Services provided: Information on DUI programs; administration of county contracts with DUI program contractors.

Drinking Driver FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • I got arrested for driving under the influence, what are the programs like?
    They include group education, group counseling & individual counseling. First offense programs range from 12 hours/8+ weeks, to 63 hours/9months, depending on what the court sentences you to and what DMV requires you to do. Multiple offense programs are 77+ hours over an 18 month period. If you’re convicted of DUI and the court does not order you to complete a DUI program, DMV will usually require you to complete a program to get your license back. (Frequently, both agencies will require you to complete a program. If your court and DMV require you to do different DUI programs, ask the County's Drinking Driver Program for recommendations.)
     
  • Do I have to pay for my program? How much are they?
    Yes, unless the program determines that you are eligible for a waiver of the program fee. If you feel you can’t afford the program fee, ask your DUI program for a fee assessment appointment. They’ll schedule an appointment with you and tell you what income documentation to bring to the appointment. They will use that to determine if you are low-income by state standards, middle-income or high-income. Low-income clients receive a program fee waiver. For those who pay full fee, program fees are:

     
    Wet Reckless Program*  $479
    3-month First Offense Program  $920
    6-month First Offense Program  $1,370
    9-month First Offense Program  $1,717
    Multiple Offense Program  $2,610

            *The Wet Reckless Program is for a lesser offense than a DUI.

  • How do I get into a program?
    You are generally ordered by a court or required by DMV to complete a program. If you have referral paperwork take it to the appropriate program below.

First Offense and Multiple Offense (all ages)

  • Alert Driving Inc (San Jose): (408) 879-7581
  • Sun Street Centers (Salinas, Seaside and Soledad): (831) 753-5140

NOTE: California law now adds requirements to multiple offender clients who fail the program for other than failure to pay the program fee. If you fail to complete a court-ordered multiple offense program for reasons such as excessive absences or failure to maintain contact with the program, the additional requirements are applied.