Big Change to CA DUI Laws to Take Effect in 2012
As seen on DUI drunk drivers website
Scurich Insurance Services wants to keep you on top of laws so you don’t get left behind when they change.
Under a new bill signed into law Monday, repeat DUI offenders in California could lose their licenses for 10 years after three convictions in 10 years.
The legislation — penned by Assemblyman Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo — targets drivers who get their licenses back after multiple arrests. Currently, three convictions in 10 years mean a three-year loss of a person’s license. The new law, AB 1601, gives judges the discretion to impose a decade long revocation.
“This could be landmark legislation,” Hill said. “It will take 10,000 repeat DUI offenders off the road.”
The bill does not take effect until Jan. 1, 2012. Hill said the bill will start a year after being approved in order to give the Department of Motor Vehicles and courts time to coordinate.
An earlier version of the bill faced stiff resistance from critics. That draft would have stripped drivers’ licenses for life after three DUIs, and it sought to throw out a rule limiting how far back authorities can look at a person’s driving record. But when a state analysis revealed that the bill could put more people in prison and thus cost more money, Hill was forced to revise it.
Joshua Dale, head of the California DUI Lawyers Association, which is critical of the bill, said AB 1601 will likely mean more people will try to fight convictions, possibly resulting in more trials. Taxpayers will get stuck with the bill for the increased expense, he said.
Dale opposed the initial version of the law because in his view it would have removed an incentive many drunken drivers need to get sober: the possibility of getting back their licenses. He said the final version of the bill leaves a bit of hope.
“We still have that carrot at the end of the stick, so to speak,” he said.
If you want to learn more valuable information about being safe and being on the road, click the link to check out Scurich Insurance’s website.
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There really is no difference between a DWI or a DUI. The acronym for Driving While Influenced is DWI and the acronym for Driving Under the Influence is DUI. Both refer to driving a motor vehicle with Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) that exceeds the state law limit. Most state laws have a .08 BAC threshold limit, so if you are driving with blood alcohol content that is .08 or higher, you seriously risk getting convicted of a DWI or a DUI.
Each state handles DWI a little differently and your BAC will be a big determining factor regarding if your license gets suspended or immediately revoked. If you are pulled over while driving under the influence of alcohol, you will get arrested and a judge will then determine your fine and or sentence. Most states will not sentence you to jail time for your first offense, but if you have repeat DWI or DUI offenses you can expect to serve extended time in jail. It is highly probable that you will need DWI insurance even with only a single offense.
The Auto Insurance company is required by law to notify the DMV of any changes you make to your insurance policy. If you drop coverage below the legal requirements, if you cancel your policy, or if your policy is terminated by the Auto Insurance company, the insurance company will immediately notify the DMV and your license will then be suspended or revoked pending further review. It will not be reinstated until another SR-22 is once again filed on your behalf, either by the same insurance company or a different one.
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For many individuals, after buying a house or car, renting an apartment, or changing jobs, insurance is the first thing most consumers think about. To avoid risk, getting insurance quotes from insurance agents to immediately implement full coverage to a homeowners, auto, renters or health insurance policy, is a must. You need insurance just in case something ‘bad’ happens. But paying too much for insurance can be quite costly.
With good reason consumers pay close attention to their insurance coverage, although over-insuring becomes the problem because they are not thinking about the risks of going overboard on coverage. Evaluating individual insurance needs is all about making smart decisions that are not related to the benefits of purchasing high risk insurance. In the long run, consumers end up paying too much for insurance when they do not have to.
The two mistakes many consumers make:
- Trying to insure everything instead of finding an alternate solution for coverage.
- Believing that full coverage applies to every little detail relating to a property, car and so on.
As an example, if a homeowner owns a number of valuables such as jewelry, collectibles, etc., instead of purchasing more insurance to cover the valuables in case of a burglary, perhaps purchasing a safe would be the better decision.
Also keep in mind, consumers are not able to cover every minor mishap because the chance of it happening is slim and insurance rates would be sky-high. For instance, on many consumers’ auto insurance policies they will not find coverage for protection against a lawsuit from a passenger that was injured while riding in their car.
Scurich Insurance can help you Manage Risk and get covered with Personal Insurance.
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Your need for life insurance will vary with your age and responsibilities. The amount of insurance you buy should depend on the standard of living you wish to assure for your dependents. You should consider the amount of assets and sources of continuing income available to your dependents when you pass away. Simply stated, you should choose an amount of life insurance that is determined necessary to meet the needs you are trying to satisfy.
Steps To Determine How Much Life Insurance You Need:
1.Determine how much life insurance you need based on the factors mentioned above.
2.Decide how much money you can afford to pay.
3.Choose the type of life insurance policy that meets your coverage goals and current family budget. Fitting these two factors together will move you toward a successful overall financial plan.
Scurich Insurance can assist you with your Life Insurance needs.
320 East Lake Avenue, PO Box 1170
Watsonville, CA 95077-1170
Office: 1-831-722-3541
Toll Free: 1-800-320-3666
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Scurich Insurances can provide commercial packages, farm bureau discounts, farm packages, workers compensation, professional liability, umbrella, group benefits group life & health personal auto , home, life, health and much more. We can also help you plan wisely and guide you in the evaluation of risk management, We serve Watsonville, California and surrounding areas. We represent over 50 Insurance carriers to better protect your business. Find out more at www.scurichinsurance.com
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