These days, state DUI laws are truly sobering.

In California, Nevada and Utah, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or more. The safest and wisest course is not to drink at all if you plan to drive.

AAA encourages you to know the serious consequences of DUI offenses by knowing the law. This information is subject to periodic legislative updates.

In California:

• 1 year without a driver's license if you're under 21

• 4 months without a license (21 and older)

• $12,000 in fees and fines*

• 48 hours jail time

• 3 years probation

• Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on all vehicles you own or operate (Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare Counties only, and effective July 2010)

• 10 years with 2 points on driving record

• Up to $1,500 annual auto insurance increase

• 15 weeks DUI classes*

• 2 DUI impact sessions*

• Sheriff can decide other penalties

• Lots of time at the DMV

Download Cost of Your First DUI brochure - California Law, English and Spanish (PDF 142KB)

In Nevada:

• 1 year without a driver's license if you're under 18

• 3 months without a driver's license (18 and older)

• Up to $2,000 in fees and fines*

• Up to 6 months in jail

• Attorneys fees starting at $500

• Auto insurance cost could double or triple

• 8 hours DUI Drivers School - $200

• Lots of time at DMV

• If a death or serious injury occurs while driving impaired, 2 - 20 years in prison

Download Cost of Your First DUI brochure - Nevada Law,
English and Spanish (PDF 142KB)

In Utah:

WORST OF ALL: lifelong guilt if you hurt or kill another person

*depending on your judicial district