California allows virtual meetings for DUI classes in a new announcement. Because the State of California, and the DMV, previously, did not recognize anything but in-person meetings for California DUI programs or alcohol classes or education, alcohol meetings were on hold for an extended period of time due to COVID-19 coronavirus closures at alcohol schools all across the state.
California allows now allows virtual meetings for DUI classes, but has strict requirements for doing so.
In response to the state of emergency declared on March 4, 2020, by Governor Newsom to address the COVID-19 pandemic the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) allowed the use of Telehealth services in Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Programs provided by California DHCS licensed DUI Program providers.
Telehealth services are not “on-line” programs. California DUI Program Telehealth services are provided by DHCS licensed DUI Programs in compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Division 4, Chapter 3, Programs for Alcohol and Drug-Impaired Drivers (2) including the provision that DUI Program staff who provide counseling services are licensed, certified, or registered to obtain certification pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Division 4, Chapter 8, Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors.
Online DUI programs do not satisfy California requirements for DUI program completion and license reinstatement criteria. Online DUI program services are not equivalent to the approved COVID-19 emergency telehealth/DUI program services currently being offered through licensed California DUI program providers.
Although California allows virtual meetings for DUI classes, program enrollment must occur through a California licensed DUI program. Enrollment, participation, or completion of any services in an online DUI program will not satisfy California requirements for DUI program completion.
If you need additional information regarding the requirements to complete a DUI program, you may contact the Department of Health Care Services at 916.322.2964. Or contact our law firm at (949) 682-5316.