Santa Monica DUI Defense Lawyer

New DUI Laws in California (2010)

The laws related to DUI (driving under the influence) change on a fairly regular basis. Whether these changes are minor or significant, you can be guaranteed that your Santa Monica DUI lawyer at the Law Offices of Loren M. Merlin will remain abreast of the situation. There are two new laws in particular, passed in 2010, that may affect a Santa Monica driver convicted of DUI.

The first pertains to ignition interlock device installation, a requirement that was primarily required only for multiple DUI offenders in the past. This device is installed in an offender’s vehicle and is similar to a breathalyzer. The driver must blow into the device and provide a “clean” breath sample in order for it to allow the vehicle to start. Additional samples are required while the vehicle is in use.

Assembly Bill 91 established a pilot program implemented in Los Angeles County and three others on July 1, 2010 that requires first time DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices in all vehicles they own or are authorized to operate. A first DUI without injury requires a 5-month installation. A first DUI with injury requires a 1-year installation, and a second DUI offense requires a longer installation period.

The second new DUI law relates to restricted licenses. This is a license that a driver may apply for after his or her license has been suspended by the DMV. It allows the driver to operate a motor vehicle for limited purposes, such as for work or school. Under this new law, also effective July 1, 2010, a second-time DUI offender may apply for a restricted license after 90 days. A third-time offender may apply after 6 months. A driver may apply as long as he or she has enrolled in a DUI program and has properly installed and maintained an ignition interlock device in his or her vehicle as required by the court.

Contact a Santa Monica DUI Attorney at our firm to learn more about how the new DUI laws may affect you.