When you’re under 21, strict penalties apply if you’ve had the slightest amount of alcohol and decide to get behind the wheel.
Zero Tolerance
North Carolina has a zero tolerance rule for minors when it comes to driving after consuming alcohol. In fact, underage drivers can get a criminal charge as a minor just for smelling like they have alcohol on them.
If you’re under 21, any alcohol in your system is grounds for being charged with Driving After Consuming Alcohol Under the Age of 21. Additionally, you could also be charged and convicted of DWI/DUI if you were impaired. For teenagers, impaired driving laws are more harsh, come with higher fines and have longer license suspension periods. Plus, many colleges and universities may add punishments that can impact a student’s educational standing and future career options.
If you are under 21, it is illegal to: