The sunny beaches and amusement parks of Southern California attract many visitors each year. If you are planning to visit California anytime soon, you may want to enjoy a fresh cocktail (or two) during your vacation. Getting behind the wheel of your vehicle after having a few drinks on your vacation could result in the issuance of a DUI.

Here are two things that you need to be aware of as an out-of-state driver if you are issued a DUI in California during your next vacation.

1. You could lose your California driving privileges but might still be able to retain driving privileges in your home state.

Depending on the severity of the circumstances surrounding your DUI, you may find that your driving privileges in California are revoked. While you might think that this means you are no longer able to drive in your home state as well, that might not necessarily be true.

Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) governs only the driver within that state. Sanctions placed on your license in California will only transfer over to your home state if the DMV where you live has a reciprocity agreement with California under the Driver License Compact.

Be sure to ask a knowledgeable attorney to help you identify any driving restrictions instituted by the California DMV that might be enforced by the DMV in your home state.

2. You need to ask if you can complete your DUI program online.

Persons convicted of a DUI in the state of California are required to complete a DUI education program. These programs are regulated by the state government, and only programs offered within the state of California automatically fulfill the educational requirement for DUI recipients.

Since your vacation time likely won't allow you to complete the three, six, or nine month programs required of first-time offenders, you will need to ask the judge presiding over your case if you can complete your DUI program online.

Your attorney will be able to help you locate a California-approved educational program that offers online classes so that you can fulfill your statutory obligations from your home state.

Receiving a DUI while you are on vacation in California presents some unique challenges. Be sure to work with an attorney who has the knowledge and experience required to help you navigate the DUI process and ensure that you can complete your court-ordered tasks from your home state.

For more information, contact Pollack & Ball LLC or a similar firm.