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Working with drivers after a DUI for so many years has shown me that the Mandatory Actions Unit is one of the least understood parts of the process. It is not something

In my decades of work in the ignition interlock industry, I have found that many people are surprised to learn that a DUI in California creates two separate cases. Most people think

Over the years, I have talked with many people in the first day or two after their DUI arrest. These conversations are usually emotional and filled with worry. Most people have no

In my decades of work in the ignition interlock industry, I have talked with many young drivers and parents who were shocked by how strict California’s DUI laws are for anyone under

In my decades of work in the ignition interlock industry, I have talked with many people trying to make sense of what happened during their DUI stop or checkpoint. Checkpoint tests are

In my decades of work helping people understand what really happens during a DUI stop, I have sat across from thousands of drivers who all had the same confused look on their

Getting pulled over for a DUI in California can feel scary and confusing. Most people have no idea what to expect. After working in this industry for more than two decades, I

Getting arrested for a DUI in California is bad enough, but what comes next might surprise you. Before you ever step foot in a courtroom, you’ll have to face the Department of

So, you’ve been arrested for DUI in California. Maybe it was a bad decision, maybe it was bad luck, maybe both. Either way, you’re now living a scene that starts with flashing

As part of being on the Department of Consumer Affairs BHGS Advisory Council, I sit in and advise on the conversations that shape how California’s ignition interlock program continues to evolve. At

Picture this you’re 19, you’ve had one drink at a friend’s party, and you feel totally fine. You slide into your car, and head home, you’re driving fine just cruising along a

Checkpoint Survival Guide Few things spike your heart rate faster than seeing flashing lights, a line of cones, and a uniform waving you forward. Even if you haven’t had a drop to

We’ve all been there; you’ve had a couple drinks, you’re hanging out, and the thought creeps in, “How long until I’m good to drive?” Some people do mental math, “I had three

You know that old saying, “Nothing good happens after midnight”? In California, nothing good happens after your blood alcohol concentration hits .08. A DUI can turn a perfectly fun Friday night into

Last Wednesday evening, Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas became the scene of what could have been an unthinkable tragedy. A 2026 Chevy Silverado driven by Edward De La Torre, 64, collided with

Introduction You have done it. You survived the shock of your DUI, the confusion of paperwork, the reality of living with an IID, and the relief of removal day. But what happens

Introduction The countdown is finally over. You have made it through months of calibrations, rolling retests, and careful compliance. Now it is time for removal day. What actually happens, and what comes

Introduction Nobody installs an IID planning to mess up. But it happens. Maybe you blow too soon after using mouthwash. Maybe you forget a calibration. Maybe you panic during a rolling retest.

Introduction Money stress is one of the top reasons people delay dealing with their IID requirement. The truth is, yes, an IID costs money, but there are ways to manage those costs

Introduction By now you are used to living with your ignition interlock device in California. You know how to start your car, handle rolling retests, and avoid false positives. The next big