Reader’s question:

How long does a DUI stay on your record in the state of California and is there a way that the years of penalty can be reduced?

Holly

Good question Holly.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles states that any California offense will appear on your driving record 10 years from the violation date. This is a new legislation thus extends the reporting period from seven to ten years for DUI offenses.

This new law allows the insurance companies to have access to the driving record of the motorist to properly apply the new provision of the Insurance Code. This would determine the eligibility of the the drivers discount. Motorist with a DUI violation occurring within the past 10 years are not entitled to received such discounts like Good Driver discount.

You may not be able to qualify for the good diver discount until 10 years from the date of the violation under this law. You may contact your insurance company regarding other information on your premiums.

There are no exceptions in this law. The reporting period of ten year applies to all non commercial drivers, even to those who maintain a clean driving record thereafter.You may contact the Department of motor vehicle to find out if theres any way that you can get the DUI off your record before the ten year period.

Goodluck!

MariCAR