CA Governor Jerry Brown Signs New DUI Laws (Senate Bill 1046)

Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 1046, a bill extending the current Pilot program in four counties requiring the installation of interlock devices (IID) after DUI convictions in California.   The new law will go into effect in 2019. The devices cost about $60 to $80 per month, with an installation fee of $70 to $150. The bill appears to include programs for low income drivers as the costs of the device can be a real challenge to some.  It remains to be seen whether the court and the Department of motor vehicles will make such fee waivers so burdensome that the bill will, in effect, make it impossible for many drivers to continue with the daily responsibilities.

• for a first DUI offense involving an injury (CA Vehicle Code 23153) , an ID would be required for six months;
• for first non-injury DUI offense (CA Vehicle Code 23152), an offender may choose to have an ID for six months with full driving privileges, or a one-year restricted license that only allows driving to work, as well as a treatment program;
• second DUI convictions would require the maintenance of the ID device for one year.
• third DUI convictions would require an ID for two years;
• for fourth DUIs, (generally charged as felonies), IDs would be required for three years.