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California drunk driving cases are most commonly referred to as DUI, or driving under the influence. The applicable statutes for California DUI law are Cal. Vehicle Code Sections 23152 (a), 23152 (b), 23153 (a), 23153 (b), 23140.

California does have a "per se" law, meaning that it is illegal to drive with an alcohol level of .08 or greater.

If someone is arrested for DUI, refusal to take a chemical test can be used against them in court, and also result in harsher penalties in court and with the DMV.

The washout period for prior drunk driving convictions is seven years. This is calculated from offense date to offense date; the date of conviction does not matter.

There are special laws or court standards for people under 21, including loss of driver's license from court for one year. There are also special Driver's License standards for arrestees under 21, including the loss of driver's license for one year if .01 or higher.