How Many People Get Multiple DUIs vs. Only One?

California DUI sentences aim to reduce recidivism – that is, the amount of DUI offenders who commit second or subsequent DUIs. Harsh penalties like ignition interlock device (IID) installation for first time DUIs, license suspension, and jail time are required in hopes of preventing DUI drivers from re-offending.

The number of people arrested for first time DUIs versus multiple DUIs is much higher for first time DUIs. While many more drivers get one DUI and then never get a DUI again as opposed to multiple DUI offenders, there are still some people who are charged with second, third, and even fourth DUIs.

In Los Angeles County, the crash rates for first time DUI offenders is actually higher than crash rates for second time offenders – 3.2% versus 2.4%. Some people suggest that crash rates are higher for first time DUI offenders because multiple DUI offenders get longer suspension periods.

In California, the recidivism rate is approximately 35%. This means that out of all people convicted of one DUI, 35% of them will commit another DUI incident. So to answer the question, far more people just get one DUI in their lifetime versus multiple DUIs.