Law To Combat CA's Surging DUI Deaths Would Impact Drivers' Ability To Buy Booze

California may soon let judges bar serious and repeat DUI offenders from buying alcohol, marking the restriction directly on their driver’s licenses or Real IDs.

A new bill aims to prevent repeated drunk-driving tragedies by giving courts a tool to limit access to alcohol.

Authored by Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, AB 1605 would allow judges to place a “no alcohol sale” notice on the IDs of individuals convicted of serious or repeat DUI offenses. Retailers, bars, and restaurants would be required to honor the restriction and refuse alcohol sales.

DUI deaths have increased by more than 50 percent since 2015, and currently average more than 1,300 per year, according to a recent CalMatters analysis.

Holiday enforcement periods also saw significant activity, including 379 arrests during the 2025 New Year's period and over 300 during Christmas, with officials noting a startling increase in incidents in some areas.

“Repeated DUIs signal a dangerous pattern that puts lives at risk,” Ransom said in a news release. “When warning signs are this clear, intervention is necessary to protect the public. Judges must have the ability to limit access to alcohol and prevent the next tragedy, said Ransom, whose district includes Stockton, Tracy, and Mountain House.

The measure follows a similar law recently enacted in Utah, where certain DUI offenders have licenses marked with a “no alcohol sale” notice. California’s proposed version would give judges discretion to impose the restriction based on the severity of the offense and the offender’s history.

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