Driving under the influence can completely change the course of a young person’s life. In California, the law takes a hardline stance against underage DUIs through license suspensions, fines, and other tough penalties. For many, one poor choice at a party leads to years of consequences.
While every case differs, understanding typical penalties helps teens and parents make safe choices. Here, we’ll walk through the layered repercussions underage drivers face, from license suspension to insurance hikes.
California Zero-Tolerance Underage DUI Laws
California has zero-tolerance laws for underage DUIs. Those under 21 may face charges if caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 percent or higher. Adults with a BAC under .08 percent would not face charges.
If under 21:
- BAC of .01 – .04 percent – civil penalty of a 1-year license suspension
- BAC of .05+ percent – DUI infraction charges
Harsher DUI penalties apply to underage drivers if:
- BAC measures .08+ percent (illegal for all ages)
- Facing repeat underage DUI offenses
Potential consequences include fines, probation, incarceration, loss of license, and a permanent criminal record. The inability to drive can negatively impact work and life opportunities. Consulting a DUI lawyer is highly advisable to explore options if charged with an underage DUI offense.
Penalties for an Underage DUI in California
License Suspension Limits Mobility
A key DUI penalty is mandatory license suspension. For under 21 drivers:
- First offense brings a 1 year suspension.
- Second offense increases to 3 years.
- Compare to 4-10 months for of-age drivers.
Those depending on their license can apply for a restricted hardship license after a minimum period. But the process takes months and requires:
- Proving suspension causes hardship.
- Passing a new driving test.
- Filing an SR-22 insurance form.
- Installing an ignition interlock device.
With the restricted license, drivers can only operate vehicles with interlocks installed. Overall, a DUI conviction can limit licensing freedom and employability for years.
Steep Fines and Penalties
Along with license suspension, underage DUI convictions often bring hundreds to thousands in fines and fees.
- Fines start at $100-$500 but escalate quickly.
- High BAC, speeding, passengers can increase fines.
- Most get 50 hours community service.
- Repeat offenses open the possibility of jail time.
Fines directly fund DUI prevention and alcohol education programs.
Alcohol Assessment and Treatment
Most underage DUI convictions require alcohol screening and classes. The assessment determines if addiction treatment is needed.
- California’s DUI education takes 3 months minimum.
- Involves alcohol education, self-evaluation, group discussions.
- Probation likely includes alcohol-related community service.
DUI Stays on Your Record
Unlike some juvenile offenses, underage DUIs remain on your permanent criminal record. This can create issues for:
- Future jobs requiring background checks.
- College applications.
- Housing applications.
- Military enrollment.
Expungement is limited to rare first offenses not involving accidents or injuries. For repeat offenses, expungement is off the table.
Car Insurance Costs Increase
Insuring a vehicle after a DUI conviction becomes much more expensive, especially for under 21 drivers. We often see rate hikes exceeding $5,000 per year in expensive markets like Los Angeles.
To eventually regain affordable coverage, maintaining continuous insurance throughout the suspension period remains critical. Gaps in coverage lead to even higher rates down the road. An experienced agent can help navigate this maze.
Here is the information with more sentence variety:
Delayed Full Licensing
An underage DUI conviction also leads to a delay in eligibility for a full unrestricted driver’s license. For those under 18 years old at the time of the offense, they must wait until reaching age 18 before applying for an unrestricted license.
Drivers ages 18-20 will need to wait an additional year after reaching age 18 before applying. This restriction forces continued use of provisional or restricted licenses, even after the DMV suspension period has officially ended.
Plea Bargains Provide Some Leniency
In some first-time underage DUI cases, prosecutors may offer a “wet reckless” plea bargain down to reckless driving charges instead of DUI. While this can help avoid some of the severe DUI penalties, drivers still face fines, alcohol education, community service, and up to a 90-day license restriction. Insurance rates will also still increase significantly after a reckless driving conviction, although not as much as a DUI.
Military Enlistment Difficulties
A DUI charge on your record can mean automatic denial of entry into military service. While expungement of a first offense may help improve enlistment eligibility, it does not guarantee acceptance.
Each branch of the military has specific policies excluding prior drug use and alcohol-related convictions. However, there are possibilities of receiving a waiver in some exceptional cases.
Disclosure Needed for Licensing
Even expunged or sealed underage DUIs must be fully disclosed on professional licensing applications in fields such as medicine, nursing, law, accounting, teaching, and many others.
Failing to disclose your full offense history can lead to denial of your license application or revocation of your professional license if discovered later.
What Most People Don’t Know About Underage DUIs
While first offenses normally carry no jail time, some judges order 1-3 days as a penalty. These short stays provide a taste of the more significant incarceration future offenses can bring.
Probation periods typically last 3-5 years. Offenders must comply with all terms like completing programs, community service, alcohol tests, AA meetings, paying fines, and obeying laws. Violating probation brings further penalties.
The specific BAC leading to underage DUI charges depends on age:
- Under 21: Any detectable amount over 0.00% brings a DUI due to zero tolerance.
- Even BACs as low as 0.01% violate the law.
- Compare to 0.08% limit for of-age drivers.
Interlock devices require passing a breathalyzer test to start vehicles. Failed tests prevent ignition and can alert probation officers and parents to alcohol detection. Offenders cover all costs of installing, maintaining, and removing interlocks.
California law adds DUI penalty points to driver’s license records. These stay on record for 13 years. Underage offenders receive 3 negligence points versus 4 points for of-age drivers. Points can accumulate to prompt additional suspensions.
When evaluating expungement, judges consider factors like BAC at the time of the offense, accidents, injuries caused, and prior record. Those with multiple past offenses almost never qualify. Granted expungements seal, but don’t destroy records. Sealed records remain visible to some agencies like DMV.
Contact a California DUI Defense Lawyer
It’s unfortunately easy for one night of underage drinking to derail years of life through lengthy suspensions, fines, classes, and other penalties. Understanding these consequences empowers smart choices and prevents hardship.
If you or a loved one face DUI charges, know you don’t have to go through it alone. As one of the largest criminal defense law firms in the Bay Area, The Nieves Law Firm has the talent and resources to defend you against even the most serious DUI cases.
Don’t let the clock run out. Reach out to the Nieves Law Firm at https://thenieveslawfirm.com/ for personalized legal guidance tailored to your situation.
