In California, including Irvine, driving under the influence (DUI) is punished very strictly.

According to California law, if a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, adult drivers can be arrested for DUI. For minors under 21, a zero-tolerance policy applies, meaning that a BAC of 0.01% or higher results in a license suspension. Commercial drivers (CDL) are subject to a 0.04% limit.

Looking at the penalties for DUI in California, for a first offense, fines range from $390 to $1,000 (with actual costs including fees reaching $1,500 to $2,000+), up to 6 months in jail, a 6-month license suspension, attendance in an alcohol education program (DUI School) for 3 to 9 months, and mandatory SR-22 (high-risk driver insurance).

For a second offense, penalties increase significantly, including up to 1 year in jail, a 2-year license suspension, and 18 to 30 months of DUI school. A third offense is likely to be classified as a felony, leading to potential state prison time. In cases of DUI with injury or death, charges can escalate to vehicular manslaughter (Watson Murder), which can result in life sentences.

The procedures following an arrest are also very complex. If a DMV hearing request is not made within 10 days of the arrest, the license will be automatically suspended. The cost of hiring a DUI attorney can range from $1,500 to $10,000+ depending on the complexity of the case, and when combined with court costs, insurance increases (3 to 5 times higher due to mandatory SR-22), and ignition interlock device installation fees, the total cost of a first DUI case can easily exceed $10,000 to $15,000. This can also negatively impact employment or immigration visa renewals, making it a serious issue for Korean immigrants.

The drinking culture in Irvine is relatively restrained. Unlike cities with a developed downtown bar culture (e.g., Huntington Beach, Fullerton), Irvine has a family-oriented, quiet lifestyle. While there is a culture of enjoying wine or beer with meals at places like the Irvine Spectrum Center or nearby restaurants, there are not many atmospheres that focus solely on drinking.

However, there is still a practice of driving after drinking during gatherings, golf outings, and meetings within the Korean community, so caution is necessary. Utilizing ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft is the wisest choice for getting home after drinking. The Irvine Police Department (IPD) regularly conducts DUI checkpoints on weekend evenings, so if you have consumed any alcohol, it is essential to avoid driving yourself.