California DUI programs · AB 541
California AB 541 First-Offender DUI Program
AB 541 is the one most people picture when they hear "DUI school": California's standard first-offender program, commonly about 3 months and at least 30 hours. It's a DHCS-licensed, in-person program — not the fast online class you found in four seconds. Here's who it applies to, how it's structured, and how to find a provider your court will accept.
Quick answer: how long, and can it be online?
About 3 months and 30+ hours, in person. AB 541 is the standard first-DUI program with a DHCS-licensed provider. A self-paced internet class does not satisfy California — confirm the format and the specific provider with your court before you enroll or pay.
Who AB 541 is for
Courts commonly order AB 541 for a typical first DUI — one where the BAC was under 0.20% and there was no chemical-test refusal. If your first DUI involved a higher BAC (0.20% or more) or a refusal, the court usually orders a longer program instead (see 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 — your court order controls.
Program length and structure
| Program | Common length | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| First offender (AB 541) | About 3 months / at least 30 hours | Standard first DUI, BAC under 0.20%, no chemical-test refusal |
The roughly 30 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.
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 California DUI class."
San Bernardino County & the Inland Empire
If your case is in San Bernardino County — Barstow, Victorville, Redlands, San Bernardino, or elsewhere in the Inland Empire — remember that DUI programs are administered county by county. A provider accepted in Los Angeles or Riverside County isn't automatically accepted for a San Bernardino County case. Open the DHCS directory below, filter to San Bernardino County, and match a licensed first-offender (AB 541) provider to the county handling your case before you enroll.
Find a DHCS-licensed AB 541 program
Start from the official DHCS directory of licensed DUI programs, filter to the county handling your case, and confirm the provider offers the first-offender (AB 541) 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 541 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 1353 (and AB 762) programs — The 9-month / 60-hour high-BAC program, plus the 6-month AB 762 version.
- SB 38 multiple-offender program — About 18 months — for a second or later DUI within 10 years.