Underage DUI Laws and Penalties for Teen Drivers

Underage drinking and driving are taken very seriously in our state. If you’re under 21, your blood alcohol content can’t exceed .02%—that’s barely enough to register on most breathalyzers. Underage DUI laws and penalties for teen drivers are stern, including license suspension, fines, community service, and alcohol education.

The penalties only get stiffer for repeat offenses or higher BACs. Below, an Orangeburg DUI attorney explains the current laws regarding teenage drunk driving and potential penalties.

Legal Blood Alcohol Content Limits for Underage Drivers

In South Carolina, the legal limit is 0.02% for those under 21. Just one drink can put you over this limit, so avoid alcohol altogether if you plan to drive.

South Carolina has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. If caught, you face serious penalties like license suspension, fines, community service, and even jail time.

Is risking all that really worth one night of partying? Make a plan before going out – call a parent or older friend or take a taxi. Your future is too important to throw away over a few drinks.

Underage DUI Laws:  Penalties for Teen Drivers’ First Offense

If convicted of a first DUI in South Carolina, you face stiff penalties. As a minor, your license will be suspended for 6 months. You’ll also face fines up to $200, as well as mandatory enrollment in an alcohol education program. Community service may also be required.

These penalties are in place to deter underage drinking and driving, which is extremely dangerous and against the law. The best way to avoid them is by not drinking alcohol at all until you are of legal age. Your life is too valuable to put at risk.

teen drinking at the wheel is against the law

Enhanced Penalties for Subsequent Offenses

If caught driving under the influence again, the penalties become much more severe. For a second offense, you’ll face mandatory jail time of at least 5 days, fines up to $5,100, and license suspension for up to 3 years. The judge also has the discretion to require an ignition interlock device, community service, and attendance of an alcohol treatment program.

For a third DUI offense, the penalties escalate to at least 60 days in jail, fines up to $10,100, and license revocation for up to 6 years. At this point, the judge will likely require an ignition interlock device, community service, and mandatory alcohol treatment.

For subsequent DUIs beyond a third offense, jail time increases to at least 6 months, fines up to $15,100, and permanent license revocation. Clearly, the costs of repeat DUIs far outweigh the risks of drunk driving, so call a taxi or rideshare if you’ve been drinking.

License Suspension and Ignition Interlock Requirements

As a teen driver convicted of DUI in South Carolina, your license will be suspended for 6 months. After the suspension period, you must have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for 6 months before your license is fully reinstated.

The ignition interlock prevents your vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You’ll have to blow into the device and pass a breathalyzer test each time before driving. The interlock and accompanying camera will log your blood alcohol content each time the vehicle is started to ensure you remain sober while driving during your license restriction period.

Reach Out to an Experienced Orangeburg DUI Lawyer

DUI penalties for teen drivers can be severe. The state has zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving, and the legal punishments are designed to be harsh. The only way to avoid the harshest penalties is to hire an Orangeburg attorney experienced in underage DUI defense.

Our team has years of experience defending clients against underage DUI charges. We understand South Carolina’s underage DUI laws inside and out, and we know the best ways to fight the charges against you to get the best possible outcome.

Call us today at (803) 353-1969 for a free consultation about your case.