Texas has strict laws when it comes to underage drinking and driving. Underage drinking is a serious issue in Texas and many other states, and a number of accidents, injuries, and deaths occur every year when minors or others attempt to drive while they are intoxicated. Because of this, Texas law enforcement is cracking down on underage drinking, enforcing strict laws and imposing severe penalties on minors who drink and drive. For those who are under the age of 21, it is important to understand the potential penalties of a DUI or DWI arrest.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor
In Texas, as in many other states, the Driving While Intoxicated legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 percent. However, for minors, Texas has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving. This means that a driver who is under the age of 21 and is found to have any trace of alcohol in their system can be charged with DUI. An adult can be charged only with DWI, but a minor could be charged with DUI or DWI, depending on the level of intoxication.
For minors who are under the age of 17, a DUI is charged as a Class C misdemeanor. A driver who is convicted of this offense may be fined up to $500, and they may be required to perform between 20 and 40 hours of community service. Their driver's license will also be suspended for between 60 and 180 days. For a second offense, a driver may face a $500 fine, 40 to 60 hours of community service, and a license suspension for between 120 days and two years. A third offense will result in the same penalties as a second offense, although the license suspension may last from 180 days to two years.
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