2009 California DUI Laws
Every year, the California legislature introduces new laws that relate to driving. In 2009, several of these new laws directly related to driving under the influence.
One of the newer California DUI laws deals with DUI probation violations. California’s zero-tolerance law states that you will automatically lose your driver’s license if you are on probation for a DUI and are caught driving with any measureable amount of alcohol in your system, or refuse to submit to a chemical blood or breath test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Another 2009 California DUI law pertains to DUI school. Prior to this year, if you suffered a second wet reckless conviction, there was no requirement that you attend DUI school. However, since 2009, if you find yourself in this situation…or in a situation where you are convicted of a “wet” and have a prior DUI conviction…you must attend a minimum nine-month drug/alcohol education program.
A third 2009 California DUI law lowers the threshold for penalty enhancements. It used to be that a BAC of 0.20% would most likely elevate your jail or prison sentence. Now you face an enhanced penalty if your BAC is 0.15% or higher. In addition, if you have a 0.15% BAC, the judge may order you to install an ignition interlock device (an IID), even on a first DUI offense.
An IID is a mini-breathalyzer instrument that you install in your car. It will prevent your car from operating unless you provide an alcohol-free breath sample.
Which brings us to the last of the 2009 California DUI laws…another law dealing with IIDs and DUI probation violations. If you are caught driving on a suspended/revoked driver’s license while on probation for a DUI, you will be ordered to install an IID for a minimum of one year.
Can’t wait to see what 2010 has in store…
