Recent California DUI Law Changes
What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.
January 1, 2019
Statewide ignition interlock program (SB 1046)
Most DUI offenders who want a restricted license or to reinstate must install an ignition interlock.
Official sources
- California DMV — Driving Under the Influence
- California DMV — Administrative Hearings
- California DMV — Administrative Per Se Facts (2021)
- California DMV — DUI First Offenders, Alcohol, Non-Injury
- California DMV — DUI Repeat Offenders, Alcohol
- California DMV — Fast Facts FFDL 35 (DUI, 21 and older)
- California DMV — Financial Responsibility (Insurance)
- Cal. Veh. Code §13558
- Cal. Veh. Code Div. 11.5, Ch. 2, Art. 2 — DUI penalties
- Cal. Veh. Code §23540
- Cal. Veh. Code §23546
- California Highway Patrol — HPM 70.4 Ch. 6, Administrative Per Se
- California Senate — Overview of Criminal Punishments for DUI (2026)
Educational information, not legal advice. California law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Driver Safety and talk to a licensed California attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.