As parents of a teenager, you want nothing more in life than to see your child safe from the horrors of the world. However, what happens when they become mature enough to get a driver’s license? How can you – as parents, ensure that they can always remain out of harm’s way?
In this blog, we will discuss the state’s strict ‘zero tolerance policy’ for underage drinking and driving, and how you can protect your teenager from driving under the influence (DUI).
Understanding California’s zero tolerance policy
Under the zero tolerance policy, any driver in California who is under the age of 21 cannot get behind the wheel while they have any amount of alcohol in their system. Even driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01% can get them a DUI charge.
If your teenager is charged with underage DUI, the department of motor vehicles (DMV) may suspend or revoke their driver’s license for one year. On top of this, they will also need to complete a DUI education program.
Additional DUI laws for young drivers
Aside from the zero tolerance policy, California has additional laws for the possession and consumption of alcohol:
- Drivers under the age of 21 may not bring any type of alcohol inside their car unless an adult (21 or older) accompanies them.
- If an adult accompanies them, the alcohol must be unopened and placed in the car’s trunk.
- If a law enforcer catches the underage driver with alcohol in their car, they can impound their car for up to 30 days.
- If an underage driver willfully drunk drives and causes an accident that involves an injury or death to another person, their parents can be held liable for civil damages.
These strict legal frameworks and repercussions help promote responsible driving behavior among young drivers and emphasize the importance of road safety.
By understanding the consequences of underage DUI, parents and teen drivers can adhere to the rules and take preventive measures that can help safeguard their rights and driving privileges.