California moves to toughen DUI penalties, ending leniency

As drunk driving accidents continue to pose a serious public safety threat, California lawmakers have introduced sweeping legislation to strengthen DUI enforcement. The proposals aim to end what critics describe as “slap-on-the-wrist” punishment. In particular, lawmakers want to make California DUI penalties stricter even for first-time offenders, therefore reducing repeat offenses before they occur.

The legislative push reflects growing concern that current laws allow dangerous drivers to avoid meaningful consequences. Supporters argue that DUI should be treated as a serious crime, not a minor traffic violation. As a result, the bills emphasize deterrence, accountability, and public safety.

According to a CBS News report published on February 3, the proposed legislation includes several key measures. First, it would require ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders. These devices test a driver’s breath before the vehicle can start. In addition, the bills would move up the timing of license suspensions and revocations. Lawmakers would also expand training for law enforcement officers conducting DUI stops.

Currently, California remains one of the few states that does not mandate ignition interlocks for first-time offenders. By contrast, 35 other states already require them and have reported lower repeat DUI rates. Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, a Democrat, said California has no reason to delay adopting policies proven effective elsewhere.

Another proposal targets loopholes in DUI manslaughter cases. Under current law, some drivers avoid lasting consequences through diversion programs. In certain cases, even when charges are dismissed, no record of the fatal incident appears on Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving histories.

The new legislation would require the DMV to assess penalty points even if a criminal case is dismissed. Lawmakers say this change ensures that fatal DUI cases leave a lasting mark on driving records. Therefore, drivers cannot erase serious offenses through procedural outcomes alone.

Lawmakers are also addressing flaws in license suspension rules. At present, drivers convicted of felony vehicular manslaughter can lose their licenses for up to three years. However, that period often expires while they are incarcerated. As a result, some offenders regain driving privileges immediately after release.

The revised rules would reset suspension or revocation periods to begin after release from custody. Supporters say this ensures that California DUI penalties have real-world impact.

Assemblymember Nick Schultz, chair of the California Assembly Public Safety Committee, said the effort is bipartisan. He emphasized that the measures focus on immediate improvements to road safety.

Data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) show DUI-related deaths fell 4.5% from 2022 to 2023. However, since 2014, such fatalities have risen by roughly 55%. In addition, UC Berkeley analysis found that more than 10% of the nation’s 12,492 DUI deaths in 2023 occurred in California. Nearly half were concentrated in Southern California.

Victims’ families have played a central role in pushing reform. Jennifer Levy, whose son was killed in a DUI crash in Manhattan Beach, said current laws fail to protect families. She described the issue as one of life and death, not politics. The driver in her son’s case, Xenia Resha Belt, had prior DUI and hit-and-run records, yet her license was suspended months after the fatal crash.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman also criticized existing statutes, calling California’s DUI laws among the weakest in the nation.

BY HANKIL KANG  [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]