Drivers younger than 21 years old face two kinds of alcohol-related offenses, and both affect their driving privileges: possessing alcohol, and violating the Zero Tolerance Law.
POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL
If you’re younger than 21 years old, you can’t possess alcohol in your vehicle unless the container is full, sealed, and unopened. You also must either:
- Be with a parent or legal guardian, or
- Be working for a person with an off-site liquor license.
Breaking this law leads to:
- Vehicle impoundment for 30 days
- Fines of up to $1,000
- License suspension for one year
ZERO TOLERANCE LAW
California won’t tolerate any amount of alcohol (specifically, 0.01% or higher) for drivers younger than 21 years old.
The first time you’re charged with drunk driving, you face:
- License suspension for one year
- The educational portion of DUI school
- Hundreds of dollars in fines
Your DUI attorney and judge will inform you of the longer suspension periods, higher fines, and more stringent DUI programs you face if you have a second or subsequent offense.
If you have been charged with a DUI and need an experienced California DUI lawyer, call the Law Office of William Daley at (619) 238-1905 for a free consultation.
Source: dmv.org
