Not only does drinking and driving endanger the lives of innocent people and risk jail time, drunk drivers also face large financial penalties. In Iowa for example, the financial penalties associated with driving drunk are significant. According to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, typical OWI costs are as follows:
| Vehicle towing and storage fee | $57 |
| Driver’s license reinstatement fee | $20 |
| New license | $23 |
| Driver’s license civil penalty | $200 |
| Car insurance premium increase | $900 |
| Interlock or “blow & go” device | $390 |
| OWI penalty fine | $1,000 |
| OWI classes | $250 |
| OWI substance abuse evaluation | $45 |
| Probation administration fee | $250 |
| Attorney fees | $900 |
| Missed Wages (5 work days) | $400 |
| Total: | $4,435 |
And that’s just for first timers. These first offenders also face 48 hours in jail, depending on the severity of the offense.
For a second arrest, the OWI fine increases to $1,500, and the jail stay increases to 7 days. Third timers can expect a penalty fee of $2,500, and 30 days to 5 years in jail. Unless, of course, you have a good lawyer…in which case that will cost you too.
That should make everyone stop and think. You could buy a good used car for that price. And you wouldn’t have to go to jail.
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