The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will launch a 12-hour Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) from 6 p.m. Friday, October 31, through 6 a.m. Saturday, November 1, to protect motorists and prevent impaired driving. During the operation, all available CHP officers will be on patrol statewide, focusing on identifying and arresting impaired drivers before they cause harm.
“Impaired driving destroys lives, and even one life lost is one too many. This Halloween, we’re asking everyone to do their part before the festivities begin, arrange a sober ride, and help us keep California’s roads safe for everyone who uses them.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of both can have deadly consequences. On average, more than 800 fatal crashes involving impaired drivers claim over 900 lives each year in California, reinforcing the CHP’s commitment to removing impaired drivers from the road.
In California, suspects arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) face serious penalties that increase with prior offenses, high blood alcohol levels, or if injuries are involved.
Here are the key penalties under current California DUI laws (2025 updates):
- First DUI offense
- Misdemeanor charge
- 3 to 5 years of probation
- Fines and penalty assessments totaling around $2,000
- 48 hours to 6 months in county jail (often converted to probation/community service)
- 6-month driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory DUI education program (3 to 9 months)
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID) required in most counties
- Second DUI offense (within 10 years)
- Misdemeanor charge
- 96 hours to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $2,500
- 2-year driver’s license suspension
- 18- to 30-month DUI education program
- Mandatory IID installation
- Third DUI offense (within 10 years)
- Misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances
- Minimum 180 days in county jail, up to 1 year
- 3-year license revocation
- 30-month DUI education program
- Habitual traffic offender status
- Fourth or subsequent DUI offense (within 10 years)
- Felony charge
- Up to 3 years in state prison
- 4-year license revocation
- Possible permanent loss of driving privileges
- DUI causing injury (Vehicle Code § 23153)
- Felony charge
- 16 months to 4 years in state prison
- Additional 3 to 6 years if great bodily injury occurs
- Restitution to victims
- Aggravating factors that increase penalties
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher
- Refusal to submit to chemical testing
- Having a minor passenger in the vehicle (child endangerment)
- Causing property damage or bodily injury
- Other consequences
- Higher insurance premiums or loss of coverage
- Mandatory alcohol/drug treatment programs
- Probation terms restricting alcohol use and requiring compliance checks
In short, even a first DUI can carry jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory treatment, while repeat or injury-related DUIs can result in felony charges and years in prison.
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