Full Notification

Be a team player and designate a sober driver this Super Bowl Sunday.

Here's why...

More officers will be on patrol, DUI checkpoints, harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenders, automatic driver license suspension and the list goes on.

If you are arrested for DUI you may be subject to receiving 2 points on your driver license. In addition you may be subject to the following:

Towing charges: $175
Impound/storage fees: $45/day
Driver License reinstatement fee: $125
New Driver License: $25
Court fines/misc. expenses: $2,500
High risk insurance for 3 yrs: $12,000
Lawyer's fees: $2,500
TOTAL: $17,415

(Source: Designate a Sober Driver Program Pamphlet - California Office of Traffic Safety and California Highway Patrol)

FACTS:

-A DUI does not require consumption of alcohol. Use of any substance which impairs physical or mental function can result in a DUI arrest and conviction.

-California has Zero tolerance for drivers under the age of 21.

-If a person has a prior DUI conviction within the previous 10 years, the minimum jail sentence, DUI school and license suspension are increased. Two prior DUI convictions within 10 years increases penalties further; three prior DUI convictions will result in state prison time.

-High Blood Alcohol Concentration – California imposes an enhanced sentence where the BAC is .15% or higher.

-Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing – The increased jail term for refusing is an addition to the administrative suspension the DMV issues.

-Speeding and/or Reckless Driving – This enhancement involves driving in excess of a specified speed while under the influence of alcohol. California, for example, imposes the enhancement where a driver speeds 20 MPH over the speed limit on a surface street or 30 MPH over the limit on a freeway.

-Child Endangerment – Increased penalties are imposed where there is a minor passenger in the vehicle at the time of the DUI arrest.

More drinking-related crashes happen in California on the day of the National Football League championship than on any other Sunday in January and February, according to the California Department of Insurance. CHP officers see the consequences of drinking and driving first-hand.

"Super Bowl Sunday celebrations and alcohol consumption go hand-in-hand," said the CHP's Southern Division Assistant Chief Chris O'Quinn. "The CHP encourages game day fun, but discourages driving under the influence and any other unsafe driving. If you plan to drink, please prevent a tragedy by designating a sober driver or calling upon public transportation as a reliable option," according to Assistant Chief O'Quinn.

Statistics gathered by CHP show game day carries a 77 percent increased risk of alcohol-linked fatal and injury crashes. This year’s Super Bowl is set for Sunday, February 1.

Remember, California DUI penalties are some of the strictest in the nation. The California Highway Patrol encourages everyone to enjoy the Super Bowl, but do it responsibly.

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