Alabama Zero Tolerance Law

Like many states, Alabama has numerous laws to prevent underage motorists from operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol (DUI). As a result, if you are under the age of 21, you can be charged with DUI if you have even a small amount of alcohol in your system. Moreover, under the Alabama Zero Tolerance Law, the penalties for such a conviction often include license suspension, fines, and jail time.

Although the legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older is 0.08%, underage drivers can be arrested for DUI if they have a blood alcohol content of 0.02% or higher. What’s more, because Alabama is an “actual physical control” state, you could even be charged with DUI if you are intoxicated and are in a situation where you could easily operate a vehicle—such as sitting in a parked car.

If an officer suspects you are driving under the influence, the first thing he or she may do is ask you to perform a breath test. If you refuse the officer’s request, you may face additional charges for violating Alabama’s implied consent laws.

The exact penalties for underage driving vary based on your prior criminal history. However, if you are convicted of underage DUI, you can expect to a mandatory driver’s license suspension of 90 days or longer. In addition, you may be fined up to $2,100, ordered to obtain treatment for substance abuse, or even spend up to a year in jail—and that’s just for your first offense, as repeat offenders (anyone convicted of DUI within the last five years) are subject to even more severe penalties.

As you can see, the consequences of a DUI conviction can be devastating at any age. If you were recently charged with DUI after violating Alabama’s zero tolerance laws, you should obtain legal representation immediately.

As one of Alabama’s most successful DUI defense firms, the Whitney B. Polson DUI Defense Office has helped countless drivers avoid the life-altering ramifications of a DUI conviction. Add your name to the list—contact us today to learn more about Alabama zero tolerance laws and how they apply to your case. Or, submit your case online for a free, no-obligation evaluation from one of our skilled DUI defense attorneys.