California DUI Law — 2025–2026 Legislative Session
California DUI Legislation 2025–2026: AB 1546, AB 1687 and SB 907
Three bills enacted in the 2025–2026 California legislative session affect certain felony DUI, repeat DUI and hit-and-run allegations. This page provides a detailed overview of each bill, its effective date, who it may affect and what it may mean for your defense.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutory text and applicable dates should be verified before relying on any legal statement. Individual case review is required.
Overview of the Three Bills
| Bill | Subject | Effective / Operative Date |
|---|---|---|
| AB 1546 | Addresses specified repeat-DUI offenses. Effective January 1, 2026. | January 1, 2026 |
| AB 1687 | New licensing restrictions for specified repeat DUI-with-injury convictions. Enacted 2026; licensing provisions operative January 1, 2031. | Enacted 2026 — licensing provisions operative January 1, 2031 |
| SB 907 | Enhanced penalties for specified injury or fatal hit-and-run offenses involving qualifying prior convictions. Effective January 1, 2027. | January 1, 2027 |
AB 1546 — Repeat DUI Offenses
What AB 1546 Does
AB 1546 addresses specified repeat-DUI offenses in California. The bill modifies provisions applicable to defendants with qualifying prior DUI convictions within a defined look-back period. The specific statutory changes affect how certain repeat DUI cases are charged and sentenced. Individual review of the applicable statutory provisions and the defendant's prior record is required to determine whether AB 1546 is relevant to a specific case.
Who AB 1546 May Affect
AB 1546 may be relevant to defendants who have qualifying prior DUI convictions within the applicable look-back period and who are facing a new DUI charge. The number of prior convictions, their dates and the specific statutory provisions all affect whether AB 1546 applies. Not every defendant with a prior DUI conviction is affected by this bill.
Defense Considerations
When AB 1546 is potentially applicable, the defense should review the prior conviction record carefully, including the dates of prior offenses, the specific statutes of conviction and whether the prior convictions qualify under the applicable provisions. The validity and procedural history of prior convictions may also be subject to challenge. Early review of the prior record is important in any case where repeat-DUI provisions may apply.
The specific provisions of AB 1546 require individual review. No attorney can predict how this legislation will affect a specific case without reviewing the facts and the prior record.
AB 1687 — Repeat DUI With Injury: Licensing Restrictions
What AB 1687 Does
AB 1687 establishes new driver's license restrictions applicable to individuals convicted of specified repeat DUI-with-injury offenses. The licensing provisions are designed to restrict or condition the driving privileges of individuals with qualifying repeat DUI-with-injury convictions. The bill was enacted in 2026, but the new licensing provisions do not become operative until January 1, 2031.
The January 1, 2031 Operative Date
The gap between enactment and the operative date is significant. AB 1687 is law, but the new licensing restrictions it creates do not take effect until January 1, 2031. This means that convictions occurring before that date will not be subject to the new licensing provisions at the time of conviction — though the conviction may still be relevant when the provisions become operative depending on the applicable look-back period and statutory language. Defendants and counsel should monitor whether any amendments affect the operative date before 2031.
Who AB 1687 May Affect
AB 1687 is most directly relevant to defendants facing repeat DUI-with-injury allegations under Vehicle Code section 23153 or related provisions. If a conviction in the current case could qualify as a repeat DUI-with-injury offense, the long-term licensing consequences under AB 1687 should be considered as part of the overall defense and disposition strategy, even though the operative date is several years away.
Defense Considerations
Because the licensing provisions are not yet operative, the immediate impact of AB 1687 on a current case is limited. However, a conviction today may have licensing consequences in 2031 and beyond. Defense counsel should advise clients of the potential future licensing impact when evaluating plea options or trial strategy in repeat DUI-with-injury cases. The specific licensing restrictions and their application to prior convictions will require review as the operative date approaches.
The operative date and specific provisions of AB 1687 require individual review. The licensing provisions are not yet in effect. Statutory text should be verified before relying on any statement about this bill.
SB 907 — Hit-and-Run With Injury or Death and Prior Convictions
What SB 907 Does
SB 907 addresses specified injury or fatal hit-and-run offenses where the defendant has qualifying prior convictions. The bill modifies the penalties or charging provisions applicable to hit-and-run offenses involving injury or death when the defendant has a qualifying prior record. SB 907 becomes effective January 1, 2027.
The January 1, 2027 Effective Date
SB 907 is enacted but does not take effect until January 1, 2027. Offenses alleged to have occurred before that date are not subject to the new provisions. For offenses alleged on or after January 1, 2027, the new provisions will apply to qualifying cases. The effective date is a critical threshold in any case where SB 907 may be relevant.
Who SB 907 May Affect
SB 907 is most directly relevant to defendants facing hit-and-run allegations under Vehicle Code section 20001 (injury or death) who also have qualifying prior convictions. The specific prior convictions that qualify, the look-back period and the applicable statutory provisions all require individual review. Not every hit-and-run defendant with a prior record is affected by SB 907.
Defense Considerations
In cases where SB 907 may apply, the defense should carefully review the alleged offense date, the prior conviction record and the specific statutory provisions. The validity of prior convictions, the dates of prior offenses and whether the alleged conduct meets the statutory threshold are all subject to defense review. Because SB 907 involves enhanced consequences for qualifying prior convictions, early review of the prior record is important.
SB 907 is not yet in effect. The specific provisions and their application to a particular case require individual review. Statutory text should be verified before relying on any statement about this bill.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bill | Subject | Effective / Operative Date | Who May Be Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB 1546 | Repeat DUI offenses | January 1, 2026 | Defendants with qualifying prior DUI convictions facing a new DUI charge |
| AB 1687 | Repeat DUI with injury — licensing | Licensing provisions: January 1, 2031 | Defendants convicted of specified repeat DUI-with-injury offenses |
| SB 907 | Hit-and-run with injury or death and prior convictions | January 1, 2027 | Defendants facing injury or fatal hit-and-run allegations with qualifying prior convictions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About How These Laws Affect Your Case?
If you are facing DUI, repeat DUI, DUI with injury or hit-and-run allegations in San Bernardino County or Southern California, call Tarman Law to discuss how recent legislation may be relevant to your defense.