Traffic Violation & DUI Calculators

The true cost of a traffic ticket or DUI — fines, points, insurance surcharges, and license penalties. All free and anonymous.

Direct answer

These calculators total what a ticket or a DUI actually costs: the fine, state and court assessments, licence and reinstatement fees, ignition interlock or SR-22 requirements, attorney fees where they apply, and the insurance surcharge carried for about three years. The multi-year total is the figure that matters, not the fine.

How traffic violation costs work

The fine printed on your ticket is just the beginning. The real cost of a traffic violation includes court fees, penalty assessments, driver responsibility charges, insurance surcharges, and — for serious offenses — license suspension and mandatory programs. Understanding the full picture helps you decide whether to pay, fight, or hire an attorney.

The two-track penalty system (DUI)

Every DUI arrest triggers two independent proceedings:

The administrative DMV track. In most states the officer confiscates your license on the spot and issues a temporary permit. You have a short window — often 7 to 10 days — to request a hearing; miss it and the suspension starts automatically, win or lose in court.
The criminal court track. This is the fine, probation, classes, and jail exposure. The standard first-offense misdemeanor rarely involves real jail time, but second offenses carry mandatory minimums in nearly every state.

These tracks are independent. You can be found not guilty in court and still serve the full DMV suspension.

Point systems by state

Every state uses points to track driving infractions, but the systems vary dramatically:

Accumulation states: Points add up over time. Too many points in a window (typically 12+ in 2 years) triggers suspension.
No-point states: A few states (like Oregon and Pennsylvania) don't use a point system for insurance purposes, but violations still raise rates.
Hybrid states: Points affect your license but insurance companies use their own violation surcharge schedules.

Insurance surcharges: the hidden cost

Insurance companies don't just look at points — they use their own violation surcharge schedules. A single speeding ticket can raise rates 15–25% for 3 years. A DUI conviction triggers an SR-22 filing and 80–150% premium increases. Over the three-year filing period, the insurance surcharge alone frequently exceeds every other cost combined.

Fighting vs. paying

Contesting a ticket can result in dismissal, reduced charges, or a non-moving violation that doesn't carry points. Many drivers hire a traffic attorney for $150–$400 to handle the court appearance — often less than the insurance surcharge over 3 years. For DUI charges, legal representation is almost always worth the cost given the stakes.

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Frequently asked questions

How many points is a speeding ticket?

It depends on your state and how much you were over the limit. Typically: 1–2 points for 1-10 mph over, 2–3 points for 11-20 mph over, 3–4 points for 21-30 mph over, and 4+ points for 31+ mph over. Some states (like California) assign 1 point for most speeding violations, while others (like New York) assign 3-11 points based on severity.

How much does a DUI raise my insurance?

A DUI conviction typically triggers an SR-22 filing and 80–150% premium increases for three years. Average premium increases run $800–$4,000 extra per year. Over the three-year filing period, this surcharge alone frequently exceeds every other cost combined.

Can I fight a traffic ticket?

Yes, and it's often worth it. Contesting a ticket can result in dismissal, reduced charges, or a non-moving violation that doesn't carry points. Many drivers hire a traffic attorney for $150–$400 to handle the court appearance — often less than the insurance surcharge over 3 years.

How long do points stay on my record?

Most states keep points on your driving record for 3-5 years. Some states (like California) use a 3-year rolling window for point accumulation. Points typically don't affect your insurance rates after 3 years, but they remain on your DMV record longer.