Texas Underage Drinking and Driving

Texas Underage Drinking and Driving

If you’re a minor, meaning you're under 21 years of age, and found to be in possession of alcohol, you may face up to a $500 fine, 30–180 days of your driver's license being suspended, eight to 40 hours of community service, and mandatory alcohol-awareness classes.  A minor in possession begets major punishment.

Any amount of beer, wine or liquor found in the system of or possessed by a minor can trigger these penalties.  This is known as the Zero Tolerance law in Texas.  A second or third offense can lead to suspension of your driver license for 60 to 180 days. If you’re 17 or older, you also can be fined as much as $2,000 and go to jail for up to 180 days for a third offense.  Time to ditch that lucky beer bottle cap from your key chain!

Furnishing alcohol to someone under 21 can lead to a $4,000 fine and up to a year in jail. Selling alcohol to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor, which can bring a $4,000 fine and land the seller a year in jail.

If you're a parent then, be a good example for your children: don’t drink and drive. Remind your children to call you if they’re ever in an uncomfortable situation. Teach them never to get in a car with someone who’s been drinking.  Also, teach the people whom they're getting into cars with to not drink while they drive.