Early Sunday morning, around 1:00 a.m., police officers responded to a solo vehicle collision after a car crashed into parked vehicles and rolled onto its side, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
The driver, found to be under the influence, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and later arrested for DUI.
A DUI can cost lives, cause serious injuries, and hit your wallet with fines up to $13,500. One bad decision can change everything.
If you plan to drink, make the right choice:
- Use a ride-share
- Designate a sober driver
- Make a plan before you party
Your choice can save lives — including your own.
For a first-time DUI offense in California in 2025 — especially one involving property damage — the penalties can be significant.
Here’s a summary of what the driver in the Huntington Beach crash might face:
Criminal Penalties
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months in county jail.
- Fines: Between $390 and $1,000, but with penalty assessments and fees, the total can reach $3,600 to $13,500.
- Probation: Typically 3 to 5 years of informal probation.
- DUI Education Program: Mandatory 3- to 9-month alcohol education program depending on BAC level.
Administrative Penalties
- License Suspension:
- 4 months by the DMV for a first offense.
- 1 year if the driver refused a chemical test.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required for 6 months on the driver’s vehicle.
Additional Consequences
- Restitution: The driver may be required to pay for damage to the parked vehicles.
- Insurance Impact: Auto insurance premiums will increase significantly and may require an SR-22 form.
- Watson Advisement: The driver will likely sign a legal warning acknowledging that DUI can cause death — used in future cases to support murder charges if another DUI leads to a fatality.