DMV California DUI Records and Laws

Every state in the US has strict laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol, or DUI. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% is grounds for being charged with a DUI. California law is particularly harsh on those caught driving under the influence of alcohol, with monetary fines being assessed in addition to jail sentences. Those found guilty of a DUI will have their licenses and registrations revoked immediately. The state of California treats cases of DUI very seriously as the number of injuries and deaths related to this crime is inordinately high in the state.

California DUI Laws

According to the new DUI laws formulated in 2009, every ignition interlock manufacturer in the state is now required to provide details to the Department of Motor Vehicles (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/driversafety/dsalcohol.htm). Several pilot programs have also been implemented in the counties of Los Angeles, Alameda, Tulare, and Sacramento; these programs are mandatory for those seeking a driver's license, and this rule is strictly enforced by the DMV. Vehicle owners are frequently asked to participate in alcohol and drug assessment programs as well.

California law also necessitates the installation of an ignition interlock device for a limited period of time for offenders convicted of DUI violations, especially if the conviction results in the suspension of the offender's driver's license. The duration of time that the device must be installed depends on the offender's number of violations. The laws are intolerant of repeat offenders; any person convicted of DUI violations more than once is forbidden to drive, especially if his or her blood alcohol concentration is found to exceed 0.01%.

Reckless driving under the influence of alcohol is considered to be a severe offense as well. Individuals accused and convicted of this offense are required to participate in a number of state-implemented programs, often including group counseling and interview sessions. Failure to participate in these programs is considered an additional offense and the offender is placed on probation, especially if he or she has a record of a previous DUI violation.

Individuals under the age of 21 are not permitted to drive after any use of alcohol according to the state DUI laws. The law does not permit such underage citizens to take alcohol in any form, including in the form of cough syrups and prescription drugs.

California DMV Records

The California Department of Motor Vehicles maintains many kinds of records. The driver safety branch of the Department is concerned with promoting traffic safety throughout the state of California, and is also responsible for hearing trials against vehicular offenders, particularly those who may be suspended for drunk driving. The division also maintains liaisons with various law enforcement agencies as well as medical organizations and district attorneys in order to ensure traffic safety. However, all records of the California DMV, especially those related to the physical or mental condition of an individual, are kept confidential in accordance with CVC Section 1808.5.

California citizens are entitled to request a rectification of their own records by using the Driver License Record Correction form, located at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/dl/dl207.pdf. Requests for record rectification must be accompanied by a signed and certified copy from the court which substantiates the claim for correction. Citizens can also call the Department of Motor vehicles at 1-800-777-0133 to have the form mailed to a home address. Additional details, as well as a hard copy of the request form, can be obtained by visiting the DMV office at:

Office of Information Services
Public Operations, Unit-G199
Sacramento, California 94244-2470

All DUI convictions remain on the records for a period of ten years, starting from the date of violation. Actions taken by the state against a driver for DUI convictions are reported on the records for three years. Failure to appear at court for DUI charges, on the other hand, is reported for 10 years from the date of violation.