The State - News from Dec. 27, 1988

The cost of a drunk-driving conviction is going to rise beginning Jan. 1. Motorists convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances pay more than $1,500, on average, according to California Highway Patrol Commissioner James E. Smith. After next week, a convicted offender who causes an accident will also have to reimburse the CHP up to $1,000 for its costs in responding to the scene. Smith said the CHP makes about 145,000 arrests a year for driving under the influence; about 10% of those arrested are found to have caused traffic accidents. The CHP will not bill a driver if the charges are reduced through plea bargaining or reversed at the appellate level.