A driving under the influence (DUI) charge at a young age can result in serious legal penalties, including the loss of your driver’s license. Indiana has strict underage drinking laws, and even a first offense can lead to suspension, fines, and a lasting impact on your record. Knowing how underage DUI laws apply in Indiana can help you understand what consequences you may face.
Underage Drinking Can Lead to a License Suspension
If you are under 21 and caught drinking and driving in Indiana, you could face more than just fines or community service. You could lose your driver’s license. The state has strict laws for minors who consume or possess alcohol, and a single violation can result in a suspended license, even if you were not driving at the time.
Under Indiana Code § 9-30-5-8.5, underage drivers who are found with nearly any amount of alcohol in their system can face an automatic suspension of their driving privileges. Additionally, Indiana Code § 7.1-5-7-7 makes it illegal for minors to possess or consume alcohol, with penalties that can include a loss of driving privileges, fines, and mandatory alcohol education programs.
Situations That Can Lead to License Suspension for Underage Drinking
Underage drinking does not have to involve driving under the influence to affect your license. Several alcohol-related offenses can result in a suspension, even if you were not behind the wheel at the time.
Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Above 0.02%
Indiana enforces zero-tolerance laws for underage drivers, meaning that even a small amount of alcohol in your system can result in a DUI charge. If a police officer pulls you over and your BAC is 0.02% or higher, your license could be suspended immediately. Unlike drivers over 21, who must be above 0.08% to be charged with DUI, minors face harsher penalties with even minimal alcohol consumption.
Being Cited for Public Intoxication or Minor in Possession of Alcohol
Simply possessing alcohol as a minor or being cited for public intoxication can put your license at risk. Law enforcement does not have to catch you drinking or driving. If you are found carrying alcohol, consuming alcohol in public, or behaving in a way that suggests intoxication, you could face criminal charges. These charges often include license suspension in addition to fines and court-ordered alcohol education programs.
Using a Fake ID to Purchase Alcohol or Enter a Bar
Using a fake ID to buy alcohol or gain entry into a bar is considered a serious offense in Indiana. If law enforcement catches you with a fake ID, you could face a misdemeanor charge, fines, and license suspension. Many minors do not realize that getting caught with a fake ID can impact their ability to drive, even if they never got behind the wheel while drinking.
Indiana Laws on Underage Drinking and License Suspension
Indiana has strict laws in place to discourage underage drinking and ensure that minors face serious consequences for violating alcohol-related offenses. If you are under 21, being caught with alcohol in your system, in possession of alcohol, or attempting to purchase it can result in criminal charges and license suspension.
Zero Tolerance Laws for Underage Drivers
Under Indiana’s zero-tolerance laws, any driver under 21 who has a BAC of 0.02% or higher can face DUI charges. This policy is designed to prevent underage drinking and driving, as even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time. If convicted, you may face license suspension, fines, and mandatory alcohol education programs.
Penalties for Underage Possession or Consumption
Indiana law does not require a minor to be driving to lose their license. If you are under 21 and caught drinking, possessing alcohol, or attempting to purchase alcohol, you could face criminal charges that impact your ability to drive. In addition to a possible license suspension, penalties for underage drinking can include fines, community service, and required alcohol awareness programs.