• Typical penalties drivers receive for driving under the influence in California.to drunk to drive image by Marjan Veljanoski from Fotolia.com
  
  California's Department of Motor Vehicles works with the state's courts and law enforcement officials to administer and record penalties that are assessed to persons who are convicted of driving under the influence in the state. The penalties are created to enforce safe driving in the Golden State so that the lives of residents and visitors, including pedestrians, are protected. Understanding the penalties can encourage drivers to practice safe driving habits.
  
  

Penalties for Refusing to Take the Chemical Test

• Drivers (regardless of age) who are convicted of driving under the influence, and who refuse to take the Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) or another chemical test, will automatically have their license suspended for one year. A second DUI conviction that occurs within 10 years of the first DUI will result in a two-year license suspension. Subsequent DUI convictions that occur within 10 years of the first offense will result in a three-year license suspension. At the end of the suspension, a driver must pay a fine to the California Department of Motor Vehicles before his license will be returned to him.
  
  

Penalties for Drivers 20 Years and Younger Who Submit to Chemical Test

• Drivers aged 20 years and younger who submit to the PAS or another chemical test and who are convicted of a DUI (driving with a 0.01 percent or higher Blood Alcohol Content level), will have their license suspended for one year. Subsequent DUI convictions that occur within 10 years of the first offense will result in a one-year license suspension as well.
  
  

Penalties for Drivers 21 Years and Older Who Submit to Chemical Test

• Drivers aged 21 years or older who are convicted of their first DUI (driving with a 0.08 percent or higher Blood Alcohol content level) and who submit to the PAS or another chemical test, will have their license suspended for four months. Subsequent DUI convictions that occur within 10 years of the first offense will result in a one-year license suspension.