First-Time DUI & IID in California: 2026 Requirements
Written by BACtrack Editorial Team
Updated May 20, 2026
A first DUI conviction in California does not automatically require an ignition interlock device. That distinction turns on a single factor: whether the offense involved injury.
For first-time DUI cases without injury, California law gives drivers a choice rather than a mandate. Whether you received a first DUI without injury and are weighing your options, received a first DUI involving injury and want to know what the program requires, or are researching before a court date, the 2026 framework is more nuanced than most drivers expect.
Here is how California's IID program actually works for first-time offenses.
A first-time California DUI conviction without injury does not automatically require an ignition interlock device. Drivers choose between a 6-month IID restriction that allows unrestricted driving or a 12-month restricted license with a mandatory 30-day hard suspension. A first DUI conviction that involved injury triggers a mandatory 1-year IID under California's Statewide Pilot Program. Assembly Bill 366, signed October 13, 2025, extended the program through December 31, 2032. BACtrack Drive currently serves the Bay Area and Sacramento markets.
What makes an IID mandatory after a first DUI in California
California's Statewide Pilot Program draws one clear line: a first DUI involving injury makes IID installation mandatory. A first DUI without injury leaves the requirement discretionary. The California DMV IID Pilot Program page sets the rules for both.
|
Offense type |
IID mandatory? |
IID period |
|---|---|---|
|
First DUI, no injury (VC §23152) |
No (court discretion) |
6 months if ordered or voluntarily chosen |
|
First DUI, with injury (VC §23153) |
Yes |
1 year (mandatory) |
|
First DUI, BAC at 0.15% or higher (no injury) |
Court may order |
Up to 6 months (discretionary) |
|
DMV administrative suspension only (no criminal conviction) |
No |
4 months if chosen |
AB 2210 would have required IID for all first-time DUI offenders regardless of injury. It failed in committee in May 2024. The discretionary framework for no-injury first offenses remains unchanged.
BACtrack Drive provides California DMV-certified IID installation for drivers in Bay Area and Sacramento markets under both programs.
The two options for a first DUI without injury
California drivers with a first DUI and no injury face a choice, not a mandate.
Path A: IID restriction (6 months). The driver installs a certified IID, completes the DL-920 form through their provider, and meets the DMV's license reinstatement requirements. The restriction allows driving anywhere, anytime. For what that program runs month to month, see ignition interlock costs in California.
Path B: Employment/treatment restriction (12 months). The driver skips the IID but accepts a 30-day hard suspension before any driving resumes. After the suspension, driving is limited to work and DUI program travel only.
A judge may also order IID installation for a first offense without injury, particularly when BAC was at 0.15% or higher at the time of the stop.
For drivers taking the IID path, BACtrack Drive installs the California DMV-certified ALCOLOCK AL-2500 at six Bay Area and Sacramento locations.
How long the IID program lasts in California
For a first DUI without injury, the IID period is 6 months if the driver chooses or is court-ordered to install one. For a first DUI with injury, the mandatory period is 1 year. Repeat offenses extend the program.
|
Prior DUI convictions (within 10 years) |
No injury |
With injury or vehicular manslaughter |
|---|---|---|
|
0 (first offense) |
None mandatory; 6 months if chosen or ordered |
1 year (mandatory) |
|
1 prior |
1 year |
2 years |
|
2 priors |
2 years |
3 years |
|
3 or more priors |
3 years |
3 years |
|
1 or more felony DUI convictions |
3 years |
4 years |
Assembly Bill 366, signed October 13, 2025, extended the program from its prior December 31, 2025 expiry to December 31, 2032. The statutory basis for IID requirements is California Vehicle Code §23575.
For drivers in Bay Area and Sacramento markets, BACtrack Drive covers the full program term, including calibration visits every 60 days and removal at the end of the ordered period.
What the DMV requires after a first DUI
Before the DMV issues an IID-restricted license following a first DUI, the DMV requires specific documentation from the driver and the IID provider.
