Articles Posted in Zero Tolerance Policy

In California, you can be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol if your blood or breath results are .08 or higher. However, if you are under 21 and you drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in your blood, you can be subject to penalties under California’s “Zero Tolerance Law”. You do not have to be impaired or found to be “under the influence” to be found guilty of the offense. The only issue is whether or not you had any measurable amount of alcohol in your system.

Having a blood alcohol level of .01% or higher is a civil offense and therefore the punishment is enforced by the Department of Motor Vehicles. A blood alcohol level of .05% – 07% is an infraction and .08% or higher is a misdemeanor.

The penalties if convicted of under age DUI vary according to the circumstances.