Young people who drink are also likely to drive while intoxicated. There are many consequences for young people who drive while under the influence. To name a few, you could get suspended from school and all extracurricular activities, revoking of ones license, and greatly increased auto insurance. Due to this, Americans spend $53 billion annually in hospital bills and other incidents that occurred while part of this. In 1999, 21% of the 15 to 21 year old drivers who were killed in car crashes and 300,000 who were injured (when at least one of the drivers or non-occupants had a positive BAC) were intoxicated.
Other than the consequences for under age drinking there are many severe penalties. If you are caught buying or drinking alcohol you will be fined $500 and may lose your license for 6 months. If you don't have your license yet you will have to wait another 6 months before you can receive them. If you are caught while intoxicated you are subject to loss or postponement of driving for 30 to 90 days, 15 to 30 days of community service and participation in an alcohol education and highway safety course. Some first time penalties are:.
A fine of $250 to $400.
Imprisonment for up to 30 days.
6 months to a year license suspension.
A minimum of 6 hours a day for two days of detainment on an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), at a charge of $50 a day.
A $100 surcharge to be deposited in a Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund.
An automobile insurance surcharge of $1000 a year for 3 years.
A Division of Motor Vehicles Restoration fee of $50 and a Bureau of Alcohol Counter Measures Administrative fee of $80.
A Violent Crimes Compensation Fund fee of $50.
A Safe and Secure Community Program fee of $ 75.
Penalties for subsequent offenses are substantially higher.
When alcohol is consumed it is measured by blood alcohol concentration level (BAC). The current national wide BAC limits for driving are .
