Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties In California
While fines and penalties for a DUI in California can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, the sentencing guidelines for a DUI conviction are generally as follows:
Your first DUI conviction will result in a jail sentence of no less than 96 hours and no more than 6 months. The fine will be no less than $390 and no more than $1,000 (plus penalties). While your driver’s license will be suspended for six months, the court can grant you a temporary restricted license. Your driver’s license won’t be reinstated unless you can provide proof that you have completed a state-approved “driving under the influence” program, as well as proof of financial responsibility. You might also be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device at your own expense, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Note: Please keep in mind that a reputable DUI attorney can minimize penalties for driving under the influence and for wrongful accusations.
A second DUI conviction results in a jail sentence of no less than 90 days, and no more than a year. The fine will be no less than $390 and no more than $1,000 (plus penalties). Your driver’s license will be suspended for a year, and cannot be reinstated until you provide proof of financial responsibility, and proof that you have completed a state-approved “driving under the influence” program. You may also be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device at your own expense, depending on the terms of the license suspension.
A third DUI conviction means jail for no less than 120 days, and no more than 1 year. The fine will not be less than $390 and no more than $1,000 (plus penalties). The state of California will consider you a “habitual traffic offender” for three years following your conviction, and your license will be suspended for two years. Your driver’s license won’t be reinstated unless you can provide proof that you have completed a state-approved “driving under the influence” program, as well as proof of financial responsibility. You might be granted a restricted driver’s license, though an Ignition Interlock Device may be required.
Related: 20 Ways to Prevent a DUI Accident or Arrest
A fourth DUI conviction will result in jail, prison, or both, for no less than 180 days and no more than 1 year. The fine will be no less than $390 and no more than $1,000 (plus penalties). You’ll be considered a “habitual traffic offender” by the state of California for a period of 3 years following your conviction, and your license will be revoked for 3 years. Your driver’s license won’t be reinstated until you provide proof that you have completed a state-approved “driving under the influence” program, as well as proof of financial responsibility. You may apply for a restricted driver’s license under certain circumstances.
Judges typically apply a set of minimum and maximum sentencing guidelines, weighing mitigating and aggravating factors when determining the sentence. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you might be required to obtain a California SR-22 insurance policy. If your policy is cancelled due to a conviction, your vehicle registration will be suspended if a new insurance policy isn’t issued within 45 days. If your current policy falls under a “Good Driver Discount,” you may no longer qualify for this reduced rate policy.