Cutting the Costs of a Missouri DWI

The costs of a Missouri drunk driving conviction (Missouri DWI) are high. On average, across the U.S., a first-offense, simple (no injury, death or property damage) DWI is expected to cost around $10,000. A Missouri DWI, however, can end up costing you a lot more than what’s average, especially when lost wages and other troubles are taken into consideration.

Administrative penalties for a Missouri DWI include license suspensions and fees to have a license reinstated. If you refuse the breathalyzer at the time of your arrest, that tacks on additional fees and consequences. You’ll also have higher insurance rates and an ignition interlock requirement. There are also costs associated with the Missouri Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) that will need to be paid as part of your court-ordered Missouri DWI consequences.

Fortunately, ignition interlock devices actually decrease the financial impact of a Missouri DWI.

An ignition interlock device allows you the freedom to continue driving as if you didn’t get into DWI trouble. In exchange, all you need to do is provide a breath sample to prove you are sober while driving. You no longer have to worry about how you’ll get to work or to important appointments and others on the roads don’t have to worry about whether you are sober while driving. Once you have met the requirements for your interlock restriction, the device is removed and you are able to move on with your life.

One of the best ways to help those who have gotten a Missouri DWI and are facing the high cost of those actions is to facilitate the independence needed to get back on steady ground. Reliable, safe and personally-owned transportation is a part of that, which is why an ignition interlock device actually reduces the overall financial impact of a Missouri DWI.