California DUI Laws:
An A-Z Guide

A comprehensive directory of California's Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws, penalties, and related statutes.

A - C

• Aggravated DUI

  Enhanced penalties for excessive BAC, speeding, or minors in vehicle.

• APS Hearing (DMV)

  Administrative Per Se hearings to challenge license suspension.

• Bicycle DUI (VC 21200.5)

  Riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Boating DUI (BUI) (HN 655)

  Operating a vessel while intoxicated.

• Commercial DUI (VC 23152(d))

  Stricter 0.04% BAC limit for commercial drivers.

D - F

• DUI Alcohol (VC 23152(a) / VC 23152(b))

  Driving under the influence or with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

• DUI Drugs (VC 23152(f))

  Driving under the influence of illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs.

• DUI with Injury (VC 23153)

  Causing bodily harm to another person while driving under the influence.

• DUI Murder (Watson Murder)

  Second-degree murder charge for fatal DUI accidents with prior convictions.

• Felony DUI

  Charged for 4th offenses, causing injury, or having prior felony DUIs.

G - L

• Hit and Run (VC 20001 / VC 20002)

  Leaving the scene of an accident, often related to DUI.

• Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

  Breathalyzer installed in vehicles for repeat or severe DUI offenders.

• Implied Consent (VC 23612)

  Requirement to submit to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI.

• License Suspension

  Mandatory DMV actions following a DUI arrest.

M - P

• Minor in Possession (BPC 25662)

  Underage possession of alcohol in a public place.

• Open Container (VC 23222)

  Driving with an open alcoholic beverage.

• Out-of-State DUI

  How a DUI in another state affects your California driving privileges.

• Prior Convictions

  How past DUIs within 10 years enhance current penalties.

• Probation Violations

  Failing to comply with court-ordered DUI terms.

Q - T

• Quashing Warrants

  Clearing bench warrants for Failure to Appear in DUI cases.

• Reckless Driving (VC 23103)

  Often a reduced charge or related offense.

• Refusal to Test

  Enhanced penalties for refusing chemical tests.

• Restricted License

  Driving privileges for work or DUI school.

• SR-22 Insurance

  Certificate of financial responsibility required after conviction.

U - Z

• Underage DUI (VC 23136 / VC 23140)

  Zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21 with any measurable BAC.

• Watson Advisement

  Legal warning that a future fatal DUI can be charged as murder.

• Wet Reckless (VC 23103.5)

  A reduced plea bargain charge from a standard DUI.

• Zero Tolerance Law

  Strict enforcement of BAC limits for underage drivers.