Reviewing California DUI laws and test refusal? compare breath-test refusal penalties by state.
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What Are the Penalties for a DUI in California?
Fines, jail time, license suspension, DUI school, and IID requirements — broken down by offense.
Last updated: March 3, 2026
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A first-offense DUI in California carries $390-$1,000 in base fines (roughly $3,600 with penalty assessments), up to 6 months in jail, and a 4-month license suspension. You'll also need to complete a 3-9 month DUI school and install an IID for 6 months. Second offense: 2-year license suspension and mandatory IID for 1 year. A 4th DUI within 10 years or a DUI causing injury becomes a felony with up to 4 years in state prison.
You must request a DMV hearing within 10 days of arrest or your license is automatically suspended after 30 days. That’s one of the shorter deadlines in the country. What Happens After a DUI in California →
Have questions about your specific California DUI situation? Get answers →
Penalties by Offense
AB 541 DUI school (3 or 9 months). IID for 6 months to get restricted license. Probation: 3-5 years.
Mandatory 18 or 30-month DUI school. IID required for 1 year. 10-year lookback period.
Mandatory 30-month DUI school. IID for 2 years. Designated "habitual traffic offender" for 3 years.
4th DUI within 10 years or DUI causing injury. Strike under California's Three Strikes law if great bodily injury.
California uses a 10-year lookback period ("washout" period) for prior DUI offenses. Priors older than 10 years don't count toward enhancement.
Under SB 1046, California requires IID installation for all DUI convictions statewide — even first offense — to obtain a restricted license.
You'll also need to complete California DUI school programs as part of your probation or license reinstatement. Have questions about your California DUI arrest? Get state-specific answers on our DUI Q&A page.