When it comes to drinking, anyone below 21 years is considered a minor in Texas. Any minor caught in possession of alcohol may pay up to a $500 fine, have their driver’s license suspended for 30 to 180 days, be ordered to complete eight to 40 hours of community service and attend mandatory alcohol awareness classes.
Any minor caught driving with any detectable amount of alcohol may be in significantly more trouble, as Texas has zero tolerance for minors.
Here is what to know about underage drinking and driving in the state:
Under 21
If you are under 21 and are charged with underage drinking and driving, you may pay up to a $500 fine, have your driver’s license suspended for 60 days, complete 20 to 40 hours of community service and attend mandatory alcohol awareness classes.
Under 17
Anyone 17 years or older caught driving with a blood/ breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more may pay up to $2,000 in fines, face three to 180 days in jail and their driver’s license may be suspended for 90 days to a year.
Note that subsequent charges may result in heftier penalties. For example, a second underage drinking and driving charge may result in a $4,000 fine, 30 days to 1 year in jail and a driver’s license suspension of 180 days to two years.
A third or subsequent offense may be considered a felony of the third degree and punished accordingly.
Refusal to provide a specimen
Anyone who applies for a driver’s license in Texas consents to alcohol testing – the consent is implied. If a minor refuses to provide the police with a specimen for testing, they may be placed in jail and their driver’s license may be suspended.
Texas is strict about underage drinking and driving. If you are charged with this crime, it’s vital to defend yourself to protect your driving record.
