California is introducing several new laws in 2027 that affect drivers, bicyclists, and families across the state. From DUI penalties to e-bike regulations, these changes could influence roadway safety and how certain traffic violations are handled.
As part of our ongoing series on California’s new laws, we’re breaking down what these changes mean for drivers and people injured in traffic accidents.
We begin with the California 2027 DUI laws, including tougher penalties for certain repeat offenders and what crash victims should know about their legal rights.
What DUI Laws Are Changing in California in 2027?
Starting January 1, 2027, two new California DUI laws—SB 907 (Braun’s Law) and AB 1546—will change how the state handles certain repeat DUI offenses, plea agreements, and hit-and-run crashes.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the changes:
| Law | What Changes January 1, 2027 |
|---|---|
| SB 907: Watson Warnings | Requires courts to give DUI-related warnings in certain cases involving reduced or substituted charges. |
| SB 907: Hit-and-Run Penalties | Increases potential penalties for drivers with qualifying prior convictions who flee injury or fatal crashes. |
| AB 1546: Third DUI | Allows certain third DUI offenses within 10 years to be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. |
| AB 1546: Fifth DUI | Requires felony punishment for qualifying fifth and subsequent DUI offenses. |
These changes primarily affect criminal penalties and court procedures. They don’t automatically increase compensation for crash victims, but a driver’s criminal history and conduct may be relevant to a personal injury claim.
Let’s start with SB 907, which expands an important warning given to DUI defendants.
SB 907 (Braun’s Law): Expanding Watson Warnings
SB 907 (Braun’s Law) changes how California courts handle certain DUI plea agreements, particularly when an alleged DUI charge is reduced or replaced with another offense.
One of the law’s main changes involves Watson warnings, which California courts already give in certain DUI cases. These warnings inform defendants that impaired driving endangers human life and that causing a fatal DUI crash in the future could lead to murder charges. They are based on People v. Watson (1981), a California Supreme Court decision.
Starting January 1, 2027, SB 907 makes two important changes:
- Expands Watson warnings: Previously, courts already gave these warnings in certain DUI cases, including some reduced to reckless driving. Under SB 907, the requirement also covers guilty or no-contest pleas to other offenses that replace an alleged DUI charge under Vehicle Code § 23152.
- Requires explanations for charge changes: Courts must state their reasons for certain DUI charge changes, while prosecutors requesting them must provide written explanations.
For example, if a DUI charge is replaced with a different traffic offense through a plea agreement, the court must still give the Watson warning when the defendant pleads guilty or no contest to that substituted offense.
SB 907: Tougher Hit-and-Run Penalties for Repeat Offenders
SB 907 also increases potential penalties for drivers who flee crashes involving injury or death and have certain prior convictions within the previous 10 years.
Under SB 907, the new felony sentencing ranges for drivers with qualifying prior convictions are:
| Type of Crash | Previous Felony Prison Range | Starting in 2027 (Qualifying Prior Conviction) |
|---|---|---|
| Injury | 16 months, 2 or 3 years | 2, 3 or 4 years |
| Death or permanent, serious injury | 2, 3 or 4 years | 3, 4 or 5 years |
These enhanced penalties apply to drivers with qualifying DUI, reckless-driving, or vehicular manslaughter convictions within the previous 10 years. State prison is not mandatory in every case, as alternative county jail sentences remain available.
AB 1546: New Felony Penalties for Repeat DUI Offenses
AB 1546 changes how California handles certain repeat DUI offenses. One of the biggest changes is that qualifying third offenses, previously generally treated as misdemeanors when no injury was involved, may now be prosecuted as felonies.
How Do DUI Penalties Change Under AB 1546?
