The State - News from Dec. 27, 1988
The cost of a drunk-driving conviction is going to rise beginning Jan. 1. Motorists convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances pay more than $1,500, on average, according to California Highway Patrol Commissioner James E. Smith. After next week, a convicted offender who causes an accident will also have to reimburse the CHP up to $1,000 for its costs in responding to the scene. Smith said the CHP makes about 145,000 arrests a year for driving under the influence; about 10% of those arrested are found to have caused traffic accidents. The CHP will not bill a driver if the charges are reduced through plea bargaining or reversed at the appellate level.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.