Why Did I Get a DUI for Drunk Driving When I’m Under 21?

You may be asking yourself why you got a DUI if you’re under 21-years-old. In many states, there is a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol with minors, and it is a serious offense to drink and drive at any age.

Minors, Drunk Driving and the Zero-Tolerance Policy

The zero-tolerance policy for anyone under 21-years-old means you cannot have any alcohol and/or drugs in your system while operating a motor vehicle. The nationwide blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of .08 does not apply for minors. If your BAC level is even .01, in some states, you will be charged with underage drinking and driving.

In some cases and in some states, you could be charged as an adult for a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offense. In Texas, the penalties for a first-time DWI offense are a Class B Misdemeanor. They can include:

• Hefty fines
• Jailtime
• Driver’s license suspension for 60 days
• Ignition Interlock Device (mandatory in some cases, i.e., if it’s your first offense and you blew a .15 BAC or higher)
• Possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage will extend your penalties

The consequences become more severe after a first-time offense. For instance, after the second offense, your driver’s license will be suspended for 120 days, and your fines and jailtime will increase.

In addition, if you refuse your field sobriety test, your license is automatically suspended for 180 days for a first-time refusal.

DUIA by a Minor Penalties

In other cases in Texas, you could be charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor, or DUIA by a Minor.

A first-time DUIA by a Minor offense is a Class C Misdemeanor, and includes these penalties:

• Fine up to $500.00
• 20 to 40 hours of community service
• Driver’s license suspension for 60 days
• Alcohol awareness course

Plus, if you’re convicted and placed on probation, an Ignition Interlock Device is mandatory for first and subsequent offenses.

Zero-Tolerance Policy for Alcohol

This policy for minors goes beyond drinking and driving. It can also mean:

• Any attempt to purchase alcohol
• Showing a false photo ID to buy or obtain alcohol
• Possessing alcohol
• Public intoxication

These situations are non-driving alcohol-related offenses.

Although these consequences are under Texas law, many states apply these same penalties to minors. Drinking and driving is a dangerous decision where you automatically put your life and others at stake. As a minor, you have the rest of your life ahead of you. Don’t let one decision change it for the absolute worst.

If you are convicted of a DWI or DUIA by a Minor offense, you can still take control of your choices and keep the roads safe in the future.

If you must use an Ignition Interlock because of a DWI or DUI offense, you’ll be in good hands with Smart Start, a state-approved provider and manufacturer.

Need to Install an Ignition Interlock?

Smart Start has a reliable and easy to use device with tests that only last seconds. Plus, the SSI-20/20™ and SSI-20/30™ are discreet and handheld for your privacy. With many locations across the U.S. and superior customer service, you’ll have the most supportive vendor on your side during your required period with an Ignition Interlock.

Fill out our short online form or call our Customer Care Center at (800) 831-3299 today.