Vehicles

A DUI with injury in California is driving under the influence that causes bodily injury to another person, charged under Vehicle Code § 23153. Penalties include jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory DUI school.

In California, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers aged 21 and older.

Yes, you can be charged with DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana in California—even if you have a medical or recreational license.

No, you generally cannot refuse a breathalyzer test during a DUI stop in California without serious consequences. By driving, you've given 'implied consent' to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI.

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breath-testing device connected to a vehicle’s ignition that prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected. In California, it’s required for all DUI convictions, including first offenses, for specified periods depending on offense count and county.

Yes, California law requires auto insurance policies to offer uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, but drivers may reject it in writing.

Yes, in California, a vehicle owner can be held liable for accidents caused by someone else driving their car under the doctrine of permissive use and Vehicle Code § 17150.

In California, you must carry minimum auto insurance of $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage.

Driving without insurance in California is illegal and can result in fines up to $500, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and mandatory proof of future financial responsibility for 3 years.

In California, vehicle owners are generally liable for injuries caused by permissive drivers under the Vehicle Code's permissive use doctrine, but liability is limited to $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage unless the owner is personally negligent.

Yes, you can sue an uninsured driver in California for damages you suffered — but collecting money may be difficult if they have no assets or income.

In California, the Lemon Law presumption is triggered after four repair attempts for the same defect or 30 cumulative business days out of service within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles.

California's Lemon Law (Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) requires manufacturers to repair serious defects in new vehicles after a reasonable number of attempts; if they fail, consumers are entitled to a replacement or refund.

Yes, if your new or used car qualifies as a 'lemon' under California’s Song-Beverly Act, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement after the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of repair attempts.

Yes, California's Lemon Law applies to used cars — but only if they are still covered by the manufacturer's new car warranty at the time of purchase or repair.

No, MICRA does not limit noneconomic damages in auto accident cases. It applies only to medical malpractice lawsuits.

California uses a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

After a car accident in California, you must stop immediately, exchange information with other drivers, report the crash to law enforcement if there’s injury, death, or $1,000+ property damage, and file an SR-1 form with the DMV within 10 days if required.

Yes, you can sue a drunk driver for punitive damages in California if their conduct was malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent — such as driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher while knowing it was dangerous.

Hit-and-run accidents in California can be a felony if they involve injury or death; otherwise, they are typically a misdemeanor.

In California, you generally cannot recover diminished value from the at-fault driver’s insurer for a personal-use vehicle, because California law does not recognize diminished value as compensable property damage in third-party claims.

In California, you generally have 2 years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

A first DUI offense in California is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail, fines of $390–$1,000 (plus penalty assessments), mandatory DUI school, and a 1-year license suspension.

Yes, your California driver's license can be suspended before conviction due to an administrative DMV hearing triggered by a DUI arrest.

Yes, you may be eligible for a restricted license after a DUI in California if you meet specific requirements, including enrolling in a DUI program, filing proof of insurance (SR-22), and paying reissue fees.