Tue. Sep 2nd, 2025

Over the weekend, the Garden Grove Police Department’s Neighborhood Traffic Unit conducted two DUI checkpoints screening more than 1,900 vehicles.

These efforts resulted in 13 DUI arrests, 16 vehicles towed, and 30 citations issued.

In addition to the checkpoints, GGPD police officers visited local restaurants and bars to educate the community on the dangers of impaired driving.

Patrons even had the chance to test their knowledge by guessing their BAC after consuming alcohol.

This was a powerful reminder that buzzed, drunk, or high, you’re still under the influence.


Legal Penalties for DUI in California (2025)

If you’re arrested at a DUI checkpoint, the penalties depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior offenses, and whether there were aggravating factors (like a minor in the car or an accident). Here’s a breakdown:

  • First Offense:
    • 2 days to 6 months in jail
    • Fines from $390 to over $1,000
    • 3 to 9 months of DUI education
    • License suspension (4 months) or installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for 6 months
    • Probation (typically 3 years)
  • Second Offense (within 10 years):
    • 96 hours to 1 year in jail
    • Up to 30 months of DUI school
    • 1-year IID or 2-year license suspension
  • Third Offense:
    • Minimum 120 days in jail
    • 30 months of DUI school
    • 2-year IID or 3-year license suspension
  • BAC Limits:
    • 0.08% for regular drivers
    • 0.04% for commercial and rideshare drivers
    • 0.01% for drivers under 21 

Impact on Auto Insurance

A DUI conviction can drastically raise your insurance premiums:

  • Rate Increase: Up to 148% for a first offense. In California, the average annual premium can jump from around $1,900 to over $4,900.
  • High-Risk Label: You’ll be considered a high-risk driver, which limits your options and discounts.
  • SR-22 Requirement: You’ll need to file an SR-22 form (proof of financial responsibility) for 3 years.
  • Long-Term Effects: A DUI stays on your DMV record for 10 years, affecting your rates even if the conviction is expunged.

Employment Consequences

A DUI can affect your job in several ways:

  • Background Checks: Employers can see DUI convictions unless expunged. Some industries (healthcare, education, law enforcement, transportation) may disqualify applicants with DUIs.
  • Current Employment:
    • California is an at-will employment state, so employers can terminate you for a DUI if it affects your job duties or company policy.
    • Jobs that involve driving are especially at risk.
  • Professional Licenses: A DUI can trigger disciplinary action from licensing boards (e.g., for nurses, teachers, lawyers, real estate agents).
  • Ban-the-Box Law: Employers can’t ask about criminal history until after a conditional job offer, but they can still revoke the offer based on a DUI.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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