Young adults gain access to adult privileges little by little to help them adjust to adult responsibilities while their brains finish developing. Driving, while among the most dangerous adult privileges, is also one of the earliest extended to teenagers.
Teens as young as 16 may begin driving with their parents with a learner permit. They are then eligible for a junior license after testing, which they can upgrade to a full license at 17 or 18, depending on whether they take an educational course and submit a certificate to the state.
They can drive independently if they follow all necessary procedures, sometimes while they are juniors in high school. Young drivers are largely subject to the same rules of the road, with exceptions for restrictions on their licenses related to nighttime driving. There are some rules that only apply to underage drivers, including New York’s zero-tolerance law. That law can have a profound impact on high school students, college students and other young drivers.
What is the zero-tolerance law?
Grounds for drunk driving charges typically involve either evidence of impaired driving or proof of chemical impairment. New York state statutes limit adults to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of no more than 0.08% while operating a vehicle. At 0.08%, most adults notice signs of impairment and may struggle to safely operate a vehicle.
The zero-tolerance law applies to all licensed drivers who are too young to legally drink alcohol, regardless of what type of license they have. They could face impaired driving charges with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. They may not notice any signs of impairment. One or two drinks can be enough to put them over the legal limit and at risk of arrest.
An underage drunk driving conviction can affect a young driver’s license, which the state suspends for six months. They are also subject to a $125 fine and another fee to reinstate their license. A second offense can result in a license revocation that lasts a year or until they turn 21.
Both young drivers and their parents may need help when the state alleges that an underage drunk driving offense has occurred. Understanding New York’s zero-tolerance law may be the first step toward responding effectively to those pending criminal charges.