California DUI Laws 2026: Lawmakers Introduce Major Impaired Driving Reform Package

By Eugene Bruno on February 13, 2026

California lawmakers have introduced a sweeping package of bills in 2026 aimed at strengthening impaired driving laws and increasing penalties for repeat offenders. The proposed reforms represent what several legislators are calling the most significant anti-DUI legislative push in decades.

The bills were introduced in the California State Legislature earlier this month and are now moving through the committee process. If passed, they could substantially change how the state handles repeat DUI offenses, vehicular manslaughter, and license suspensions.

The San Diego car accident lawyers at Eugene Bruno & Associates have put together this guide explaining what these new laws mean for California drivers.

Why California Is Reconsidering Its DUI Laws

Traffic safety advocates have raised concerns that California’s current DUI framework does not go far enough to deter repeat impaired driving. Under existing law, a DUI is generally charged as a felony only after four convictions within ten years. This is one of the highest thresholds in the country.

Lawmakers say rising roadway fatalities and serious injury crashes have prompted renewed urgency to reform the state’s impaired-driving statutes.

Key Proposed Changes to California Impaired Driving Laws

The 2026 legislative package includes multiple bills that would revise several sections of California’s criminal and vehicle codes.

1. Vehicular Manslaughter as a Violent Felony

One proposal would reclassify vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence as a violent felony. Currently, it is not categorized as such under California law.

If enacted, this change could:

• Increase sentencing exposure
• Affect parole eligibility
• Limit certain plea negotiations
• Enhance penalties for multi-victim crashes

This proposal represents a significant shift in how fatal DUI-related crashes are treated under California law.

2. Felony DUI After Fewer Convictions

Another major reform would allow prosecutors to file felony charges after a second or third DUI offense within ten years, rather than waiting until a fourth conviction.

If passed, this change would:

• Increase prison exposure for repeat offenders
• Trigger longer probation periods
• Potentially enhance restitution requirements

This proposal aims to address concerns that repeat impaired drivers remain on the road too long before facing serious felony consequences.

3. Longer License Suspensions and Ignition Interlock Requirements

The legislative package also includes measures to:

• • Extend driver’s license suspension periods
  • Expand mandatory use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs)
  • Close loopholes that allow some drivers to avoid full administrative penalties

Ignition interlock devices require drivers to provide a breath sample before starting a vehicle, preventing operation if alcohol is detected.

4. Closing Diversion and DMV Record Gaps

Another bill seeks to address concerns about diversion programs and record reporting practices. Lawmakers argue that certain plea arrangements have allowed drivers involved in serious crashes to avoid points on their driving record, enabling them to retain driving privileges despite prior dangerous conduct.

If enacted, the reform would limit how diversion outcomes affect DMV records in serious impaired-driving cases.

Where the Bills Stand in the Legislative Process

The proposed impaired-driving reforms were introduced in February 2026 and are currently in the early stages of the legislative process.

Here’s what happens next:

1. Committee Hearings – Bills must first pass policy committees in their chamber of origin (Assembly or Senate).
2. Appropriations Review – Measures with fiscal impact go through appropriations committees.
3. Floor Votes – Bills must pass a majority vote in both chambers.
4. Governor’s Signature – If approved by both houses, the legislation goes to the Governor for signature or veto.

Because these bills were introduced at the beginning of the 2026 session, they will face hearings throughout the spring and summer. Amendments are common during this phase, meaning the final version of the legislation may differ from the initial proposal.

If passed this year, most new DUI laws would likely take effect on January 1, 2027, unless designated as urgency statutes.

If enacted, this legislative package would mark a substantial shift in California DUI penalties and repeat offender treatment. The reforms signal a tougher approach toward impaired driving, particularly for drivers with prior convictions.

Speak With a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in San Diego

Eugene Bruno has been recognized by Expertise.com as one of the best car accident lawyers in San Diego, and we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a an intoxicated driver in San Diego, it’s time to pursue your legal rights.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a free consultation today.