Program overview
Education, awareness and accountability
Zona Seca’s DUI program serves first-time offenders convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. Referrals may come from courts in North or South Santa Barbara County. Clients may also enroll voluntarily for DMV purposes and should be prepared to provide the DMV documentation requested by the program.
The program uses an education-based model centered on alcohol and drug awareness and California Title 9 requirements. Enrollment appointments are offered Tuesday through Friday, generally between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., subject to availability.
Live virtual services
Certified Zoom services
Zona Seca offers state-certified DUI services remotely through Zoom, allowing eligible clients to participate from home when transportation or distance makes in-person attendance difficult.
- Display your complete legal first and last name.
- Keep a working camera, microphone and speaker on for the full session.
- Do not use virtual or blurred backgrounds.
- Remain present and participate for the entire session. Brief reconnection time may be allowed after a connection loss, but repeated disconnections can result in no credit.
- Alcohol or drug use before or during virtual services is prohibited.
- Clients must be able to provide an electronic signature for attendance documentation.
Classes meet once per week for two hours. Expedited classes are not offered.
Program options
Available DUI programs
Wet Reckless
BAC .09 or belowA 12-hour alcohol education program scheduled across six weeks. Attendance and participation are required. Enrollment in this program does not qualify a participant for a DMV restricted driver’s license.
12-Hour Education
Any BACA six-week program intended for participants ages 18–20, with one two-hour class each week. Attendance, punctuality and participation are required. California’s zero-tolerance rules apply to drivers under 21.
Three-Month Program
BAC .08–.19A 15-week course totaling 31.5 hours, including an enrollment interview, alcohol/drug education, group awareness sessions and individual counseling. Eligible clients may request electronic proof of enrollment for DMV restricted-license purposes.
Six-Month Program
BAC .20+ · convictions before Jan. 1, 2006A minimum six-month, 48-hour program including enrollment, education, group counseling, assessment, status checks and an end-of-program interview. Eligible clients may request electronic proof of enrollment for DMV purposes.
Nine-Month Program
BAC .20+ · convictions after Jan. 1, 2006A minimum nine-month, 60-hour program including enrollment, education, group counseling, assessment, six status checks and an end-of-program interview. Eligible clients may request electronic proof of enrollment for DMV purposes.
Program coordinator
Diana Bañales
Drinking Driver Program Coordinator
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Important program notes
Sobriety and transfers
Program sobriety: Clients must not consume drugs, alcohol or alcohol-containing products during the 24 hours before class. Clients who appear impaired or smell of alcohol or drugs may be screened, asked to leave and subject to program dismissal under applicable program rules.
Program transfers: Clients who do not live in Santa Barbara should use the California Department of Health Care Services DUI provider directory or contact the state to locate an approved licensed program in their area.
DMV information
Restricted driver’s license
Basic DMV eligibility described by Zona Seca includes having only one DUI conviction within the prior 10 years, submitting to a chemical test at arrest, being over age 21, completing the mandatory suspension period, and having no other license suspension or revocation.
General application steps
- Enroll in an approved first-offender DUI program and ask the provider to file proof of enrollment with the DMV when applicable.
- Obtain the required proof of financial responsibility, such as an SR-22 or another DMV-accepted form.
- Complete the DMV restricted-license application process and pay applicable DMV fees.
DMV requirements and fees can change. Confirm current eligibility and requirements directly with the California DMV.
Goals & objectives
Supporting safer, lasting change
The program is designed to create an environment where participants can address alcohol or other drug misuse while supporting public safety on California roadways.
- Provide accurate education about chemical dependency and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on individuals, families and communities.
- Encourage participants to evaluate their choices, understand their responsibilities and consider the consequences of continued alcohol or drug use.
- Provide support and constructive models for sustainable lifestyle changes that can reduce future alcohol- or drug-related problems.
Current published schedule
Class & group availability
In-Person
Tuesday
9–11 a.m. · English
Wednesday
9–11 a.m. · English
1–3 p.m. · Spanish
3–5 p.m. · Spanish
Thursday
10 a.m.–12 p.m. · English
3–5 p.m. · Spanish
Friday
10 a.m.–12 p.m. · English
1–3 p.m. · Spanish
Live Virtual · Zoom
Monday
1–3 p.m. · English
3–5 p.m. · English
5:30–7:30 p.m. · English
Tuesday
9–11 a.m. · English
5:30–7:30 p.m. · English
Wednesday
9–11 a.m. · English
1–3 p.m. · Spanish
3–5 p.m. · Spanish
5:30–7:30 p.m. · English
Thursday
10 a.m.–12 p.m. · English
3–5 p.m. · Spanish
5:30–7:30 p.m. · English & Spanish
7:30–9:30 p.m. · English
Friday
10 a.m.–12 p.m. · English
1–3 p.m. · Spanish
Official resources
DUI Resources & Documents
View the official California DUI program materials and Zona Seca virtual-services documentation below. Each document opens in a new browser tab and can also be downloaded.
Ready to begin?
Start your enrollment online.
New clients can begin registration through the secure Sumithos client-registration page.
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