A new California law gives state residents convicted of second and third DUIs a new option that allows them to obtain a restricted license sooner than under previous law.
Until now, penalties for a 2nd DUI included a mandatory one-year suspension of driving privileges, while a 3rd DUI had a mandatory two-year suspension.
SB 598, which takes effect July 1, 2010, allows people to reduce the suspension time if they agree to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed on their vehicles and maintain enrollment in a DUI education program. Specifically, someone convicted of a 2nd DUI could get a restricted license after 90 days and someone convicted of a 3rd DUI could get a restricted license after 6 months.
IIDs require that a person blow into an alcohol detection device before starting a vehicle; if any alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start. Restricted licenses allow people to drive in the course of their employment and to and from their alcohol education classes.
Our reading of the law is that it will apply to all people whose licenses have been suspended, not just those who are convicted after the law takes effect.
The full text of the bill, which amends California Vehicle Code 13352, can be accessed by clicking here.
If your license has been suspended because of a DUI, call the Law Office of Nancy King to learn about your options under this new law.
You can also read about AB 91 - the law which creates an IID test program in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Alameda, and Tulare counties - by reading our October 13 and 14 posts.
