DUIs Cost Thousands of Dollars. This Personal Breathalyzer Is Less Than $200.

Discover how a small investment in a Keepr breathalyzer can save you thousands and protect your future from the true cost of a DUI.

Key Takeaways

• While cost varies, a DUI can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.
• Personal breathalyzers like Keepr® are designed to be affordable, giving you clear BrAC insights at a cost that fits easily into most monthly budgets.
• Investing in a breathalyzer gives you confidence, freedom, and lasting peace of mind.

"I didn't think I was that drunk." It's one of the most common statements officers hear during DUI stops, and one of the costliest. Most drivers don't set out to break the law. They simply misjudge their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) after a few drinks. "Guessing" your fitness to drive can have devastating financial, legal, and personal consequences.

That's where proactive tools like Keepr's personal breathalyzer help. With quick, easy-to-read BrAC results, you can trade guesswork for real awareness before planning your next steps.

This informational blog shares what you need to know about DUI-prevention tools but is not to be used as legal advice. Always consult a qualified DUI attorney when facing specific legal questions. If you have immediate questions about a personal breathalyzer, contact the Keepr team: 833-743-5969

How Much Does a DUI Cost?

Even a first-time DUI is far more expensive than most people realize. Here's a breakdown of what you could expect to pay and how it could have an ongoing impact on your life.

Immediate Costs and Fees

Among the most immediate concerns with a DUI are the expenses it creates. Costs and fees can add up quickly but knowing what to expect and planning for expenses can bring relief during a difficult time. These can include:

• Bail and Towing: After an arrest, bail typically ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on your state. Add towing and impound fees, often ranging from $200 to $400 or more, and the financial impact begins immediately.
• DUI Lawyer Cost: Hiring a DUI attorney is essential, but it comes with a significant expense. On average, DUI lawyer costs range between $2,500 and $5,000 for a first-time DUI, and far more if your case goes to trial.
• Court Fines and Sentencing: Most states impose mandatory fines for DUI convictions, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. If you're sentenced to community service, alcohol education classes, or probation, expect additional fees for program enrollment and monitoring.

Additional Costs

Along with the more immediate costs and fees associated with a DUI, you may see increased ongoing expenses. These involve aspects such as your insurance, getting your license back, and other concerns, including:

• SR-22 Fees: Drivers convicted of a DUI are typically required to file an SR-22 form, which serves as proof of financial responsibility, with their insurance provider. The filing itself costs about $25, but the real impact is on your premiums.
• Insurance Premiums: A DUI can double or triple your auto insurance rates for up to five years. That often adds $3,000 to $10,000 in extra costs.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Many states require the installation of an IID after a conviction. Costs include an installation fee, maintenance, calibration, and removal.
• License Reinstatement: Once your suspension period ends, you'll pay $100 to $500 in reinstatement and administrative fees before you can legally drive again.

Intangible Effects

Along with hits to your wallet, there are physical and emotional considerations to a DUI, including the potential for jail time. Even a first-time DUI can carry up to six months in jail, depending on jurisdiction and BAC level. Additionally, court appearances, license suspension, and time behind bars can easily result in days or weeks of lost income, or even job loss.

The emotional toll is hard to quantify, as relationships often strain under the weight of guilt, embarrassment, and the disruption of daily routines. The actual cost of a DUI extends far beyond the financial implications and can leave you feeling out of sorts and uncomfortable for some time.

How Does a Personal Breathalyzer Work?

• Just the Keepr: The Keepr portable breathalyzer costs $149 and includes access to the free version of the mobile app to review your results.
• Optional Vehicle Integration: If you want to integrate your Keepr with your vehicle to require a test before you start your car, you can upgrade to Keepr Drive, for a monthly fee of $99 which includes one Keepr breathalyzer device, the installation kit for your vehicle, and access to the mobile app to manage your device and track results. The one-time cost of installation varies by service provider but is typically between $100-$200.

Let's Talk Numbers: DUI Cost vs. Personal Breathalyzer Cost

Here's where the math gets interesting. Between bail, attorney fees, fines, insurance hikes, and interlock devices, a single DUI can total tens of thousands of dollars or more if you lose your license or job. A Keepr breathalyzer or integrating with your vehicle with Keepr Drive might cost a few hundred dollars per year, which is a fraction of the cost of a DUI, according to our partner DUI.org.

Let's review the annual cost comparison of a DUI vs. a Keepr (device only) subscription.

This chart illustrates how quickly DUI related expenses can stack up. Keepr give you a simple, affordable way to stay more aware of your BrAC.

Why a Personal Breathalyzer Is an Investment, Not an Expense

Proactive Path to Savings: Financial and Emotional

Understanding the real costs of a DUI puts the value of BrAC awareness tools into perspective. Keepr gives you a simple, affordable way to stay informed.

Freedom to Enjoy Life Without Risky Guesswork

Keepr gives you confidence to enjoy social events responsibly. You can still go out with friends, but now you'll know your limits with real data.

Turn "I Think I'm Fine" into "I Know I'm Fine"

Knowing your breath alcohol concentration gives you real clarity, and that sense of awareness can make all the difference.

Ready to Protect Yourself?

No one plans to get a DUI. But if you drink, even occasionally, the risk is real, and the consequences are lasting. Still, you deserve to live your life to the fullest.  

A Keepr personal breathalyzer gives you quick, clear BrAC insights so you're not relying on guesswork. Real information helps you stay aware and make thoughtful choices.  

Shop our Keepr products and get the facts to keep you in command of your choices.