Training Bulletin 20-05 - Watson Advisement and Dangerous DrivingTechnology • Reduce Crime • Contact Repeat Offenders • Leadership • Professionalism
December 10, 2020 TB# 20-05
Watson Advisement and Dangerous Driving Admonition Form
Orange PD Form W-20, Watson Advisement and Dangerous Driving Admonition, can be found in the
Forms Room. This document is intended to inform persons arrested for DUI or other dangerous vehicle
code violations of the inherent dangers and the possible legal charges that may be filed.
Sworn officers of this department shall attempt to obtain the signature of the arrestee after they are read
the applicable advisement or admonition. Officers should be recording while they read the appropriate
verbiage, and document the name of the officer who read the advisement or admonition in accompanying
police reports. If an arrestee does not understand English, utilize a certified translator. Once the form is
completed, provide the yellow copy to the arrestee.
Below are examples of commonly used DUI-related violations for which an officer should read the
Watson Advisement:
CVC 23152 – DUI
CVC 23153 – DUI (felony)
CVC 23136 – Under 21-years-old with BAC between .01% and .049%
CVC 23140 – Under 21-years-old with BAC between .05% and .079%
CVC 23154 – DUI probationer with BAC over .01%
Below are examples of commonly used dangerous driving vehicle code violations for which an officer
should read the Dangerous Driving Admonition:
CVC 23109 – Speed Contest
CVC 23103 – Reckless Driving
CVC 2800 – Evading
CVC 21651(b) – Divided Highway
The above lists do not include every violation section in which an advisement or admonition should be
provided to an arrestee. Officers should assess the circumstances surrounding other CVC violations and
decide whether or not the use of this form is appropriate. The Dangerous Driving Admonition may also
apply to any CVC violations involved with impromptu car club gatherings.
A refusal to sign the document is not a violation of any law. Officers shall make the proper indication on
the form of the arrestee’s refusal to provide a signature.
Bottom Line:
If a person is arrested for DUI or any type of dangerous driving, officers of this department shall read
the applicable admonition or advisement, attempt to obtain the arrestee’s signature on the W-20 form,
and provide the arrestee with the yellow copy of the completed form. The arrestee is not required by
law to sign this form.
ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING BULLETIN
Thomas C. Kisela, Chief of Police