Alcohol, Drugs, Collisions, and Financial Responsibility
Key Takeaways
- California DUI rules cover alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and any combination that impairs safe driving.
- BAC limits are 0.08% for drivers over 21, 0.01% for drivers under 21 or on DUI probation, and 0.04% for commercial drivers or passenger-for-hire drivers.
- By driving in California, you consent to chemical testing when an officer suspects DUI; refusal can cause a one-year suspension or revocation.
- After a collision, stop, assist the injured, exchange required information, report injury or death to law enforcement within 24 hours, and file SR 1 with DMV within 10 days when required.
- California financial responsibility minimums are $30,000 for one death or injury, $60,000 for more than one, and $15,000 for property damage.
Alcohol, Drugs, Collisions, and Financial Responsibility
California treats impaired driving as a safety risk, not just a blood-alcohol number. Driving under the influence (DUI) laws apply to alcohol, illegal drugs, cannabis, prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, and combinations of substances. A medicine from a pharmacy can still make it illegal or unsafe to drive if it affects attention, reaction time, judgment, vision, or coordination.
BAC Limits to Memorize
| Driver or situation | Illegal BAC threshold |
|---|---|
| Driver over 21 | 0.08% or higher |
| Driver under 21 | 0.01% or higher |
| Any driver on DUI probation | 0.01% or higher |
| Commercial driver | 0.04% or higher |
| Passenger-for-hire driver | 0.04% or higher |
The exam trap is thinking 0.08% is the universal limit. It is only the adult noncommercial threshold. Drivers under 21 are under a zero-tolerance rule at 0.01%, and a commercial or passenger-for-hire driver is illegal at 0.04%. Also remember that a driver can be arrested for DUI below the listed number if alcohol or drugs still impair safe driving.
California is also strict about alcohol or cannabis products in a vehicle. Drivers and passengers may not drink alcohol, smoke cannabis, or eat cannabis products while in the vehicle. Open containers must generally be kept in the trunk or another area where passengers do not sit. The glove box is not an acceptable open-container storage place.
Implied Consent and DUI Consequences
Implied consent means that when you drive in California, you consent to a breath, blood, or urine test if a law enforcement officer suspects DUI. DMV says refusal can lead to suspension or revocation of the driving privilege for one year. After a DUI arrest, California's Administrative Per Se process requires DMV action, the officer may take the license and issue a temporary license for 30 days, and the driver has 10 days from the arrest date to request a DMV administrative hearing.
A DUI conviction can require a DUI program, proof of insurance through SR 22 or SR 1P, license reissue or restriction fees, and possibly an ignition interlock device. DMV also states that DUI convictions stay on the driver record for 10 years, which matters because later offenses during that period can bring additional penalties.
Collision Duties
After a collision, the first legal duty is to stop. Leaving is a hit-and-run. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. If no one is hurt, move the vehicle out of traffic when safe, then call 911. Exchange your driver license, registration, insurance information, and current address with the other driver, law enforcement, and anyone else involved.
If someone is injured or killed, a report to law enforcement must be made within 24 hours. If you hit a parked vehicle or other property and cannot find the owner, leave a secure note with your name, phone number, and address, then report the collision to law enforcement. If an animal is injured or killed, contact law enforcement or the nearest humane society rather than trying to move the animal yourself.
Financial Responsibility and SR 1
You must carry proof of financial responsibility when you drive and for a drive test. California minimum coverage is $30,000 for a single death or injury, $60,000 for death or injury to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage. Parents or guardians accept financial responsibility for drivers younger than 18; adults are responsible for themselves.
Each driver must file a DMV SR 1 within 10 days if anyone is injured or killed, or if property damage is more than $1,000. File even if you were not at fault, even on private property, and even if law enforcement made a separate report. Failure to file can suspend your driving privilege.
Which pair of drivers is violating a California BAC rule on these facts alone?
After a California collision that injures a passenger and appears to cause more than $1,000 in damage, which actions are required or expected?
Select all that apply