What Is the DUI Lookback Period in Your State?

DUI lookback periods determine how long a previous DUI conviction remains legally relevant. Learn various state laws and how long a DUI stays on your record.

You’re driving home from dinner when flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror. It’s been years since your first DUI, and you’ve worked hard to move forward. As the officer walks up to your window, one question comes to mind: Does that old conviction still count?

That’s what a DUI lookback period determines. It’s the time frame your state uses to decide whether a previous conviction affects the penalties for a new one. Some states look back a few years; others, for life. Knowing where your state falls can help you understand what’s ahead and take steps to stay compliant.

This blog is not intended to provide legal advice; always consult with a qualified DUI attorney if you have specific questions. If you're convicted of a DUI and need to fulfill your ignition interlock requirement, please call our Intoxalock® team at (888) 283-5899.

When Is a DUI a Felony?

Not every state treats DUIs the same. Most states classify a first DUI as a misdemeanor. Still, it can become a felony if someone was injured, a child was in your vehicle, or you already have multiple convictions. Felony charges often result in higher fines, longer license suspensions, and more significant jail or prison time.

Knowing the difference between felony and misdemeanor DUIs helps you understand how your state may classify your case. While a first DUI in California is almost always a misdemeanor, a fourth DUI within ten years can be charged as a felony. In states like Texas, multiple offenses can result in felony treatment regardless of whether they involved injuries.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?

A DUI conviction often stays on your criminal record permanently, which means it may appear on background checks for years after the case is resolved. However, what really matters is the lookback, or DUI washout period, your state law outlines. During this window - anywhere from five years to life depending on the state - any previous DUI may be used to increase penalties on any new DUI violation.

Understanding DUI Lookback Periods

A DUI lookback period refers to the amount of time a state considers a prior DUI conviction when facing a repeat charge. States write these periods directly into their laws, and specifics vary from state to state. Some states are strict, applying lifetime lookbacks, while others use shorter timeframes that reset after a certain number of years.

In California, the lookback period is 10 years. That means if you’re arrested for another DUI within that decade, the court may treat it as a repeat offense. Understanding your state’s specific laws is key, as the difference between a first and second DUI can be significant.

How DUI Lookback Periods Change the Penalties for Multiple DUIs

The lookback period directly affects the penalties for a second or third DUI charge. If you get another DUI within the designated timeframe, the consequences can escalate quickly. Penalties may include longer license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory use of an ignition interlock device (IID), or jail time. The severity of your penalties is often tied to how recently your last DUI occurred.

Florida uses a 5-year lookback for second offenses and a 10-year lookback for third offenses. That means a second DUI occurring after 6 years may not trigger the same harsh penalties as one that occurs within 4 years. This difference can determine whether you face months without a license or years of restrictions.

Talk with an Intoxalock State Specialist at (888) 283-5899 if you need an IID to stay compliant with your DUI requirements.

Examples of DUI Lookback Periods by State

States handle DUI lookback periods differently, and the penalties vary. Because these laws are subject to change over time, it’s best to rely on current information from official state sources, such as your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Transportation, or state legislature website.

Here are 10 examples that show how different states apply their lookback laws in practice:

• Arizona: 7-year lookback. Any prior DUI counts, no matter when it occurred.
• California: 10-year lookback. A second DUI within this period brings mandatory classes, higher fines, and longer suspensions.
• Florida: Tiered lookback system. A second DUI within 5 years and a third within 10 years trigger harsher penalties.
• Georgia: 10-year lookback. Georgia expands the period from 5 years to 10, reflecting a tougher stance on repeat DUIs.
• Illinois: Lifetime lookback. Every DUI conviction matters for sentencing.
• New York: 10-year tiered lookback. A second DUI within that window can result in felony charges.
• North Carolina: 7-year lookback. A second DUI within that period increases penalties; however, outside of that period, it may be treated as a first offense.
• Ohio: 10-year lookback. Repeat offenses within this period carry mandatory jail time.
• Texas: Lifetime lookback. All prior DUIs count toward sentencing.
• Virginia: 10-year lookback. A second DUI within this period may require mandatory jail time and IIDs.

Intoxalock makes it easier to comply with your IID requirements after a DUI. With more than 5,500 service locations nationwide, our State Specialists understand local requirements and can guide you through ignition interlock steps. Stay compliant wherever you live!

Where DWI and DUI Lookback Periods Are Getting Shorter

A few states are narrowing the duration for which prior convictions apply. For example, North Carolina changed how DWIs (driving while impaired) are counted, which impacts license reinstatement timelines. Shorter lookbacks are often intended to balance punishment with the chance for rehabilitation over time.

Law changes don’t erase prior DUIs from your record, but they may prevent old cases from automatically increasing penalties for a new offense. A repeat DUI can still come with serious consequences like mandatory IIDs or jail time, even in states with shorter lookback periods.

Why Some States Are Lengthening DUI Lookback Periods

Other states are moving in the opposite direction and extending lookback periods. Georgia extended its lookback from 5 years to 10 years, arguing that repeat DUIs often happen over longer spans of time. Lawmakers believe longer lookbacks can hold drivers accountable and prevent repeat behavior.

Critics, however, point to rankings of weaker DUI laws as a reason some states may be tightening enforcement. The idea is that stricter lookback laws create a stronger deterrent, but they also make it harder for people to move on from a mistake years later.

How State Laws Affect You in the Event of a Second DUI

A longer lookback period can mean harsher penalties for a second or even a third conviction. Consequences may include steeper fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, longer license suspensions, or IID installation. Courts also tend to consider a defendant's prior history when deciding on sentencing.

Some states even apply special categories, such as super drunk driving charges, which apply when your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is exceptionally high. These cases come with elevated penalties, regardless of whether it’s your first or second DUI.

How to Avoid a Second DUI

Taking initiative to avoid multiple DUIs shows courts and employers you are committed to making responsible choices. Consider the following tools that can help you stay sober and safe behind the wheel.

Choose Voluntary IID Installation

Even if it’s not required by the court, installing an ignition interlock device (IID) is a proactive way to prevent another DUI and demonstrate accountability. These devices prevent your vehicle from starting if they detect alcohol on your breath above the preset limit. Intoxalock® offers simple-to-use IIDs, flexible payment options, and around-the-clock customer support, making voluntary installation an easy and responsible choice.

Choose a Personal Breathalyzer

Portable breathalyzers are another useful tool for accountability. They measure your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) before you get behind the wheel, giving you a clear indication of whether you are safe to drive. Having a personal device on hand can help you make confident, informed decisions in social situations and reduce the risk of another DUI altogether.

Don’t let stiffer penalties that can come with a second or third DUI offense catch you off guard. Take the time to understand your state’s lookback period and explore tools that can help you avoid a repeat offense, such as installing an ignition interlock device or using a personal breathalyzer like Keepr®.

Need help today? Contact an Intoxalock State Specialist at (888) 283-5899 to explore your options.