California DUI Laws

First-Offense DUI in California: Laws and Penalties

Defendants facing a first DUI in California face both criminal and administrative penalties. In addition to fines and license suspension, a motorist may face jail time. Read about the specifics of the penalties you'll face if convicted of a first DUI in California.

Second-Offense DUI in California: Laws and Penalties

For a second DUI conviction in California, you'll face fines, license suspension, and the possibility of jail time. Read the specifics about second-offense DUI penalties in California.

Third-Offense DUI in California: Laws and Penalties

If you are charged with your third DUI in California (and you first one was less than 10 years earlier), the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will impose administrative sanctions independent of criminal penalties described below.

California’s Open Container Laws and Violation Penalties

California’s open container laws generally prohibit consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol and marijuana in a motor vehicle. Read about the specifics of these laws and the penalties for a violation.

California's DUI Implied Consent Laws: Refusing Blood Alcohol Testing

California’s “implied consent” law requires all drivers lawfully arrested for a DUI to submit to chemical testing to determine blood alcohol concentration. Read about how this law works and the penalties you'll face for an unlawful refusal.

California's Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Laws and Penalties

Read about the consequences of boating under the influence (BUI) in California.

Scooter and Bike DUIs in California

Motorized scooters, electric bikes, and traditional bikes are subject to most of the same traffic laws as regular vehicles. However, it appears the Legislature has recognized that intoxicated operation of a bike or scooter might not pose the same level of risk to the public as operating a car or truck while under the influence.

California's DUI Laws: What are the Penalties?

The penalties for a DUI in California depend—in large part—on how many prior DUI convictions the offender has. Read about the penalties for a first, second, and third California DUI.

Aggravating Factors for DUI Sentencing in California

Learn about how mitigating and aggravating factors—like criminal record, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), criminal record, and driving patterns—can affect DUI penalties in California.