The DMV requires the DL-920 form from the IID provider, enrollment proof via DL-107 or program completion via DL-101, SR-22 insurance (California Insurance Proof Certificate), and payment of a $125 reissue fee, $15 restriction fee, and $103 administrative fee. For drivers choosing the employment/treatment restriction path without an IID, the DL-920 requirement does not apply.
For a full breakdown of what the cost of an IID program in California includes beyond the monthly device rate, the cost article covers each fee.
BACtrack Drive handles DL-920 form completion and submits verification through the DMV's Mandatory Actions Unit directly.
California's income-based IID program
California ties IID device costs to income for drivers who qualify under the Statewide Pilot Program. Not all providers advertise this program at intake.
|
Income relative to FPL |
Device cost |
|---|---|
|
100% FPL or below |
10% of device costs |
|
101-200% FPL |
25% of device costs |
|
201-300% FPL, or CalFresh recipient |
50% of device costs |
|
301-400% FPL |
90% of device costs |
The discount applies to the device lease only. DMV fees and SR-22 insurance remain at full cost. BACtrack Drive handles the income assistance application during intake for drivers who qualify, so the discount applies starting in month one.
What to know about BACtrack Drive
BACtrack Drive operates in California's Bay Area and Sacramento markets for drivers navigating a first DUI IID program.
The device is the California DMV-certified ALCOLOCK AL-2500. The monthly rate is $99 flat, covering installation, calibration visits every 60 days, device removal, and service calls. No line-item fees are added on top. BACtrack Drive serves six service locations across Alameda, Concord, Daly City, Roseville, Sacramento Midtown, and Sacramento South. The team handles the DL-920 form completion and DMV verification through the Mandatory Actions Unit directly. For qualifying drivers, the income assistance application is processed at intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ignition interlock device required for a first DUI in California?
For a first DUI conviction with no injury, an IID is not automatically required under California's Statewide Pilot Program. The program is discretionary for first-time no-injury offenses. Drivers choose between a 6-month IID restriction or a 12-month restricted license with a 30-day hard suspension. A first DUI conviction that involved injury triggers a mandatory 1-year IID.
How long is the IID program for a first DUI in California?
For a first DUI without injury, the IID period is 6 months if the driver chooses or is ordered to install one. For a first DUI involving injury, the mandatory period is 1 year under California Vehicle Code §23153. Repeat DUI convictions extend the program to 1 to 4 years depending on the number of priors and whether injury was involved.
What did AB 366 change about California's IID requirements in 2026?
Assembly Bill 366, signed October 13, 2025, extended California's Statewide IID Pilot Program from its December 31, 2025 expiry to December 31, 2032. The bill did not change the mandatory or discretionary structure for first-time no-injury offenders. The program now covers violations occurring from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2032.
Can I drive after a first DUI in California without installing an IID?
Yes, through the employment/treatment restriction path. This option requires completing a mandatory 30-day hard suspension before any driving resumes. After the suspension, driving is limited to work and DUI program travel only for 12 months. Drivers who install an IID under the 6-month restriction can drive anywhere, anytime, from the start of the program.
Does a first DUI with injury require an IID in California?
Yes. A first DUI conviction under California Vehicle Code §23153, driving under the influence and causing injury, triggers a mandatory 1-year IID under the Statewide Pilot Program. There is no discretionary opt-out for injury cases.
What is California's income-based IID assistance program?
California reduces IID device costs for drivers below 400% of the federal poverty level. Discounts range from 10% of device costs at or below 100% FPL to 90% at 301-400% FPL. The discount applies to the device lease only, not to DMV fees or SR-22 insurance. IID providers typically handle the application at intake.
References
-
California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Statewide Ignition Interlock Device Pilot Program." Accessed 2026-05-11.
-
California Legislative Information. "California Vehicle Code §23575." Accessed 2026-05-11.
-
California Legislative Information. "California Vehicle Code §23153." Accessed 2026-05-11.
-
California Legislative Information. "Assembly Bill 366: Ignition Interlock Devices." Accessed 2026-05-11.
-
Shouse Law Group. "Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in California." Accessed 2026-05-11.
