DUI and Impaired Driving Prevention

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, cannabis, medication, or any combination of substances is dangerous and illegal. Impairment can occur even when a person does not feel drunk or high. The safest choice is not to drive after using any substance that may affect alertness, judgment, coordination, or reaction time.

California law includes multiple impaired-driving provisions, including prohibitions on driving while under the influence, driving with specified blood alcohol concentrations, and driving under age 21 with a measurable blood alcohol concentration. Laws can change, and individual circumstances matter; this page is for safety education and does not provide legal advice.

Plan ahead by using a sober driver, public transportation, rideshare, walking with a sober group, or another safe transportation option. Do not allow a friend to drive impaired. If you see a suspected impaired driver or an immediate traffic hazard, call 911 and provide the location, direction of travel, vehicle description, and license plate if known.

Cal Poly Police Department (CPPD) conducts impaired-driving education and enforcement consistent with law, grant requirements, and department policy. Prevention efforts may include campus partnerships, outreach, patrols, checkpoints or saturation operations when authorized, and referrals to safety resources.