Britney Spears was arrested for driving under the influence on March 4.
Every detail — from her reported blood alcohol level to the status of her Instagram account — has been making headlines. In the weeks since her arrest, Spears voluntarily went into a treatment center in April and was officially charged with a DUI on April 30.
Spears’ arrest occurred nearly five years after her conservatorship ended. She was placed under a conservatorship following her 2007 split from ex-husband Kevin Federline, with whom she shares two children.
Here’s everything to know so far about her DUI arrest and case:
The Arrest Timeline
Spears’ DUI arrest took place near her home in Ventura County, California, on March 4, at 9:28 p.m., according to Ventura County Sheriff’s Office records.
After being taken into custody, Spears was transported to the hospital by California Highway Patrol to have her blood drawn and tested to determine her blood alcohol content, according to TMZ. Her reported BAC was .06, under the legal limit.
Spears was booked on Thursday, March 5, at 3:02 a.m. and released at 6:07 a.m. Us Weekly confirmed.
Her Instagram Account
Videos shared on social media reveal Spears dancing in several Instagram videos prior to her arrest. Her account appeared to have been deactivated shortly after her arrest, but she returned to social media on March 27.
Britney Spears spent a few hours behind bars after she was arrested for driving under the influence in Ventura County, California. According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Spears, 44, was booked into the pretrial detention facility at 3:02 a.m. on Thursday, March 5 and cited. The pop star was released at 6:07 a.m, spending […]
The Rep Statement
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” Spears’ rep said in a statement to Us Weekly on March 5. “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law, and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.”
The statement continued with Spears’ rep confirming that she was going to be “spending time” with her sons in the wake of the incident.
“Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue, needed plan to set her up for success for well-being,” the statement concluded.
Spears’ arrest comes after separate sources told Us that she was “rebuilding her relationship” with kids Preston, 20, and Jayden, 19.
“The boys are maturing and they want their mom in their lives, and Britney is really happy about that,” a separate insider told Us in September 2025. “She’s so grateful to have them in her life. She feels whole again.”
What Spears’ Family Said
A family source exclusively told Us that Spears’ loved ones hope this is a “wake-up call.” The source described the arrest within the context of Spears’ recent troubling behavior.
Going to Rehab
Spears’ rep confirmed to Us on April 12 that the Grammy winner had voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility.
“Britney went to rehab after several conversations with both of her sons,” an insider exclusively told Us at the time. “They expressed concern about her recent behavior and urged her to seek professional help, which has been long overdue, to get her back on track. All they’ve ever wanted for their mom is health and happiness, even during the years they were estranged. They hope she’ll take it seriously.”
A second insider told Us that Preston and Jayden “played a big part” in their mom getting treatment, adding, “She went in to show she is taking it seriously.”
“Britney was a bundle of nerves heading to rehab because it’s very hard for her to trust outsiders and follow a routine that isn’t her own, but she’ll do just about anything for her kids,” the first source shared. “Their relationship is in the best place it’s been in years, and she doesn’t want to jeopardize that by continuing on a destructive path.”
Has Spears Been Charged?
Us confirmed on April 30 that Spears was charged with one count of “VC” or “vehicle code section 23152” a.k.a. driving under the influence. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Spears will be arraigned on May 4, but her presence is not “required” as it’s a misdemeanor charge.
“This DUI case will be handled according to our standard protocols. For defendants without a prior DUI history, a low blood alcohol level, and where there is no crash or injury, prosecutors typically offer what is known as a ‘wet reckless,’” the DA’s office told Us in a statement. “This law allows a defendant to plead guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and/or drugs. This type of resolution is common, particularly when a defendant demonstrates self-motivation to address underlying issues through rehabilitation or a drug and alcohol treatment program.”
The attorney’s office explained that Spears would be “extended” this offer on May 4, and if she takes the deal she would be “placed on probation for 12 months.”
The defendant would also receive “credit for any time spent in custody [and be] required to complete a DUI class, and must pay state-mandated fines and fees,” under the “wet reckless” deal.
The Court Date
Spears is set to appear in court on Monday, May 4, according to Ventura County Sheriff’s Office online records. That falls exactly two months after the arrest.
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