Youthful Drunk Driver Visitation Program (YDDVP)

Established in 1989 by the California State Legislature, the Youthful Drunk Driver Visitation Program (YDDVP) is codified in the California Vehicle Section 23509 et seq. All participants are court-ordered to attend the program; walk-ins or personal requests are not permitted. The YDDVP is intended to serve either as a condition of probation or as an alternative sentence, and is composed of two parts: (1) participants spend an evening in an emergency room of the local trauma hospital and (2) a brief but powerful site visit to the Department of Medical Examiner. The judge may also order other offenders (drug or weapons offenses, domestic violence, speeding, and miscellaneous alcohol violations) to participate in the program. 

The site visit to the Department of Medical Examiner begins promptly at 8 a.m. and lasts about four hours. Late entry is not permitted. YDDVP classes are also offered in Spanish.  

The YDDVP includes four segments:  

• An introductory discussion and presentation on the Medical Examiner’s mission and real case examples;  

• A powerful slide show highlighting the consequences of impaired driving;  

• A guided site visit to view the facility’s daily operations; and  

• A final reflection period where the attendees evaluate their experience. 

For further information, please contact: 

Medical Examiner YDDVP Coordinator 

(323) 343-0713