California Governor Newsom signs new DUI penalty laws

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bipartisan package of four bills aimed at increasing penalties for repeat drunk-driving offenses in California. Under the new laws, individuals convicted of a third DUI offense will face an eight-year license suspension, while those with four or more prior convictions will face felony charges.

The legislative package includes Senate Bill 907, known as ‘Braun’s Law,’ alongside Assembly Bills 1546, 1685, and 1687. These measures strengthen consequences for hit-and-run crashes involving repeat offenders, add DMV points for specific convictions, and extend the duration of driving privilege losses.

However, implementation faces technical hurdles. Newsom noted that the state currently lacks the technology to enforce AB 1685 and 1687, which are not scheduled to take effect until 2031. Consequently, he has requested interim legislation to require the California Department of Motor Vehicles to adopt a centralized system for tracking DUI convictions. The package received support from law enforcement and safety groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, though it faced opposition from the ACLU and progressive legislators.