CHP, local law enforcement and sheriff’s departments across the state are planning increased patrols this coming Sunday to combat drunk driving in California. The special DUI patrols are in response to an increase in alcohol related traffic injuries on Super Bowl Sunday. Last year 12 people, or three times the daily average, were injured in accidents attributable to alcohol and 403 motorists were charged with suspicion of driving under the influence in California.

CHP officials are stressing the need for safety, including designating a non-drinking driver before the game. The public is encouraged to call emergency services should they suspect a drunk driver.

Have you or someone you know been charged with CA DUI?

A California state legislator has introduced a measure calling for the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device if convicted of drunk driving. Assembly member Mike Feuer says that Assembly Bill 91 will create a four county pilot program that requires the ignition interlock for all individuals, even first time offenders, found guilty of driving under the influence in California.

The device requires the motorist to breath into a tube and the breath sample is testing for blood alcohol content. If alcohol above a preset limit is detected, the device disables the vehicle ignition. Currently the requirement for the installation of an ignition interlock device is at the discretion of the court, which takes a number of factors into consideration before making its decision, including as the results of an alcohol abuse evaluation and any prior DUI convictions. California DUI law provides for restricted licenses in certain situations though Feuer cites that motorists can still drink and drive. The proposed bill would call for the replacement of the restricted license with the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock.

There will be no taxpayer funds involved with the new legislation. Those convicted of California DUI will be required to pay for the installation and the monthly fee for maintenance of the ignition interlock. The pilot program would begin in July 1, 2010 and run until January 1, 2015.

Similar legislation has been passed into law in five states, including Illinois, New Mexico and, most recently, Alaska. Initial reports indicate that repeat offenses for driving while intoxicated are down in those states.

Have you been arrested for CA DUI?

The California Highway Patrol reported an up-tick in arrests for drunk driving across the state. A total of 438 motorists were charged with driving under the influence in California, with 11 traffic related deaths attributable to alcohol. Last year there were 362 arrests and 4 fatalities.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, officers arrested 84 drivers for California DUI, more than twice the number in 2007. The increase in drunk driving arrests surprised law enforcement officers, as the number of DUI arrests made during the Christmas holiday were down as much as 40%.

The arrest reporting period started early evening New Year’s Eve and ended early morning on New Year’s Day.

Have you been arrested for DUI in CA?

Effective Thursday, January 1, there will be zero tolerance for repeat offenders of driving under the influence in California. A new law stipulates that a person convicted of CA DUI cannot operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .01 per cent or greater while on probation for the DUI offense. A motorist on probation for California DUI is required to submit to a breath test when requested by a law enforcement officer. Refusal to do so will result in a ticket being issued, driver’s license being seized, driving privileges suspended and impoundment of vehicle.

The same penalties apply if a breath test reveals a BAC of .01% or greater.

Have you been arrested for DUI in CA?