Over the weekend (Friday through Sunday), police officers responded to eight DUI-related calls for service, some involving traffic collisions and drivers falling asleep behind the steering wheel, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
Driving under the influence is never worth the risk. Impairment isn’t limited to alcohol; drugs, including prescription medications, can also significantly affect your ability to drive safely.
If you plan on drinking or engaging in activities that could impair you, plan ahead: use a ride-share service, call a cab, or designate a sober driver.
Drivers arrested for DUI in Huntington Beach face severe legal penalties, significant employment risks, and a drastic increase in auto insurance costs. As of 2026, California remains among the most expensive states for post-DUI insurance premiums.
Legal Penalties in California (2026)
Penalties escalate based on the number of prior convictions within a 10-year “lookback” period:
- First Offense (Misdemeanor): Up to 6 months in jail, fines ranging from $390 to $1,000 (reaching $3,600+ with assessments), and a 6-month license suspension. Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is typically required for 6 months.
- Second Offense: 96 hours to 1 year in jail, up to $4,000 in total fines/fees, and a 2-year license suspension.
- Third Offense: 120 days to 1 year in jail and a 3-year license revocation.
- Fourth Offense or Injury/Death: Often charged as a felony, carrying 16 months to 16 years in state prison.
Impact on Employment
A DUI conviction can be a permanent mark on a criminal record, unless expunged.
- Job Termination: California’s “at-will” employment doctrine allows employers to fire workers for a DUI arrest or conviction, particularly if driving is a core duty.
- Professional Licensing: Convictions must be reported to state boards and can lead to the suspension or revocation of licenses for doctors, nurses, teachers, and lawyers.
- Commercial Drivers: A single DUI results in a one-year CDL suspension; a second offense leads to a lifetime ban.
- Hiring Barriers: While “Ban the Box” laws prevent early criminal history inquiries, employers may withdraw conditional offers after discovering a DUI during a background check.
Auto Insurance Consequences
- Rate Hikes: California drivers see some of the highest premium increases, averaging 148% to 185% after a first offense. Some estimates show annual premiums jumping from $1,800 to over $4,900.
- SR-22 Filing: Drivers must obtain an SR-22 certificate to reinstate their license, which flags them as high-risk to insurers for at least 3 years.
- Duration: A DUI remains on a California DMV record for 10 years, and insurers may charge higher rates for 3 to 10 years.
Orange County DUI Accident Data
While full 2025 totals are being finalized as of early 2026, trends from the past five years (2021–2025) show:
- Frequent Incidents: Orange County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for DUI-related arrests and collisions. In a single recent weekend, Huntington Beach alone responded to 8 DUI-related calls involving collisions and sleeping drivers.
- Fatalities: Impaired driving accounts for approximately 30% of all fatal crashes annually in the United States, a trend reflected in local California statistics.