If you've been convicted of a DUI in California, completing a DUI education program is often a mandatory part of the legal process. These classes are designed to educate offenders on the dangers of impaired driving and help prevent future offenses.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about DUI classes in California, including eligibility, costs, types of programs, and how to enroll.

What Are DUI Classes?

DUI classes are state-licensed programs that provide education and counseling to individuals convicted of driving under the influence. The classes focus on:

• The effects of alcohol and drugs on driving ability

• Legal consequences of DUI convictions

• Strategies to prevent impaired driving in the future

California requires DUI offenders to complete these programs before getting their driver's license reinstated.

Who Needs to Take DUI Classes?

You are required to attend DUI classes in California if you:

• Were convicted of DUI (Driving Under the Influence) under California Vehicle Code 23152(a) or 23152(b)

• Were arrested with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.08% or higher

• Refused a chemical test and lost your DMV hearing

• Are a repeat DUI offender

The court and the California DMV will determine which program you need to complete based on your BAC level and number of offenses.

Types of DUI Programs in California

California has several types of DUI programs, varying in length and intensity. The type of program assigned depends on the severity of the offense:

1. Wet Reckless Program (12-Hour DUI Class)

• Required for first-time offenders convicted of wet reckless (a reduced DUI charge)

• Typically 6 weeks long, meeting once per week

2. First-Time DUI Offender Program

AB 541 (3-Month Program)

• For first-time DUI offenders with BAC below 0.20%

• 30 hours of education and counseling

• Typically lasts 3 months

AB 762 (6-Month Program)

• For first-time offenders with BAC of 0.15% or higher

• 45 hours of classes

• 6 months in duration

AB 1353 (9-Month Program)

• For first-time offenders with BAC of 0.20% or higher

• 60 hours of classes

• Lasts 9 months

3. Multiple Offender DUI Programs

SB 38 (18-Month Program)

• Required for second DUI offense within 10 years

• 52 hours of group counseling

• 12 hours of education

• 6 hours of community reentry monitoring

• Lasts 18 months

30-Month DUI Program

• Required for third or subsequent DUI offenses

• 78 hours of group counseling

• 12 hours of education

• 300 hours of community service

• Lasts 30 months

How to Enroll in a DUI Class

To enroll in a state-approved DUI program, follow these steps:

1. Get a referral – The court or DMV will provide an approved list of programs.

2. Choose a licensed provider – Only California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)-approved programs are valid.

3. Register for classes – Contact the provider to enroll and schedule classes.

4. Attend all sessions – Missing too many classes may result in expulsion from the program.

5. Complete the course – Obtain a certificate of completion and submit it to the court or DMV.

Costs of DUI Classes

The cost of DUI classes varies depending on the length of the program:

• 12-hour Wet Reckless Program: $300 - $400

• 3-Month (AB 541) Program: $600 - $800

• 6-Month (AB 762) Program: $800 - $1,200

• 9-Month (AB 1353) Program: $1,000 - $1,500

• 18-Month (SB 38) Program: $1,800 - $2,500

• 30-Month DUI Program: $3,000 - $3,500

Many programs offer payment plans or financial assistance for those who qualify.

Online DUI Classes: Are They Allowed in California?

California does not accept online DUI classes for court-ordered or DMV-mandated DUI education. You must attend in-person classes at an approved provider.

What Happens If You Don't Complete Your DUI Class?

Failing to complete a DUI class can lead to:

• Probation violations (which can result in jail time)

• Extended driver's license suspension

• Additional fines and penalties

• Bench warrants for your arrest (if ordered by the court)

If you are struggling to complete your program, contact your provider to discuss rescheduling or extending deadlines.

DUI Class Providers in California

To find state-approved DUI programs, visit the California Department of Health Care Services website or contact John Campanella at Sacramento DUI Information for guidance.

Some well-known DUI class providers include:

• Safety Center Incorporated (Sacramento, CA)

• Valley Improvement Programs (Los Angeles, CA)

• ABC Traffic Safety Program (San Diego, CA)

• Drive Right DUI School (San Francisco, CA)

List of 20 DUI Schools in California

Here are 20 DUI (Driving Under the Influence) schools located across California, along with their addresses:

1. East Bay DUI Program

   • Address: 409 Jackson Street, Hayward, CA 94544

2. Options Recovery Services

   • Address: 1931 Center Street, Berkeley, CA 94704

3. Amador Council of Tourism

   • Address: 115 Valley View Way, Sutter Creek, CA 95685

4. Northern California Treatment Services

   • Address: 2105 Forest Avenue, Suite 130, Chico, CA 95928

5. Skyway House

   • Address: 3105 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95973

6. Calaveras County Behavioral Health Services

   • Address: 891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, CA 95249

7. Bi-Bett Corporation Diablo Valley Ranch

   • Address: 100 Commercial Street, Martinez, CA 94553

8. East County Alcohol and Drug Services

   • Address: 2311 Loveridge Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565

