California DUI Law
Reader’s Question:
What is California DUI law? How will it affect insurance coverage?
Dan
San Jose CA
One of the more major offenses against driving is the DUI or driving under the influence. Different states have slight variations in their laws concerning DUI. In California, there are two basic laws relating to DUI, both of which are considered misdemeanors. Under the California DUI law, it is definitely an offense if you are drunk and driving or if you have taken illicit drugs and are driving. The second one relates to the amount of alcohol in your blood. Once it reaches 0.08%, that is already considered a violation of the California Vehicle Code.
According to the California DUI law, a person can be charged with both of the anti-drunk driving laws but can only get a conviction for one. Take note, these offenses are misdemeanors only if you did not hurt anyone in the process. The California DUI law also states that if you have caused the injuries of another person because you were under the influence while driving, the DUI can result to a felony. It becomes a vehicular manslaughter if a person dies because you hit him or his vehicle while you have been drinking with alcohol or drugs in your system. Felony and manslaughter are very serious offenses that could get you behind bars for some time.
How will this affect your insurance rate? If you have gotten a DUI conviction, you will be classified as a high-risk driver. This means, you are more of a danger to others compared to those drivers who have not gotten a DUI arrest. When you have a DUI, you will be asked to file for an SR-22 form, which is a formal certification that you have insurance protection. Obtaining this form is costly since most insurance companies do not view high-risk drivers with favor. In other words, the conviction will result to higher rates plus additional costs for filing the SR-22 form.
Mail this post