It is illegal driving-under-influence (DUI) to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of:
| BAC | Age | Category | Penalty | 2nd DUI in 7 yrs | 3rd DUI in 7 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| >= 0.08% |
>= 21 |
Drive vehicle or operate any vessel | 48 hrs to 6 mo in jail, fine of $390-$1000. Lose license for 6 mo or DMV restrictions. Required to complete a licensed DUI program. | Up to 1 yr in jail, fine up to $1000. Lose license for 2 yrs. After 12 mo of suspension may obtain a restricted license if you enroll in a DUI program, have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed, file certificate of insurance (SR22), and pay the restriction and reissue fees. | Up to 1 yr in jail, fine up to $1000. Lose license for 3 yrs. have vehicle impounded for up tp 12 mo, After 18 mo of suspension may obtain a restricted license if you enroll in a DUI program, have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed, file certificate of insurance (SR22), and pay the restriction and reissue fees. |
| >= 0.04% |
>= 21 |
Drive commercial vehicle or operate any vessel | |||
| >= 0.01% |
< 21 |
Drive any vehicle or operate any vessel, aquaplane, water skis, etc. |
48 hrs to 6 mo in jail, fine of $390-$1000. It is illegal to purchase beer, wine, or hard liquor; or to have an alcholic drink on you person in a car unless with a parent. Court can take vehicle for up to 6 mo and pay storage fees, possible jail and fine, revoke rdivers license till 18, show proof of insurance, prof of completion of DUI program, and pay DMV reissue fee. | There is no second chance! Your license is suspended for one yr on first offense. | |
Alcohol effects show before the above legel limits! Minors especially are subject to fine, jail, and participation in an alchol education or community service program. If you have more than one drink per hour allow one hour of "sobering up" for each extra drink.
All the above applies to drugs too. Beware of certain medication which can decrease you ability to drive, e.g. cold remedies, pep pills, or any drug that can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Read the label!
Driving in CA gives automatic consent to make a breath, blood or urine test. Refusal to take test is an automatic guilty with suspension or revocation of license. You do not have right to talk to a lawyer.
| BAC Zones |
90-109 lbs | 110-129 lbs | 130-149 lbs | 150-169 lbs | 170-189 lbs | 190-209 lbs | >=210 lbs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Time from 1st drink |
Total Drinks |
Total Drinks |
Total Drinks |
Total Drinks |
Total Drinks |
Total Drinks |
Total Drinks |
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
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One drink is a 1.5 oz of 80 proof liquor, a 5 oz of 12% wine,
or 12 oz of 5% beer.
Effects Increase on empty stomach or if you
are tired, sick, upset, or have taken medicines or drugs.
| (.01%-.04%) possible DUI | illegal if under 21 | |
| (.05%-.07%) likely DUI | chances of an accident are 5 times higher | |
| (>=.08%) definitely DUI | chances of an accident are 25 times higher |
Total miscellaneous fees for a DUI, including insurance increase, can total to $5263.