If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Oakland, you’re probably wondering, “If I’m convicted of DUI, how long will it stay on my driving record?” This is a very good question, especially since a DUI impacts insurance premiums – often leading to significant rate hikes.
Effective January 1, 2007, DUI offenses are reported on out-of-house/public driving record printouts for 10 years from the date of the violation. Prior to January 1, 2007, the reporting period for DUI offenses was just 7 years, but the new legislation extended the 7-year reporting period to 10 years.
Many California drivers want to know, why did this law change? After all, in the eyes of drivers, it was changed for the worse.
According to the DMV, the new 10-year rule allows insurance carriers to access driving records so they can properly apply the “good driver’s discount,” which is addressed under the new provisions of the Insurance Code, established under Senate Bill 597 in 2005.
Are DUIs automatically removed?
Let’s say you are convicted of DUI, will the DUI automatically be removed from your driving record after 10 years? Fortunately, yes, once it’s been 10 years from the date of your DUI violation, the DUI will be automatically removed from your driving record.
What if a DUI more than 10 years old? Will an old DUI show up on a person’s driving record? No, if an old DUI is more than 10 years old, it will not reappear on somebody’s driving record.
There are California drivers who are not happy with this 2007 legislation, who feel like it’s discriminating against people with DUI offenses. California legislatures’ response to this reaction is that the new law was enacted to discourage people from driving under the influence. In some ways, it’s working.
Some Offenses are Reported for 7 Years
Under the 2007 law, any DUI conviction for an offense under California Vehicle Codes sections 23140, 23152, and 23153 are reported for 10 years, however, certain non-DUI violations, such as a “wet reckless” will only be reported on a driving record for 7 years.
While DUI violations are reported on driving records for 10 years, they are reported on criminal records indefinitely. If you are facing DUI charges, the best way to escape having a DUI reported on your driving record for 10 years is to avoid a conviction in the first place!
Call the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed to fight your DUI charges!