Not only do drunk drivers endanger the lives of innocent people and risk jail time, they also face significant financial penalties. In Iowa for example, the fees associated with an OWI 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 driver's license | $23 |
| Driver's license civil penalty | $200 |
| Car insurance premium increase | $900 |
| Interlock of "blow & go" device | $390 |
| OWI penalty fee | $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 a first offense. These first timers also face 48 hours in jail, depending on the severity of the offense.
For a second offense, the OWI penalty fee increases to $1,500, and the jail time increases to 7 days. Third timers can expect a fine of $2,500, and 30 days to 5 years in jail.
That should make anyone stop and think. You could buy a good used car for that price. And you wouldn't have to go to jail.