Under AB 1546, penalties depend on the number and type of qualifying prior offenses within the applicable 10-year period.
| DUI Offense | Before 2027 | Starting in 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Third DUI | Generally a misdemeanor for non-injury offenses, unless another felony provision applies | Certain offenses can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies |
| Fourth DUI | Misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances | Misdemeanor or felony treatment remains available |
| Fifth or Subsequent DUI | Misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances | Felony punishment required for qualifying offenses |
These penalties apply to qualifying repeat DUI offenses, not every DUI charge. Certain prior convictions, including DUI and qualifying wet-reckless convictions, may count toward the 10-year lookback period. A wet-reckless conviction generally occurs when someone charged with DUI pleads guilty or no contest to reckless driving, with alcohol or drug involvement noted in the court record.
Do DUI Convictions From Before 2027 Count?
Yes. Qualifying convictions from before 2027 may still count toward penalties for a new DUI offense committed after January 1, 2027.
However, AB 1546 does not automatically increase penalties for DUI offenses committed before the new law takes effect.
What Do California’s 2027 DUI Laws Mean for Crash Victims?
For people injured in DUI crashes, a driver’s conduct, criminal history, and available insurance coverage may all be important when pursuing compensation.
Can Prior DUI Convictions Affect a Personal Injury Claim?
A driver’s prior DUI convictions or Watson warnings may be relevant to a personal injury claim, depending on the circumstances and applicable evidence rules. In some cases, they may help support a claim for punitive damages by showing the driver understood the dangers of impaired driving.
However, a prior conviction does not automatically establish liability, and victims do not need a criminal conviction to pursue a personal injury claim.
What Compensation Can DUI Crash Victims Recover?
If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, injured victims may be able to recover compensation through a civil personal injury claim, separate from any criminal DUI case.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future treatment.
- Lost income: Missed wages and reduced future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and other effects of the injuries.
Compensation may come from the responsible driver’s insurance, applicable uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or other legally available sources.
Punitive damages may also be available in qualifying civil cases, but they are not automatic and generally are not covered by liability insurance.
Can Victims Receive Criminal Restitution and Civil Compensation?
Under Marsy’s Law, California crime victims have a constitutional right to seek restitution from convicted offenders for qualifying financial losses, including medical expenses and lost wages. Whether restitution is ordered and how much a victim receives depends on the circumstances of the criminal case.
Victims may also pursue a separate civil claim for additional damages, including pain and suffering. However, they generally cannot recover twice for the same loss.
FAQs About California’s 2027 DUI Laws
Does a Third DUI Automatically Become a Felony in California in 2027?
No. Under AB 1546, certain third DUI offenses involving two qualifying prior convictions within 10 years can be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies. Felony charges are not automatic.
What Is Braun’s Law in California?
Braun’s Law, part of SB 907, is named in memory of Braun Levi, an 18-year-old student who was killed by a suspected repeat drunk driver in Manhattan Beach in 2025. The law expands when California courts must give Watson warnings in certain DUI plea agreements. SB 907 also increases potential hit-and-run penalties for drivers with qualifying prior convictions.
Do DUI Convictions From Before 2027 Still Count?
Yes. Qualifying convictions from before 2027 may count toward repeat-DUI penalties for a new offense committed after the law takes effect, provided they fall within the applicable 10-year lookback period.
Can I Sue a Drunk Driver Without a Criminal Conviction?
Yes. A criminal DUI conviction is not required to pursue a personal injury claim in California. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, chemical test results, and video footage may help establish the driver’s negligence and responsibility for the crash. If you can prove the driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation even if DUI charges were never filed or did not result in a conviction.
Injured by an Impaired Driver? Know Your Legal Options
If you or a loved one was injured by an impaired driver, El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers can help you understand your legal options. Our attorneys investigate crashes, identify potentially responsible parties, review available insurance coverage, and help injured victims pursue compensation for their injuries and related losses.
We offer free consultations, 24/7 availability, and no attorney fees unless we win your case. Contact our team to discuss your situation and learn how we can help protect your rights.
Coming next in our 2027 California law series: New rules for electric motorcycles, e-bikes, and bicycle speeds on sidewalks and trails under SB 1167 and AB 2346.
