Drunk driving laws in the United States ban operating vehicles when a person is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. The legal BAC threshold for underage drivers who are under 21 years old is substantially lower than the 0.08% threshold established for adult drivers.
Most states enforce zero-tolerance laws, meaning that any detectable amount of alcohol in an underage driver’s system can result in a DUI/DWI charge. The following BAC thresholds typically apply:

- Zero-Tolerance BAC Limit: Many states set a 0.01%–0.02% BAC limit for drivers under 21. Even one drink could result in a violation.
- Standard DUI/DWI BAC Limit: If an underage driver’s BAC is 0.08% or higher, they may be charged with a regular DUI/DWI, facing the same penalties as adults.
- Underage drivers who show any evidence of drug impairment through prescription medications or marijuana or illegal substances will also face DUI/DWI charges.

Penalties for underage DUI/DWI convictions vary by state, although they generally include:

- License Suspension: First-time underage DUI offenses trigger an immediate six-month to twelve-month license suspension, according to most state laws.
- Fines and Court Fees: Fines for underage DUI/DWI offenses range between $250 and $2,500 based on BAC levels and state-specific laws.
- Probation: Offenders must fulfill court-imposed probation terms that enforce extra limitations throughout the designated period.
- Alcohol Education and Treatment Programs: Most states require DUI school and substance abuse program requirements for underage offenders.
- Community Service: Courts frequently include community service requirements when penalizing offenders.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirement: Some states require underage DUI offenders to install IIDs as part of their punishment, even for their first offense.
- Criminal Record: An underage DUI/DWI conviction stays on the offender’s record, which can hinder college admissions, job opportunities, and future license eligibility.

Multiple DUI offenses substantially increase legal consequences, including extended license suspensions, jail requirements, and elevated fines.
Underage DUI/DWI convictions can also lead to multiple severe long-term effects that extend beyond legal consequences:

- Increased Insurance Costs: An underage DUI/DWI conviction causes insurance rates to rise sharply and may even lead to insurers canceling policies.
- Impact on College Admissions and Scholarships: DUI offense records often prevent universities from admitting students and make them ineligible for scholarships.
- Employment Challenges: Some professional fields and licensing authorities refuse to admit candidates with previous DUI/DWI offenses.
- Parental Liability: Under certain circumstances, parents can face financial and legal consequences when they give alcohol to underage drivers.

An underage DUI/DWI offense leads to multiple severe consequences that limit driving rights, destroy educational prospects, and hinder future professional possibilities. If you or your child is facing underage DUI charges, it is essential to find legal representation.
A professional DUI attorney can evaluate your case and identify potential defense strategies that will assist in reducing the severity of your charges. Seek legal advice from a DUI attorney immediately to learn about your available options.