A little over five years ago, the California Department of Motor Vehicles issued a new set of requirements for the reporting period of DUI offenses in the state. This is of special importance to licensed drivers, particularly those with previous DUI violations. Beginning January 1, 2007, a new legislation was enacted by the DMV extending the reporting period for such offenses from the original 7 years to 10 years. The coverage includes all public requestors and insurance companies as well. Now what is the great significance of this change in the existing law?
First off, the new law states that from the time of its effectivity as previously stated, any DUI violation committed from such date will appear in your driving records and remain there for the next ten years. This means that when you access or request for a public driving record printout, that stain will remain until the 10-year period is out. One of the biggest effects here is with your eligibility for a good driver’s discount in your auto insurance policy. Basically, insurance companies are allowed access to the customer’s driving records under the new law for purposes of properly applying the provisions of the Insurance Code. Hence, if you’re record is marred with a DUI violation and stays there for the duration of the ten-year period, you will not be eligible during such time for the driver’s discount with any insurance company.
Basically, the new law covers DUI violations under the California Vehicle Code, specifically sections 23140, 23152, or 23153. This means that offenses committed thereunder will remain on your driving record from ten years from the date of violation. However, there are also some cases wherein the individual might commit a non-DUI violation such as a “wet” reckless” that will report to courts and law enforcement for 10 years. This is usually done to determine the enhanced penalties especially for repeat offenders. But for purpose of one’s public driving record, non-DUI violations will continue to be reflected therein for only the usual 7-year period.
It’s also equally important to note that the new law makes no exceptions to all non-commercial drivers, even to those who maintain a clean driving record subsequent to the DUI offense committed. So long as the violation occurred after the effective date of the new law, the same will stand in your public driving record for the requisite 10-year period. But take note that the new regulations apply only to non-commercial drivers. Commercial drivers are given a different reporting period and requirements owing to the degree of diligence required from them. For more information on this matter, don’t hesitate to contact our Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney today.