9. Del Norte County Department of Health and Human Services

   • Address: 880 Northcrest Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531

10. Progress House

    • Address: 2844 Coloma Street, Placerville, CA 95667

11. Sierra Recovery Center

    • Address: 972 Tallac Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

12. Comprehensive Addiction Programs, Inc.

    • Address: 1335 C Street, Eureka, CA 95501

13. Humboldt Recovery Center

    • Address: 734 10th Street, Eureka, CA 95501

14. Imperial Valley Drug and Rehab Clinic

    • Address: 601 H Street, Suite 3, Brawley, CA 92227

15. Valley Convalescent Center

    • Address: 1102 Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243

16. Inyo County Behavioral Health

    • Address: 162 Grove Street, Suite A, Bishop, CA 93514

17. Bakersfield Recovery Services

    • Address: 515 21st Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301

18. Choices in Recovery

    • Address: 3509 Union Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93305

19. Kings View Behavioral Health Systems

    • Address: 1729 South Court Street, Visalia, CA 93277

20. Lake County Alcohol & Other Drug Services

    • Address: 7000-B South Center Drive, Clearlake, CA 95422

These programs are certified by the State of California to provide DUI education and counseling services. It's important to contact the specific program directly to confirm their services, schedules, and enrollment procedures.

List of DUI Schools in Sacramento, California

Here are 10 DUI (Driving Under the Influence) schools located in Sacramento and surrounding areas, along with their addresses:

1. Safety Center Incorporated

   • Address: 3909 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, CA 95827
   • Services: Wet & Reckless, First Offender (3, 6, and 9 months), Multiple Offender (18 months)
   • Languages: English, Spanish, Russian
   • Contact: (916) 438-3360
   • Website: Safety Center DUI Programs

2. Terra Nova Counseling

   • Address: 2012 H Street, Suite 101 & 102, Sacramento, CA 95811
   • Services: Wet & Reckless, First Offender (3, 6, and 9 months), Multiple Offender (18 months)
   • Languages: English
   • Contact: (916) 444-5680
   • Website: Terra Nova Counseling

3. Terra Nova Counseling (Natomas)

   • Address: 4700 Northgate Blvd., Suite 122, Sacramento, CA 95834
   • Services: Wet & Reckless, First Offender (3, 6, and 9 months), Multiple Offender (18 months)
   • Languages: English
   • Contact: (916) 564-0600
   • Website: Terra Nova Counseling

4. Terra Nova Counseling (Madison Ave)

   • Address: 5777 Madison Ave., Suite 590, Sacramento, CA 95841
   • Services: Wet & Reckless, First Offender
   • Languages: English
   • Contact: (916) 239-6379 or (916) 999-0108
   • Website: Terra Nova Counseling

5. Bridges Professional Treatment Services

   • Address: 4241 Florin Road, Suite 75, Sacramento, CA 95823
   • Services: Wet & Reckless, First Offender (3, 6, and 9 months), Multiple Offender (18 months)
   • Languages: English, Spanish
   • Contact: (916) 450-0700
   • Website: Bridges DUI Program

6. Safety Center (North Highlands)

   • Address: 4704 Roseville Road, Suite 102, North Highlands, CA 95660
   • Services: Wet & Reckless, First Offender, Multiple Offender
   • Languages: English, Spanish, Russian
   • Contact: (916) 394-2320
   • Website: Safety Center DUI Programs

7. Safety Center (Citrus Heights)

   • Address: 6060 Sunrise Vista Dr., Suite 1625, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
   • Services: Wet & Reckless, First Offender, Multiple Offender
   • Languages: English
   • Contact: (916) 721-3748
   • Website: Safety Center DUI Programs

8. Bridges Professional Treatment Services (Galt)

   • Address: 908 C Street, Suite F-1, Galt, CA 95632
   • Services: Wet & Reckless, First Offender, Multiple Offender
   • Languages: English, Spanish
   • Contact: (916) 450-0700
   • Website: Bridges DUI Program

9. Breining Institute (Elk Grove)

   • Address: 3159 Dwight Road, Suite 100, Elk Grove, CA 95758
   • Services: Wet & Reckless, First Offender
   • Languages: English
   • Contact: (916) 422-2408
   • Note: As of June 30, 2020, Breining Institute has ceased providing on-campus DUI programs.
     Breining Institute

10. Breining Institute (Folsom)

    • Address: 2360 East Bidwell Street, Suite 107, Folsom, CA 95630
    • Services: Wet & Reckless, First Offender
    • Languages: English
    • Contact: (916) 987-0662

Conclusion

DUI classes are a mandatory step in resolving a DUI conviction in California. Completing your assigned program is essential for getting your license reinstated, avoiding additional penalties, and moving forward after a DUI.