If you are a teen driver or the parent of a driver under the age of 21, it is vital to understand the repercussions associated with underage drunk driving. In fact, North Carolina takes a hard stance on underage drunk driving and these charges create various hardships for young people who find themselves in this position.
Underage drunk driving charges can interfere with a young person’s education and ability to work. Moreover, they can create hardships later in life as well.
North Carolina’s zero-tolerance law on underage drunk driving
According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, North Carolina has a zero-tolerance law that makes it illegal for drivers under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system. If you are under 21 and a law enforcement official stops you while driving and finds any amount of alcohol in your system, you could face drunk driving charges.
In fact, you could face drunk driving charges if you refuse to submit to a sobriety test if a law enforcement official smells alcohol on your breath.
The consequences of underage drunk driving charges
If charged with underage drunk driving, you will immediately lose your driver’s license for 30 days. Moreover, depending on the outcome of your court case, you could have your license revoked for up to one year (those over 18 who do not have previous convictions sometimes have limited driving privileges).
Aside from court-imposed penalties, you could face challenges on a personal level and high levels of stress. Make sure you handle drunk driving charges cautiously.
