Alcohol-related charges, such as DUI or DWI convictions, typically stay on a driving record for about 10 years in many states, including California and Indiana. In California, a DUI remains on the DMV driving record for 10 years, during which law enforcement and the DMV can view it; after 10 years without further offenses, it no longer appears on the driving record

. Indiana keeps DUI points on the record for 2 years, but the conviction itself affects the record for 10 years for habitual traffic violator purposes and can remain indefinitely for incarceration purposes. Some states may have longer or shorter durations, and in some cases, DUIs can stay on records permanently, especially for commercial drivers or repeat offenders. For example, commercial driver DUI convictions can be reported for 55 years in California

. Other states vary, with some requiring DUIs to stay for 5 to 10 years, and a few states like Alaska keeping DUI points for life

. It is important to note that while DUI convictions may disappear from driving records after a decade, they often remain on criminal records indefinitely unless expunged through legal processes

. Also, alcohol-related charges can impact insurance rates and employment opportunities during the time they are visible on records

. In summary:

• Most states keep alcohol-related charges on driving records for 5 to 10 years.
• California and Indiana keep DUI records visible for 10 years on driving records.
• Commercial driver DUI convictions may stay much longer (e.g., 55 years).
• DUI convictions remain on criminal records indefinitely unless expunged.
• Prior DUI convictions affect penalties for subsequent offenses even after they are removed from driving records.

This duration can vary by state and offense severity, so consulting local laws or a DUI defense lawyer is advisable for precise information.