California DUI Laws

In the state of California you will be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%, the minimum BAC known to impair everyone.

First California DUI Offense

• From 4 days to 6 months imprisonment
• $390 to $1000 fine(s)
• 6-month license suspension
• Possible court-ordered installation ignition interlock device at the expense of the DUI offender.
• Successful completion of Driving Under the Influence Program
• SR-22 required for restricted license

Second California DUI Offense

• From 90 days to 1 year imprisonment
• $390 to $1000 fine(s)
• 2-year license suspension
• Possible court-ordered installation ignition interlock device at the expense of the DUI offender.
• Successful completion of Driving Under the Influence Program
• SR-22 required for restricted license

Third California DUI Offense

• From 120 days to 1 year imprisonment
• $390 to $1000 fine(s)
• 3-year license suspension
• Designation as habitual offender
• Cannot apply for restricted license until after 1 year
• Court-ordered installation ignition interlock device at the expense of the DUI offender.
• Successful completion of Driving Under the Influence Program
• SR-22 required for restricted license

Fourth California DUI Offense

• From 180 days to 1 year imprisonment
• $390 to $1000 fine(s)
• 4-year license suspension
• Cannot apply for restricted license until after 1 year
• Court-ordered installation ignition interlock device at the expense of the DUI offender.
• Successful completion of Driving Under the Influence Program
• SR-22 required for restricted license

California has strict drunk driving laws for drivers under the age of 21 and repeat offenders (cannot have a BAC in excess of 0.01%) and zero tolerance for drivers under the age of 18. Furthermore, commercial drivers cannot have a BAC in excess of 0.04%.