How California DUI School Requirements Are Set
Most DUI convictions in California come with a required program. People often call it DUI school. California DUI school requirements depend on the offense, the blood alcohol level and the person’s prior record.
The court orders the program, and the state licenses the providers. So both offices play a part.
Who Licenses the Programs
Health and Safety Code section 11836 gives the Department of Health Care Services sole authority to license DUI programs. According to the DHCS DUI programs page, the county board of supervisors works with county administrators to recommend providers. DHCS then licenses programs and approves fee schedules.
Therefore, only licensed programs count. A class from an unlicensed provider does not meet the requirement.
California DUI School Requirements by Level
DHCS lists the main program types. A short list helps.
- Wet reckless: a 12 hour education program
- First offense: a 3 month, 30 hour program
- First offense at 0.20 or higher: a 9 month, 60 hour program
- Second and later offenses: an 18 month multiple offender program
- Third and later offenses: a 30 month program where a county offers it
The court order names which one applies.
The Court’s Role
For a first offense, Vehicle Code section 23538 requires a licensed program as a probation condition in counties that have one. Repeat offense statutes set longer programs. So the conviction level drives the program length.
The court may also consider presentence information when choosing a program. As a result, two people with similar charges may get different referrals.
What the 18 Month Program Includes
DHCS says the 18 month program includes 52 hours of group counseling and 12 hours of education. It also includes 6 hours of community reentry monitoring and biweekly interviews during the first 12 months. So the program requires steady attendance over a long period.
The 30 month program adds more counseling hours and 120 to 300 hours of community service.
Meeting California DUI School Requirements
Enroll soon after sentencing, since many deadlines start then. Also keep every receipt and attendance record. The article on DUI school completion proof explains how to show completion.
If schedules change, the guide on DUI school transfer options can help. Meanwhile, the article on California online DUI classes explains why internet classes do not count.
Program fees vary by provider, and DHCS approves the fee schedules. So ask about costs and payment plans at enrollment.