California DUI programs · AB 1353 (and AB 762)
AB 1353 DUI Classes in California (the 9-Month Program)
"9 months?" — that's the reaction most people have when the court orders an AB 1353 program instead of the standard 3-month class. AB 1353 is California's longer first-offender DUI program, commonly about 9 months and 60 hours, ordered when a first DUI involved a high BAC or a chemical-test refusal. There's also a 6-month version (AB 762). Here's exactly what each is, who it applies to, and why an online class won't count here.
Quick answer: how long, and can it be online?
About 9 months and 60 hours, in person (the 6-month AB 762 version runs roughly 45 hours). Both are DHCS-licensed programs — a self-paced internet class does not satisfy California. Confirm the exact program name and provider with your court before you enroll or pay.
Who AB 1353 (and AB 762) is for
AB 1353 is still the "first offender" bucket, just the longer version. Courts commonly order it for a first DUI when the BAC was 0.20% or higher or when the driver refused a chemical test. The 6-month AB 762 program is sometimes ordered for a mid-range BAC (roughly 0.15%–0.19%) or by court discretion, and is often used as a plea option; many courts now use the 9-month AB 1353. You don't choose your level — it's set by your conviction, BAC, and record, and written into your sentencing terms. This is general information, not legal advice.
Program length and structure
| Program | Common length | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| First offender, high BAC (AB 1353) | About 9 months / roughly 60 hours | First DUI with BAC 0.20%+ or a chemical-test refusal |
| Extended first offender (AB 762) | About 6 months / roughly 45 hours | Mid-range BAC (about 0.15%–0.19%) or court discretion; less common today |
The hours generally combine alcohol and drug education, group counseling, and individual interviews, scheduled by your DHCS-licensed provider. Exact hour breakdowns vary by provider, so confirm the specifics with your program.
If your order says AB 1353, don't sign up for AB 541. Finishing the wrong level generally won't satisfy your requirement, and you'll likely have to start over while a deadline ticks. Read your paperwork and confirm the exact program name with your court, clerk, or attorney first.
Why the online class you found probably won't count: DHCS does not license any internet DUI programs, and states plainly that DUI classes offered via the internet do not meet California's requirements. To satisfy a California court or the DMV you generally must attend a DHCS-licensed program run from a physical California location. A licensed program may deliver some sessions by live video, but that is not the same as a self-paced out-of-state course — be wary of any nationwide site selling an "online AB 1353 class."
San Bernardino County & the Inland Empire
Searching from Barstow, Victorville, Redlands, or San Bernardino? DUI programs are administered county by county, so for a San Bernardino County case you need a provider licensed and accepted in San Bernardino County — one that's fine in Los Angeles or Riverside County isn't automatically accepted here. Open the DHCS directory below, filter to San Bernardino County, and match a licensed provider that offers the AB 1353 (or AB 762) level to the court handling your case before you enroll.
Find a DHCS-licensed AB 1353 program
Start from the official DHCS directory of licensed DUI programs, filter to the county handling your case, and confirm the provider offers the AB 1353 (or AB 762) level.
Source & accuracy: compiled from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and DMV. Program hours and requirements vary by county and by case — always confirm the exact program, format, hours, and an accepted provider with your court and the DMV before enrolling. Sources: dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/DUI_Programs.aspx, dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/DUIProgramLicensing.aspx, dmv.ca.gov.
Other California DUI program levels
Not sure AB 1353 is what your order names? Compare the other California DUI programs — the level is set by your conviction, BAC, and record, not by choice:
- Wet reckless program (SB 1176)About 12 hours — the shortest level, tied to a "wet reckless" conviction.
- AB 541 first-offender programAbout 3 months / 30 hours — the standard first-DUI program.
- SB 38 multiple-offender programAbout 18 months — for a second or later DUI within 10 years.