finds you indigent, it must waive the 709.001 fine (709.001(c)).
Why can a license suspension cost more than the fine?
An administrative license suspension under Transportation Code chapter 524 cannot be probated (524.021(b)), so the cost of getting to work, school and court during a suspension can be significant. Requesting an ALR hearing within 15 days, and asking about an occupational license if a suspension takes effect, are practical ways to limit that cost.
How do I get started?
The first consultation is free. It is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
Last updated October 2026
Common questions
Is the $3,000 state fine automatic?
It applies after a final DWI conviction, but the court must waive it if it finds you indigent (Transportation Code 709.001(c)).
Does deferred adjudication trigger the state fine?
No. The 709.001 fine applies to a final conviction.
Are Texas DWI surcharges still charged?
No. The Driver Responsibility Program surcharges were repealed in 2019 (HB 2048) and replaced by the state traffic fine.
How much does an interlock cost?
Private vendors set installation and monthly fees. Ask the vendor approved in your county.
Does a dismissal avoid the state DWI fine?
Yes. The state traffic fine under Transportation Code 709.001 applies after a conviction.
Why does our firm not publish a total DWI cost?
Because the total depends on the outcome, the conditions ordered, insurance and the court. We prefer to list each cost and discuss it in a consultation.
Do not wait for your court date to get help. Call (214) 239-2013.
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.