Driving under the influence (DUI): refusal to submit to chemical tests.

(1) Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend or revoke a person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle, as specified, if the person refuses an officer's request to submit to, or fails to complete, a chemical test or tests for alcohol or drugs, upon receipt of the officer's sworn statement that the officer had reasonable cause to believe that the person had been driving a motor vehicle while under the influence (DUI) and that the person had refused to submit to, or did not complete, the test or tests after being requested by the officer. A violation of this provision is a crime. This bill would in addition impose the same punishment for a refusal to submit to a chemical text for a first violation, or for one or more violations or DUI offenses occurring within 10 years, as the punishment for DUI committed under similar circumstances. By adding imprisonment in the county jail to this offense, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.