A DUI conviction in California stays on your driving record with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for 10 years from the date of arrest. During this time, it can affect your driving privileges, insurance rates, and employment opportunities. However, a DUI conviction remains on your criminal record indefinitely unless you take legal steps to have it expunged. After the 10-year period, the DUI is no longer considered for sentencing enhancements in new DUI cases but can still be visible on some background checks unless expunged.
Key Points
- The 10-year period for the DMV record starts from the arrest date.
- After 10 years, the DUI no longer impacts new DUI penalties as a prior offense.
- The criminal record of a DUI stays permanently unless expunged through a legal process.
- Insurance companies typically see the DUI for 10 years and may increase premiums during this time.
- Expungement can remove the DUI from your criminal record for employment or background check purposes but does not remove it from the DMV record.
This means the DUI stays actively relevant and visible on your driving record for 10 years, while the criminal record impact can last indefinitely without expungement.
