California DUI programs · SB 38
California SB 38 Multiple-Offender DUI Program (18 Months)
SB 38 is California's 18-month DUI program for a second or later offense — the longest of the common levels and the most involved. It's a DHCS-licensed, in-person program, and there's no valid online shortcut. Here's who it applies to, what the 18 months look like, and how to find a provider your court will accept.
Quick answer: how long, and can it be online?
About 18 months, in person. The SB 38 multiple-offender program is a DHCS-licensed program for a second or later DUI. 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 SB 38 is for
Courts commonly order the 18-month SB 38 program for a second or subsequent DUI, typically when there's a prior DUI on your record within 10 years. Some counties also use a longer 30-month program for certain repeat offenders. Which program you're ordered into is set by your conviction and record, not by choice, so confirm the exact program name with your court or attorney rather than assume. This is general information, not legal advice.
Program length and structure
| Program | Common length | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple offender (SB 38) | About 18 months | Second or subsequent DUI (commonly a prior within 10 years) |
Over the 18 months, the program commonly combines group counseling (often cited at roughly 52 hours), about 12 hours of alcohol and drug education, biweekly individual interviews during the first year, and community reentry monitoring. Exact hour breakdowns are set by your DHCS-licensed 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.
Find a DHCS-licensed SB 38 program
Start from the official DHCS directory of licensed DUI programs, filter to the county handling your case, and confirm the provider offers the multiple-offender (SB 38) level. Programs are administered county by county, so a provider accepted in one county is not automatically accepted in the next.
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 SB 38 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 program — About 3 months / 30 hours — the standard first-DUI program.
- AB 1353 (and AB 762) programs — The 9-month / 60-hour high-BAC program, plus the 6-month AB 762 version.