What exactly are the penalties for DUI in California?

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What exactly are the penalties for DUI in California

July 19, 2010
Author: Chris M. Alexander

Driving under the influence or what is commonly known as “DUI” is a serious offense. It can turn one’s car from being a means of transportation to something more of a lethal weapon. As with most states, it is not tolerated in the Sunny State. Below is a list of the punishments for first time and up to a fourth time conviction of driving under the influence, or DUI, in California.

1. The first time offense includes the following:

Jail Time– From 96 hours to 6 months
Legal Fine – Running from $390 to $1000
License Suspension –For up to 6 months
Completion of a DUI program
Installation of an “Ignition Interlock Device,” or IID, which is like a breathalyzer hooked-up to the offender’s dashboard. The offender must breathe into it, and, if the blood alcohol level is between 0.02% or 0.04%, the car won’t start.
California SR22 insurance for a restricted license

2. The second time offense:

Jail Time – From 90 days to 1 year
Legal Fine – Running from $390 to $1000
License Suspension –For up to 2 years
Restricted driver license
IID installed in car
Completion of DUI program
California SR22 insurance for a restricted license

3. The third time offense:

Jail time – From 120 days to 1 year
Legal Fine – Running from $390 to $1000
License Suspension- For up to 3 years
Designated as a “Habitual Offender”
Must wait one year to apply for a restricted license
IID required
Completion of DUI program
California SR22 insurance for a restricted license

4. The fourth time offense (within ten years of previous conviction):

Jail time or Prison – From 180 days to 1 year
Legal Fine – Running from $390 to $1000
License Suspension- For up to 4 years
Must wait one year to apply for a restricted license
IID required
Completion of DUI program
California SR22 insurance for a restricted license

Newer Laws have also been introduced for lower tolerance for repeat DWI offenders. The majority of newer laws have to do with the IID. For example, in order for an offender’s license to be reinstated, an IID would have to be installed. Also, a lower tolerance of blood alcohol levels has been passed, stating that a tolerance of 0.01% as being the cut off level to drive a car. Likewise, a bill has been introduced to require IIDs for every vehicle owned by a given offender. Finally, another bill that has been talked about is one in which an offender would have to go thru an education program and group counseling.

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