Category: California DUI Laws

By law in California, DUI – Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense. It is more serious than most other traffic offenses.

By DUI laws in California, it is illegal for any person to operate:

• A motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
• Any vehicle requiring a commercial driver license (with or without a commercial driver license issued to the driver), with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
• A motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, if the person is under age 21.
• A motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.01% or higher at any age if the person is on DUI probation.

By the Admin Per Se law, the DMV is required to suspend your license if you are charged with one of the above offenses, or you have refused a chemical test. This suspension by the DMV is called an “administrative action” and is independent of any court-imposed criminal penalties for conviction of the DUI offense.  Be aware that the DMV and the Court are two separate institutions with separate and independent powers over your license.

Get informed – browse our Frequently Asked Questions on DUI laws and penalties.