Don’t risk even one drink if you plan on driving.
We all know that teenagers don’t always make smart choices. Due to their age, maturity and brain development, many teens take risks that adults wouldn’t — and that includes dangerous behavior when it comes to driving and to using drugs or alcohol.
Teens are at a higher risk of engaging in a number of unsafe driving practices, from speeding to texting and driving (or even snapchatting while driving) to drinking and driving. While the number of teenagers who drink and drive has decreased, it still remains a large problem. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that teenagers in the United States engage in drunk driving behaviors approximately 2.4 million times every month.
One way that states attempt to combat the problem of teenage drunk drivers is through zero tolerance laws. These laws are exactly what they sound like: harsh punishment for any type of drinking and driving for underage motorists. In California, the zero tolerance law makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01% or higher. This level is intentionally very low, and it means that a teen can’t even have one drink without violating the law if they drive.
The consequences for drinking and driving if you are under the age of 21 are quite severe. If a person under the age of 21 is found to be driving with a BAC of .01 percent or higher, then his or her license may be suspended for one year. Depending on the facts of the case, there may be additional criminal charges or other penalties for drinking and driving as an underage driver.
Underage drivers also have fewer rights as part of California’s zero tolerance law. According to DUI lawyers in Irvine, CA, if a person under the age of 21 is stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence, he or she cannot refuse to take a roadside breathalyzer test. Anyone over the age of 21 has the absolute right to refuse to take a pre-arrest alcohol screening, as long as they are not on DUI probation. But if you are under the age of 21, then California law mandates that you take the roadside breathalyzer. If you refuse, then your license will automatically be suspended for a year — even if you haven’t had a drop of alcohol.
California’s zero tolerance law is meant to reduce the risk of underage drunk drivers. While it has been effective, the consequences can be quite harsh for Californians under the age of 21 who are not aware of these laws. If you or someone you love has been arrested for a violation of California’s zero tolerance laws or for a DUI, you will need the assistance of an experienced DUI lawyer. In Irvine, CA, the Chambers Law Firm can will vigorously defend you against all DUI and related charges. Contact us at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation.
We will work hard to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you get the best possible outcome for your case.
