How an Out-of-State DUI Affects You in California
Can a DUI From Another State Affect You in California?
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in another state and now live in California, or are applying for a California driver’s license, you may be shocked to find out that your past DUI can still follow you here.
Whether your DUI happened in Arizona, Nevada, or across the country, the California DMV may treat it just like a local conviction.
California DUI Laws Apply to Out-of-State Convictions
California is part of the Interstate Driver License Compact (IDLC), an agreement that allows states to share information about DUI arrests and convictions. If you had a DUI in another state, California’s Department of Motor Vehicles will likely find out. This means that your out-of-state DUI can lead to penalties in California, even without a new arrest here.
Once reported, California can take administrative action based on that conviction, such as:
- Suspending your California driver’s license
- Refusing to issue you a license if you’re new to the state
- Requiring DUI programs or Ignition Interlock Devices (IID), even if you already completed them elsewhere
Out-of-State DUIs Can Count as “Priors” in California
If you’re arrested for DUI in California and already have a DUI from another state, that out-of-state conviction may count as a prior DUI, which can significantly increase the penalties you’re facing.
Under California law, a DUI from another state can be considered a prior if the original statute is substantially similar to California’s. That usually includes:
- Same blood alcohol content (BAC) limits (0.08% or higher)
- Impairment while operating or being in control of a vehicle
So even if your original DUI was in another state, it can still enhance your current DUI charges in California. Which ultimately leads to longer license suspensions, bigger fines, and possible jail time.
DMV Consequences for Out-of-State DUI Offenders in California
The California DMV does not automatically honor the work you completed in another state. Even if you completed DUI classes, community service, probation, or even jail time, you may still be required to repeat certain steps or serve new penalties before California will restore or issue your license.
In some cases, drivers moving to California are even caught off guard when the DMV denies their license application due to an old out-of-state DUI conviction.
How to Protect Your California License After an Out-of-State DUI
If you’re currently living in California and have a DUI from another state on your record, you do have legal options:
- Work with a California DUI attorney who understands how the DMV applies out-of-state DUIs
- Request a DMV hearing to contest your license suspension
- Petition for relief if your DUI has already been resolved and should no longer impact your California license
- Evaluate whether expungement in the other state may reduce the effect on your driving privileges
San Diego DUI Lawyer
Attorney Rick Mueller is one of California’s most experienced DUI and DMV defense lawyers, with a strong track record of helping clients protect their licenses, even when their case started in another state.
Whether you’re:
- Dealing with an unexpected license suspension
- Fighting a DUI charge that could be enhanced by an old conviction
- Moving to California and unsure how your past DUI will affect you
Rick Mueller, California DUI Lawyers Association Specialist, can help you navigate the DMV and the courts, using proven legal strategies to protect your rights.
Don’t Let a Past Mistake Follow You Across State Lines
If you’re worried about how an out-of-state DUI affects you in California, don’t wait for the DMV to take action. Get your free consultation with San Diego DUI attorney Rick Mueller today. Let an experienced defense lawyer help you get back on the road, with your license and future intact.
How an Out-of-State DUI Affects You in California