Facts About DUI Offenses

DUI Reportability Requirements: Questions and Answers

Beginning January 1, 2007, any DUI offense on your record will appear for 10 years from the violation date

Q. What changes will affect DUI offenses on a driving record?
A. Effective January 1, 2007, new legislation extends the reporting period for DUI offenses from 7 to 10 years for all public requestors, including insurance companies.

Q. Why did the law change?
A. The law is a result of Senate Bill 597 (2005), which stipulated that in order to qualify as a "good driver," motorists may not have a DUI violation on their record within the prior 10 years.

Q. Is the law retroactive to DUI convictions that occurred prior to passage of the law?
A. Yes. Your DUI offense will remain on your record for 10 years, even if the violation occurred prior to passage of the law.

Q. Does this mean I may no longer earn a "good driver" discount, even though I had been receiving the discount for the past few years?
A. Correct. The "good driver" discount may no longer apply to drivers whose DUI conviction occurred within the past 10 years, even if you have previously been receiving the discount.

Q. Will my DUI violation automatically disappear from my driving record after 10 years?
A. Yes. Any DUI offense that occurred more than 10 years ago will no longer appear on your public driving record.

Q. I had a DUI conviction that occurred more than 10 years ago. Will this affect my rates?
A. No. Any DUI violation that is already more than 10 years old will not reappear on your driving record.

Q. Are there other violations that will also count against me for 10 years?
A. Yes. There are some non-DUI violations (i.e., "wet" reckless) that will report to courts and law enforcement for 10 years and may count against you for the purpose of determining increased penalties for repeat offenders. However, these violations will continue to show on a public driving record for only seven years.

Q. Are there any exceptions made to the DUI reporting law for those with no other violations or offenses?
A. No. The 10-year reporting period applies to all non-commercial drivers, even those who maintain a clean driving record thereafter.

Q. How will this change be enforced?
A. It will be up to your car insurance company to correctly apply the provisions of the Insurance Code and make decisions regarding your insurance policy. They may modify your existing rate, offer you a new policy with a different subsidiary, or possibly cancel your policy completely.

If you are insured through LOW COST DUI INSURANCE, feel free to contact our representatives with any specific questions related to your eligibility for a good driver discount.

Low Cost DUI Insurance by Beissel Insurance Service, CA license # 0598409, 13732 Newport Avenue, Suite 6, Tustin, CA 92780, licensed to conduct business in California.