How Much Does A DUI Cost In Oregon?

Feb 12

Key Takeaways

A DUI in Oregon is expensive, often costing $8,000 or more for a first offense.

Costs include fines, court fees, attorney fees, treatment, ignition interlock, and higher insurance rates.
Second and third offenses are far more serious, with felony charges and costs exceeding $20,000.
The Oregon DUI Diversion Program may help first-time offenders avoid a conviction, but it still comes with high costs.

If you’re facing a DUI charge, you’re probably wondering, “How much does a DUI cost in Oregon?” The short answer is that it’s typically far more than most people expect. In Oregon, a DUI–also called a DUII for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants–comes with more than just a court fine. If convicted, you’ll likely have to pay mandatory penalties, attorney fees, reinstatement fees after license suspension, ignition interlock costs, treatment program costs, and higher insurance premiums. The total financial impact is significant, and the costs increase for second and third offenses.

In this guide, we’ll cover the real cost of a DUI conviction in Oregon so you can understand exactly what’s at stake.

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The Guide To Oregon Liquor Laws

So, How Much Does a DUI Cost in Oregon?

Per Oregon law, a DUI occurs when a driver operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or 0.8% or higher or while under the influence of drugs. Getting a DUI can be one of the most expensive mistakes you can make. The financial penalties go far beyond the initial ticket.

So, how much does a DUI cost in Oregon?

Oregon DUI Penalties

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Oregon are serious, and they increase significantly with each offense. At a minimum, you will have to pay a fine of $1,000, but that number can go up, depending on the circumstances.

In addition to fines, you could face jail time, license suspension, treatment requirements, and long-term insurance impacts. In most cases, you will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and receive between 48 hours and 90 days in jail (though it could be up to 1 year). However, if you are convicted of a third DUI within 10 years, you will be charged with a Class C Felony, which comes with up to 5 years of jail time.

How Much Does a First DUI Conviction Cost in Oregon?

A first DUI conviction is not just a traffic ticket. It comes with a variety of legal penalties and high costs. The minimum fine for a first DUI conviction in Oregon is $1,000, but it could be higher, depending on the circumstances of the crime. Beyond the fine, a DUI conviction comes with other costs, including:

Fine: A minimum fine of $1,000. If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, the minimum increases to $2,000
Court fees and assessments: Depending on the county, these usually range between $300 and $800 and are added on top of the minimum fine.
Legal fees: $3,000 to $5,000 (or more for a more complicated case)
Victim Impact Panel fee: $40 to $50
Insurance costs: After a conviction, you’ll likely be required to file an SR-22 form. Your insurance premiums will increase between 2 to 5X your prior rate. This elevated rate can last between 3 and 5 years or longer and cost you thousands.
Drug and alcohol treatment: $2,000 to $3,000
Ignition interlock device (for 24 months): $1,800
License reinstatement fees: $100

Overall, a first DUI in Oregon will cost you at least $8,000. In addition to these costs, a DUI conviction leads to other financial impacts, including lost wages, towing and impound fees, increased transportation costs, and potential job or housing impacts.

Is A DUI A Felony In Oregon?

How Much Does a Second DUI Conviction Cost in Oregon?

A second DUI conviction in Oregon is even more serious and expensive than a first offense, especially if the two convictions happen within 5 years of each other. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs for a second DUI conviction:

Fine: A minimum fine of $1,500 ($2,000 if your BAC was 0.15% or higher)
Court fees and assessments: $1,500 or more
Legal fees: $5,000 to $10,000
Victim Impact Panel fee: $40 to $50
Insurance costs: Thousands more, especially with a second conviction
Drug and alcohol treatment: $2,000 to $3,000
Ignition interlock device (for five years): $4,500
License reinstatement fees: $100

Overall, you face a cost of at least $14,000 for a second DUI conviction in Oregon.

How Much Does a Third DUI Conviction Cost in Oregon?

A third DUI conviction in Oregon carries very serious legal consequences, including felony charges. If you are convicted of a third DUI within 10 years, you will be charged with a Class C felony and face up to 5 years in jail. In addition to jail time, you will likely have to pay:

Fine: A minimum fine of $2,000
Court fees and assessments: $1,500 or more
Legal fees: $15,000 or more
Victim Impact Panel fee: $40 to $50
Drug and alcohol treatment: $2,000 to $3,000
License revoked for life

When you add it all up, a third DUI conviction in Oregon will cost you $20,000 at the very least. However, the cost of jail time includes lost wages for months to years, and since you will have your license revoked for life, you will have to pay more for transportation.

What Is the Oregon DUI Diversion Program?

In Oregon, the DUI Diversion Program is a court-supervised program that allows certain first-time DUI offenders to avoid a criminal conviction. Instead of proceeding through the traditional criminal sentencing process, those who are eligible can complete a structured program focused on accountability and treatment.

You may be eligible for the DUI Diversion Program if:

This is your first DUI.
You haven’t participated in the Diversion Program or something similar in another jurisdiction within the last 15 years.
The offense didn’t involve a serious injury or death.
You didn’t have a commercial driver’s license at the time of the offense.
You weren’t driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the offense.

If you participate in the Diversion Program, you will need to:

Plead guilty to the charge
Complete a substance abuse evaluation
Successfully complete any recommended treatment program
Attend a victim impact panel
Install and use an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for one year
Pay all court fees and diversion program costs
Avoid any new DUI charges during the one-year period

If you successfully complete the program, you will not have to pay the $1,000 fine. You also avoid a criminal conviction and may be able to have the record expunged later. Between Diversion Program fees, legal fees, and IIC costs, you can expect to pay at least $4,000 to participate in the Diversion Program. Still, for more first-time offenders, diversion is the best outcome. It costs less money and helps you avoid a permanent DUI conviction on your record.